How should I take levothyroxine?
Take levothyroxine exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of
the medication than recommended. Do not take levothyroxine for longer than your doctor has
prescribed.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from
this medication.
It is very important to take levothyroxine with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. The
levothyroxine tablet can dissolve very quickly and swell in the throat, possibly causing
choking
or gagging.
Take this medicine on an empty
stomach, 30 minutes before eating. Levothyroxine is
usually taken in the morning. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions and try to take this
medication at the same time each day.
It may take several weeks before your body starts to respond to this medication. Do not
stop taking this medication suddenly. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this
medicine every day for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone your body cannot
produce.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on
a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you
not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using levothyroxine.
Store levothyroxine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath,
tremor, shortness of breath, leg cramps, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures.
What should I avoid while taking levothyroxine?
Do not change brands or change to a generic levothyroxine drug product without first
asking your doctor. Different brands of levothyroxine may not work the same. If you get a
prescription refill and your new pills look different, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
Avoid the following food products, which can make your body absorb less levothyroxine:
infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.
What are the possible side effects of levothyroxine?
Stop using levothyroxine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
-
headache;
-
sleep problems (insomnia);
-
nervous or irritable feeling;
-
fever, hot flashes, sweating;
-
changes in your menstrual periods;
-
appetite changes, weight changes;
Less serious side effects may include mild hair loss.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any
unusual or bothersome side effect.
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