Levothyroxine

Generic Name : Levothyroxine

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone, is caused to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hairloss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, levothyroxine can reverse all of these symptoms. Levothyroxine is also used to treat goiter.

When it is to be taken : Levothyroxine is usually taken as a single dose very day. Since you probably will need to take this drug for the rest for your life, make a habit of taking it at the same time each date. It may take about two weeks for you to notice any changes in your symptoms.

How it should be taken :
1. Levothyroxine comes in the form of tablets.
2. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.
3. Your doctor may change this amount, especially when your first start treatment, because your body has to adjust to th

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your will have periodic blood tests to make sure that the levothyroxine is working properly.
2. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time your are to take the next one, take only the regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, chest pain, tremor, headache, diarrhoea, nervousness, insomnia, sweating, increased appetite, stomach cramps, fever, changes in menstrual cycle, sensitivity to heat. Contact your doctor at once, but do not stop taking your dose without consulting your doctor.
2. Hair loss in children. This can happen during the first months of treatment, but hair usually grows back.

Other Precautions :
1. Certain brands of levothyroxine tablets contain lactose or tartrazine. If you have a history of lactose intolerance or allergy to tartrazine, tell your doctor.
2. Before taking levothyroxine, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, hardening of the arteries, heart disease, high blood pressure or an underactive pituitary or adrenal gland .
3. If you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take levothyroxine.
4. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors before taking, especially warfarin or other anticoagulants and diabetes medication.
5. Some drugs (aspirin, arthritis medicine
, steroids, birth control pills, and estrogens) may cause false results in laboratory tests for thyroid function.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it away from direct sunlight and moisture.