Levothroid

Levothroid 12.5mcg ... expiry Sept 2010
Levothroid 25mcg ... expiry May 2011
Levothroid 50mcg ... expiry Nov 2011
Levothroid 75mcg ... expiry Dec 2011 Levothroid 100mcg ... expiry Aug 2011
Levothroid 125mcg ... expiry Jun 2011
Levothroid 150mcg ... expiry Mar 2011
Levothroid 200mcg ... expiry Nov 2011


Levothroid (Levothyroxine) is available in tablet form that must be taken by mouth. This medication is usually consumed once a day on an empty stomach and approximately half an hour or one hour before breakfast. You must follow the directions on the prescription label carefully and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any information that you do not understand. You must take Levothroid (Levothyroxine) exactly as directed by your health care professional and not take more or less of this medication or take it more often than required. The tablets may get stuck in your throat and cause choking or gagging and therefore, should be taken with a full glass of water.


If your health care professional is administering Levothroid (Levothyroxine) to an infant or child who cannot swallow the tablet, crush the tablet and mix the same in one or two teaspoons of plain water. This mixture may then be given by a spoon or dropper right away. Do not store this mixture or mix the same with food or a soybean formula for infants. Your health care professional will probably get you started off on a low dose of Levothroid (Levothyroxine) and then gradually increase your dosage. This medication controls hypothyroidism, but does not cure it. It may take several weeks before you notice a change in your symptoms. You must continue to take Levothroid (Levothyroxine) even if you feel well and do not stop taking this medication without consulting to your health care professional.

Levothroid (Levothyroxine) a thyroid hormone is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, a lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin and an increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, Levothroid (Levothyroxine) reverses these symptoms.


This medication is also used to treat Cretinism (congenital hypothyroidism) and goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) which may also be caused due to hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery or Cancer. Levothroid (Levothyroxine) may also be used to treat nodular Thyroid disease, Thyroiditis and thyroid Cancer but, must not be used to treat obesity or any other types of weight complications. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses as well but, ask your health care professional or pharmacist for more information.

Although the side effects caused by Levothroid (Levothyroxine) are not common, there is a possibility that they may occur. Hence, it is important that you inform your health care professional if any of these symptoms are severe or do not subside.

Levothroid (Levothyroxine) may cause one to experience sudden weight loss, body tremors, headaches, an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and nervousness. Levothroid (Levothyroxine) may also cause one to experience fatigue, muscle aches, Angina (chest pain), constipation, dry skin, a severe itching sensation and sensitivity to cold.

Furthermore, Levothroid (Levothyroxine) may cause one to experience a shortness of breath, irritability, insomnia, excessive sweating, an increased appetite, fever, changes in menstrual cycle and sensitivity to heat. Levothroid (Levothyroxine) may also cause one to experience temporary hair loss particularly in children during the first month of therapy, seizures, palpitations, rashes, trouble breathing, body swellings and an increase in weight.

Sometimes, Levothroid (Levothyroxine) interacts with various medications, such as, Warfarin, Digoxin, estrogen – containing birth control pills, Insulin, Glipizide, Rosiglitazone, Amiodarone, Iodide, Lithium, Methimazole, Propylthiouracil or anabolic steroids.

Furthermore, Levothroid (Levothyroxine) interacts with various medications, such as, Dexamethasone, Prednisone, Aspirin, Phenobarbital, Rifampin, Propranolol, Amitriptyline, Maprotiline, Sertraline, interferon – alpha, interleukin – 2 or Ketamine.

Lastly, Levothroid (Levothyroxine) interacts with various medications, such as, Theophylline, calcium supplements, iron supplements, antacids, Simethicone, Orlistat, Cholestyramine, Colesevelam, Colestipol, Sucralfate or sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

You must keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Your health care professional will tell you to get certain lab tests done so as to check your response to Levothroid (Levothyroxine).

It is important that you learn the brand name and generic name of your medication. It is important that you do not switch medicine brands without consulting your health care professional or pharmacist, as each brand of Levothroid (Levothyroxine) contains a slightly different amount of medication.

Do not share your medication with anyone else or let them take it accidentally. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

If you miss a dose of Levothroid (Levothyroxine) take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Levothroid (Levothyroxine) must remain in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). You must be sure to throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Consult your health care professional or pharmacist regarding the proper method of disposal for your medication.

It is very important for the patient to know that before consuming Levothroid (Levothyroxine) they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of, or are currently suffering from, blood clots, Thyrotoxicosis, acute Myocardial infarction, uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, anemia or infertility complications.

Furthermore, it is very important for the patient to know that before consuming Levothroid (Levothyroxine) they must inform their health care professional if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from Osteoporosis, coronary artery disease, hypothalamic hormone deficiencies, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, Arrhythmias, nontoxic diffuse Goiter or blood clotting disorders.

Lastly, it is very important for the patient to know that small amounts of Levothroid (Levothyroxine) does pass into breast milk. In the case of an overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.