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Synthroid
Tablets
Chemical Name: LEVOTHYROXINE (lee-voe-thye-ROX-een)
Common uses
This medicine is a thyroid hormone used to treat low thyroid levels. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
WARNING: This medicine should not be used either alone or in combination with other medicines to treat obesity or for weight loss. Large doses of this medicine, especially when used with some other medicines for weight loss, may cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking glucocorticoids (such as dexamethasone or prednisone), amiodarone, iodide (including radiographic contrast agents containing iodine), lithium, propylthiouracil, methimazole, sulfonamides, tolbutamide, iron, estrogen products (including estrogen-containing birth control pills), high dose salicylates (such as aspirin), certain seizure medicines (such as phenobarbital, carbamazepine, phenytoin), rifampin, "blood thinners" such as warfarin, certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline, maprotiline, sertraline), diabetes medicines (such as insulin, glipizide, rosiglitazone, nateglinide and metformin), digoxin, cytokines (such as interferon-alpha, interleukin-2), growth hormones, ketamine, certain radiographic agents, sympathomimetic medicines (such as pseudoephedrine or albuterol), raloxifene, certain sleep/anxiety medicines (including diazepam), metoclopramide, certain "water pills" (such as hydrochlorothiazide), or other thyroid medicines. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including heart problems (such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeat, angina, or coronary artery disease), male or female infertility problems, bone loss (osteoporosis), other hormone disorders, other thyroid problems (such as goiter, nodular thyroid disease, or high thyroid levels), blood clotting disorders, diabetes, other auto-immune diseases, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of overactive thyroid condition (such as thyrotoxicosis), a recent heart attack, certain emergency thyroid conditions (myxedema coma), or certain adrenal gland problems. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 to 3 hours after eating. It is recommended that you take your dose 1 hour before breakfast unless otherwise directed by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH A FULL GLASS OF water. FOR CHILDREN WHO CANNOT SWALLOW WHOLE TABLETS, crush the tablet and mix in 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 ml) of water, and give using a spoon or dropper as soon as possible after preparation. Do not store the mixture for later use. Do not mix crushed tablets in soybean infant formula. Consult your pharmacist for more information. Some medicines such as aluminum, calcium, or magnesium-containing antacids; simethicone; calcium supplements; iron; cholestyramine; colestipol; sucralfate; or sodium polystyrene sulfonate may decrease the absorption of this medicine into your bloodstream. Take this medicine at least 4 hours apart from these medicines. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Take this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL WEEKS for this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including thyroid function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes calcium, magnesium, or aluminum-containing antacids; iron preparations; cough-and-cold products; or diet aids. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because it may affect their growth and development. Consult your doctor for more information. FOR WOMEN: INFORM YOUR DOCTOR if you become pregnant, as your dose may need to be adjusted. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are taking this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES, MONITOR BLOOD OR URINARY GLUCOSE on a regular basis, as directed by your doctor.
Possible side effects
A SIDE EFFECT that may occur while taking this medicine is, in rare instances, some hair loss within the first few months of starting this medicine. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medicine. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor as soon as possible. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience headache, nervousness, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, trouble sleeping, changes in menstrual periods, leg cramps, trembling, excessive sweating, fever, sensitivity to heat, or unexplained changes in weight or appetite. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or seizures. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include extreme nervousness, confusion, excessive sweating, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and seizures.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF YOU WILL BE USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, be sure to obtain necessary refills before your supply runs out.
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