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Levothyroxine

  • Do not take calcium or iron-containing products, or aluminium based indigestion remedies, at the same time as levothyroxine.
  • You will need regular blood tests to check your thyroid levels in the early stages of treatment.

About levothyroxine

Type of medicine Thyroid hormone
Used for Hypothyroidism - to replace the thyroxine that would normally be produced naturally by the thyroid gland
Also called Eltroxin
Evotrox
Available as Tablets
Liquid

Levothyroxine is the same as the hormone thyroxine, which is usually produced naturally by the thyroid gland. Where this does not happen, levothyroxine tablets are given to replace this thyroxine.

Before taking levothyroxine

Before taking levothyroxine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from thyrotoxicosis (the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone).
  • If you suffer from heart problems.
  • If you suffer from adrenal insufficiency (the adrenal gland is unable to produce enough of the hormone cortisol in response to stress).
  • If you suffer from diabetes mellitus (lack of insulin or reduced effectiveness of insulin).
  • If you suffer from diabetes insipidus (excretion of large amounts of very dilute urine).
  • If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (muscle weakening disease)

How to take levothyroxine

  • Usually taken once daily, before breakfast.
  • Do not take calcium or iron-containing products, or aluminium based indigestion remedies, at the same time as levothyroxine.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You will need regular blood tests to check your thyroid levels in the early stages of treatment.
  • Once stable, you will have yearly blood tests.

Can levothyroxine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Vomiting Drink plenty of liquid.
Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.
Fast, fluttery heartbeat or chest pain Contact your doctor.
Intolerance to heat Contact your doctor.

How to store levothyroxine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3214		 DocRef:
dils2055		 Last Updated:
10 Aug 2007		 Date of Next Review:
9 Aug 2009		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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