Levothroid

Other names used:

• Eltroxin®
• Levothyroxine sodium®
• Levoxyl®
• Synthroid®

Active Ingredients:

• Levothyroxine sodium

How does Levothroid work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Levothyroxine sodium is a preparation of thyroid gland, levorotatory isomer of thyroxine (T4 hormone)

After partial conversion into T3 hormone (triiodothyronine) in the kidney and liver, levothyroxine enters the cells where have an effect on growth and development of tissue and metabolism. In average dosages the medication stimulates the growth and development, increase demand of tissues in oxygen, stimulates metabolism of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates, increases functional activity of cardiovascular system and proteins. In high doses Levothyroxine sodium inhibits the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Therapeutic effect is observed in 7-12 days. Clinical effect in patients with hypothyroidism is observed in 3-5 days.

Which conditions are treated with Levothroid?

• Hypothyroidism (except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis)
• Euthyroid goiter
• Thyroid cancer (after surgery)
• Graves' disease
• Diagnostics of thyroid suppression test

Levothroid should not be taken to treat goiters or thyroid nodules in patients who have a low level of TSH.

Levothyroid must not be taken to treat

What should a patient know before using Levothroid?

The Levothroid should not be used in cases of:

• Untreated thyrotoxicosis
• Untreated pituitary insufficiency
• Untreated adrenal cortex insufficiency
• Acute heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Acute myocarditis
• Acute pancreatitis
• Known hypersensitivity to any of medication ingredients

The medication should be used with caution in:

• Coronary heart diseases (atherosclerosis, stenocardia, heart attack in anamnesis)
• Hypertension
• Arrhythmias
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Malabsorption syndrome
• Osteoporosis

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

Possible side effects of Levothroid include:

• Swelling of the lips, mouth or throat
• Itching
• Hives
• Skin rash
• Shortness of breath

High doses of Levothyroid may cause: fever, heart palpitations, emotional changes, muscle weakness, insomnia, weakened bones, anxiety, high blood pressure, diarrhea, seizures, hair loss.

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Levothroid?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Antacids
• Antidepressants
• Diabetes drugs
• Calcium supplements and drugs
• Estrogens
• Cardiac glycosides (digoxin)
• Iron
• Weight loss pills (Orlistat)
• Seizure drugs
• Blood thinners
• Xantines
• Stomach medications (sucralfate)

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient: Levothroid is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.