Overview and Uses:

Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in both adults and children. It works by replacing the thyroid hormone that the body normally produces. Additionally, it is used in adults, along with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy, to treat a certain type of thyroid cancer. In severe cases of hypothyroidism, levothyroxine injection is used to treat myxedema coma.

How Levothyroxine Works:

Levothyroxine belongs to a class of medications called hormones. It functions by replacing the thyroid hormone, which is essential for proper bodily functions. Without adequate thyroid hormone, various symptoms may occur, including poor growth, tiredness, weight gain, dry skin, and depression. Levothyroxine helps reverse these symptoms when taken correctly.

Side Effects:

Levothyroxine may cause serious side effects. Seek emergency medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, sudden pain or difficulty moving your hip, wrist, or back, irregular heartbeats, chest pain, fever, swollen glands, itching, joint pain, or symptoms of high blood sugar.

Common side effects include fever, increased sweating, tiredness, skin rash, hair loss, chest pain, rapid heartbeats, headache, muscle weakness, tremors, changes in appetite, weight changes, menstrual changes, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Warnings and Precautions:

• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have adrenal gland disorder, heart problems, blood clotting disorder, diabetes, anemia, weak bones, kidney disease, or allergies.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as dose adjustments may be necessary.
• Bone Health: Levothyroxine may increase the risk of bone fractures. Discuss with your doctor about measures to maintain bone health.
• Avoid Misuse: Do not use levothyroxine for weight loss or obesity treatment. Misuse of this medication can lead to serious side effects or death.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, as levothyroxine may interact with certain drugs, including calcium supplements, antacids, stomach acid reducers, iron supplements, and some cancer medications.

How to Use Levothyroxine:

• Dosage and Administration: Take levothyroxine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the instructions on the prescription label or medication guide. Dosage adjustments may be made by your doctor based on your response to treatment.
• Oral Tablets and Capsules: Take oral levothyroxine on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, with a full glass of water. Swallow the tablet or capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
• Oral Solution: Measure liquid levothyroxine with the supplied measuring device. Dosages may be adjusted based on weight in children and teenagers.
• Injection: Levothyroxine injection is administered by a healthcare provider and should only be used to treat myxedema coma.

Missed Dose and Overdose:

• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of oral levothyroxine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose, as it can be fatal.

What to Avoid:

• Avoid certain food products within 1 hour of taking levothyroxine, such as grapefruit juice, soy products, high-fiber foods, and others, as they may affect its effectiveness.

Interactions:

• Medication Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially calcium supplements, antacids, stomach acid reducers, iron supplements, and certain cancer medications, as they may interact with levothyroxine.

This overview covers essential information about levothyroxine, but it's crucial to consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations based on your specific medical condition and treatment plan.