Dosage form:

Scored Tablets 25, 50, 75, 100, 150 mcg

What is this drug used for?

• It is used for Hypothyroidism: As replacement therapy in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary(hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism.
• It is used for Pituitary Thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, TSH)Suppression: As an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of thyrotropin-dependent      well-differentiated thyroid

Important notes before taking Levothyroxine

• If you have an allergy to levothyroxine or any other part of this drug.
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have any of these health problems: Overactive thyroid gland or weak adrenal gland.
• If you have trouble swallowing.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Important notes while taking Levothyroxine

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not run out of this drug.
• It may take several weeks to see the full effects.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), this drug may sometimes raise blood sugar. Talk with your doctor about how to keep your blood sugar under control.
• Check your blood sugar as you have been told by your doctor.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This drug may cause weak bones (osteoporosis) with doses that are too high. The risk may be higher in women who have been through menopause. Talk with your doctor to see if you have a higher risk of weak bones or if you have any questions.
• This drug may affect fertility. Fertility problems may lead to not being able to get pregnant or father a child. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
• If giving this drug to your child and your child’s weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this drug may need to be changed.
• This drug may affect growth in children and teens in some cases. They may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.

Side effects of Levothyroxine

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
• Headache.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Feeling more or less hungry.
• A change in weight without trying.
• Diarrhea.
• Stomach cramps.
• Throwing up.
• Feeling irritable.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Anxiety.
• Emotional ups and downs.
• Shakiness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Bothered by heat.
• Sweating a lot.
• Fever.
• Muscle cramps.
• Muscle weakness.
• Flushing.
• Bone pain.
• Period (menstrual) changes.
• Hair loss may happen in some people in the first few months of using this drug. This most often goes back to normal.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from heat and light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs.