LEVOTHYROXINE - INJECTION

LEVOTHYROXINE - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (lev-oh-thigh-ROX in)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Levothroid, Synthroid

GENERIC NAME(S): levothyroxine sodium

Uses

USES: Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It is a man-made substance that replaces the natural substance (thyroid hormone) that is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone in your bloodstream is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development. This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (e.g., certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer). It is also used to test thyroid activity.


How to use LEVOTHYROXINE - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein or into a muscle as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Dosage is based on your medical condition, thyroid hormone levels, and response to treatment. If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Use this medication immediately after mixing. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not stop using this medication without consulting with your doctor. Thyroid replacement treatment is usually taken for life. Symptoms of low thyroid levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. These symptoms should improve in a few days as your body adjusts to this medication. Tell your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Precautions section. Some hair loss may occur during the first few months of starting this drug. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Though unlikely, it is possible to have too much thyroid hormone. Your doctor may need to reduce the dose of this medication. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious signs of too much thyroid hormone occur: headache, mental/mood changes (e.g., nervousness, irritability), shaking, sweating, sensitivity to heat, diarrhea, weight loss, trouble sleeping, tiredness, bone pain, easily broken bones. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, shortness of breath, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling of the hands/feet, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using levothyroxine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain overactive thyroid condition (thyrotoxicosis), a recent heart attack (acute myocardial infarction), adrenal gland problem (uncorrected adrenal insufficiency). Do not use thyroid drugs for weight control. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (e.g., angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, diabetes (diabetes mellitus), water diabetes (diabetes insipidus), other hormone disorders (e.g., decreased pituitary hormone). If you have diabetes, this drug may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as increased thirst/urination, shakiness, unusual sweating, dizziness, or hunger. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat. Children may be more sensitive to certain side effects of this drug, especially headache, vision changes, and hip/leg pain. High thyroid hormone levels may lead to decreased bone development/growth and reduced full adult height. Keep all lab/medical appointments so the doctor can monitor treatment. Current information shows that this drug may be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you become pregnant because your dose may need to be adjusted. Small amounts of this drug pass into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs such as sertraline, tricyclics such as amitriptyline), beta blockers (e.g., propranolol), corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone), cytokines (e.g., interferon alfa, interleukin-2), digoxin, epinephrine, ketamine, warfarin, drugs that can decrease thyroid hormone levels (e.g., amiodarone, medications containing iodide/iodine, lithium), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove levothyroxine from your body (e.g., phenobarbital, rifamycins including rifampin, certain anti-seizure medicines including phenytoin). High doses of salicylates (e.g., high doses of aspirin) may affect thyroid hormone levels in the blood. However, low-dose aspirin should be continued if prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients such as decongestants or caffeine that could increase your heart rate or blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/irregular heartbeat, chest pain, confusion, loss of consciousness.

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Faq for LEVOTHYROXINE - INJECTION

Levothyroxine Injection is a medication that is used to treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) in certain patients.

Levothyroxine Injection works by replacing or providing thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. It helps to regulate energy levels and maintain overall well-being.

Common side effects of Levothyroxine Injection may include headache, nervousness, irritability, sweating, increased appetite, weight loss, and insomnia. These side effects usually go away on their own.

Levothyroxine Injection is administered as an injection into a muscle or a vein by a healthcare professional. The dosage and administration will depend on the individual's condition and response to treatment.

Levothyroxine Injection should not be used to treat obesity or for weight loss. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications or medical conditions you have before starting Levothyroxine Injection.

Levothyroxine Injection is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for individualized advice.

If you miss a dose of Levothyroxine Injection, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

Levothyroxine Injection may start working within a few days, but it may take several weeks for the full effects to be seen. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

No, you should not stop taking Levothyroxine Injection without consulting your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping the medication can lead to a return of symptoms or other complications.


Warning

WARNING: This medication should not be used for weight loss. Normal doses of this medication will not cause weight loss in people with normal thyroid function. Large doses of this medication may cause very serious (possibly fatal) side effects, especially when taken with diet pills.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.