levothyroxine

What is this medicine?

LEVOTHYROXINE (lee voe thye ROX een) is a thyroid hormone. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold. It also helps to treat goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina
• diabetes
• dieting or on a weight loss program
• fertility problems
• heart disease
• high levels of thyroid hormone
• pituitary gland problem
• previous heart attack
• an unusual or allergic reaction to levothyroxine, thyroid hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with plenty of water. It is best to take on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children and infants as young as a few days of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. For infants, you may crush the tablet and place in a small amount of (5-10 ml or 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls) of water, breast milk, or non-soy based infant formula. Do not mix with soy-based infant formula. Give as directed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• amiodarone
• antacids
• anti-thyroid medicines
• calcium supplements
• carbamazepine
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• digoxin
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• iron supplements
• ketamine
• liquid nutrition products like Ensure
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines or herbals used to decrease weight or appetite
• phenobarbital or other barbiturate medications
• phenytoin
• prednisone or other corticosteroids
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• soy isoflavones
• sucralfate
• theophylline
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.