Medically Reviewed by AJAY AWASE | Written by Ajay, PharmD, IGNTU
Drug Information
Feature | Value |
---|---|
Availability | Prescription Only |
Drug Class | Thyroid Drugs |
Pregnancy Category | A |
CSA Schedule | Not a Controlled Drug |
Labeler / Supplier | Accord Healthcare Inc. |
National Drug Code (NDC) | 16729-0458 |
Levothyroxine is a member of the thyroid medication class and is used to treat a variety of conditions, including Hashimoto’s disease, hypothyroidism, underactive thyroid, thyroid removal, TSH suppression, and thyroid suppression tests. Pregnancy poses little risk, according to studies. The restricted Substances Act (CSA) does not classify levothyroxine 300 mcg (0.3 mg) as a restricted substance.
Uses of P 12 Pill
Here are some common uses of levothyroxine:
- Hypothyroidism: This is the most common use. Levothyroxine replaces the thyroid hormone that your body is not producing enough of.
- Goiter: A goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland. Levothyroxine can help shrink a goiter caused by hypothyroidism.
- Thyroid cancer: After surgery to remove the thyroid gland, levothyroxine is used to replace the thyroid hormone that the body no longer produces.
- Subclinical hypothyroidism: This is a condition where the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than normal, but the levels are not low enough to cause symptoms. Levothyroxine may be used to treat subclinical hypothyroidism if it causes symptoms or if there is an increased risk of other health problems.
Side Effects
Common side effects of levothyroxine may include:
- Heart rate changes: This can include faster or slower heart rate, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat.
- Digestive problems: These may include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting.
- Weight loss: While this is often a desired effect for those with hypothyroidism, it can sometimes be excessive.
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping is a common side effect.
- Nervousness or irritability: Some people may experience increased anxiety or irritability.
- Muscle weakness or cramps: These symptoms can occur in some cases.
- Hair loss: Levothyroxine can sometimes cause hair loss.
- Sweating: Increased sweating is another possible side effect.
Less common but more severe side effects include:
- Bone pain: This is rare but can occur in some cases.
- Joint pain: Joint pain is also a less common side effect.
- Allergic reactions: These can include hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Warnings
It is not recommended to use this medicine to lose weight. Large doses of this medicine may have dangerous, sometimes deadly side effects, especially when taken with diet tablets. Normal amounts of this medication will not aid in weight loss.
Precautions
If you have any other allergies or are allergic to levothyroxine, let your doctor or pharmacist know before taking the medication. Inactive chemicals in this product have the potential to trigger allergic reactions or other issues. For further information, consult your pharmacist.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all of your medical history before using this drug, with particular attention to any instances of excessive thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis), impaired adrenal gland function, heart disease (including coronary artery disease and irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, or diabetes.
This medication may impact your blood sugar if you have diabetes. As instructed, check your blood sugar on a frequent basis and let your doctor know the results. If you experience any symptoms like increased thirst or urine, shakiness, excessive sweating, dizziness, or hunger, notify your doctor straight once. Your physician could require.
Interactions
Drug interactions might alter the way your prescriptions function or raise the possibility of severe side effects. Not every potential medication interaction is covered in this document. Make a list of everything you use, including over-the-counter and prescription medications as well as herbal remedies, and provide it to your pharmacist and physician. Before beginning, stopping, or altering the amount of any medication, get your doctor’s approval.
Overdose
Call 911 if someone has overdosed and is exhibiting severe symptoms like unconsciousness or breathing difficulties. If not, give a poison control center a call straight away. Residents in the US can dial 1-800-222-1222. Residents of Canada can dial 1-844-764-7669. Overdose symptoms might include seizures, loss of consciousness, pounding or irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.