Levoxyl

Other names used:

• Eltroxin®
• Levothyroid®
• Levothyroxine sodium®

Active Ingredients:

• Levothyroxine sodium

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

Thyroid gland produces two types of thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and levothyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate the growth and development of human organism, stimulates protein, lipid and carbohydrate effect, exert anabolic effect. The active ingredient of Levoxyl levothyroxine sodium is a natural analogue to T4 hormones that compensate the deficiency of T4 hormones in patients with hypothyroidism. As Levothyroxine is converted in the organism into triiodothyronine, most people can successfully take just levothyroxine. This is the most common type of thyroid replacement.

Which conditions are treated with Levoxyl?

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

Patients with low levels of TSH should not use Levoxyl. The medication is not intended to reduce weight in overweight or obese patients.

What should a patient know before using Levoxyl?

The Levoxyl should not be used in cases of:

• Known hypersensitivity to any of the drug ingredients
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Pituitary insufficiency
• Adrenal cortex insufficiency
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• 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)
• High blood pressure
• Arrhythmias
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Malabsorption syndrome
• Osteoporosis

Make sure to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

Possible side effects of Levoxyl include:

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

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

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 Levoxyl?

The drug is affected by the following:

• Antacids
• Antidepressants
• Anti-diabetic drugs
• Calcium containing
• Estrogens
• Cardiac glycosides (digoxin)
• Iron
• Weight loss pills (Orlistat)
• Seizure drugs
• Antic
• 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: Synthroid 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.