Levothroid General Information
Levothroid (generic name: Levothyroxine; brand names: Eltroxin / Evotrox / Thyrax / Euthyrox / Levaxin / L-thyroxine / Thyrox / Eutirox / Levoxyl) is a synthetic form of thyroxine (thyroid hormone) intended to replace a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland.
Manufactured since 1955, Levothroid is prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. It offers safe and effective treatment that adds back the thyroxine your thyroid gland cannot make naturally.
Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold.
Your hypothyroid symptoms should improve within several weeks after starting on Levothroid.
Levothroid Recommendations
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Levothroid exactly as directed.
Levothroid is usually taken as a single dose, preferably on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast.
Take Levothroid with a full glass of water.
Do not take products such as iron supplements, calcium supplements, or antacids within 4 hours of taking Levothroid.
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.
Do not discontinue or change the amount you take or how often you take it, unless directed to do so by your doctor. It may take several weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking it as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
Store Levothroid at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture.
Levothroid Precautions
Before taking Levothroid, tell your doctor if:
you are allergic to any medicines;
you have heart disease, diabetes, clotting disorders, or adrenal or pituitary gland problems;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Levothroid Ingredients
Active ingredient: levothyroxine.