Levoxyl

Levoxyl

Generic Name: levothyroxine (LEE voe thy ROX een)

Brand Names: Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid

What is Levoxyl?

Levoxyl is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Levoxyl is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

Levoxyl treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). It is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.

Levoxyl should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

Levoxyl may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Levoxyl

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take Levoxyl. You should not use this medication if you have had a heart attack, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

Before taking Levoxyl, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, anemia (lack of red blood cells), diabetes, problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands, or a history of blood clots.

If you use insulin or take diabetes medicine by mouth, ask your doctor if your dose needs to be changed when you start using Levoxyl.

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.

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.

There are many other medicines that can affect Levoxyl. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Before taking Levoxyl

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take Levoxyl. You should not use this medication if you have had a heart attack, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

Before taking Levoxyl, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, anemia (lack of red blood cells), diabetes, problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands, or a history of blood clots.

If you use insulin or take diabetes medicine by mouth, ask your doctor if your dose needs to be changed when you start using Levoxyl.

Levoxyl is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that it is safe to use while you are pregnant. It is also safe to use while you are breast-feeding a baby. This drug does pass into breast milk, but it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing infant.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. You may need to increase your dose during pregnancy or if you plan to breast-feed.

In most cases, you will need to take Levoxyl for the rest of your life. Taking Levoxyl over long periods of time may cause bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about how this could affect you.

How should I take Levoxyl?

Take Levoxyl exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Levoxyl in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

It is very important to take Levoxyl with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. The Levoxyl 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. Levoxyl 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 Levoxyl is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver or kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using Levoxyl.

Store Levoxyl at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Levoxyl dosage (in more detail)

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 or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, tremor, leg cramps, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures.

What should I avoid while taking Levoxyl?

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 Levoxyl: infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.

Levoxyl side effects

Stop using Levoxyl 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 Levoxyl side effects may include mild hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Levoxyl side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Levoxyl?

The following drugs may cause medical problems if you use them with Levoxyl: lithium, amiodarone, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor if you have recently received radiation therapy with iodine (such as I-131).

This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with Levoxyl. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Certain medicines can be continued, but they may make Levoxyl less effective if taken at the same time. If you use any of the following drugs, use them at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take Levoxyl:

calcium carbonate (Caltrate, Citracal, Oystercal, and others);

ferrous sulfate iron supplement;

sucralfate (Carafate);

sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex, and others);

antacids that contain aluminum (Amphojel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, Rulox, Tums, and others); and

cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid).

More Levoxyl resources

Levoxyl Side Effects (in More Detail)

Levoxyl Dosage

Levoxyl Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Drug Images

Levoxyl Drug Interactions

Levoxyl Support Group

12 Reviews for Levoxyl - Add your own review/rating

Levoxyl Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information

Levoxyl Prescribing Information (FDA)

Levoxyl MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

Levothyroxine Prescribing Information (FDA)

Levothroid Prescribing Information (FDA)

Levothyroxine Sodium Monograph (AHFS DI)

Synthroid Prescribing Information (FDA)

Tirosint Prescribing Information (FDA)

Tirosint MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)

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Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Levoxyl.