Generic Name: levothyroxine
(LEE voe thye ROX een)
What is Eltroxin?
Eltroxin is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body’s energy and metabolism. Levothyroxine is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.
Eltroxin treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levothyroxine is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.
Eltroxin should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.
Eltroxin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Eltroxin?
Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take Eltroxin. You should not use this medication if you have had a heart attack, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, anemia (lack of red blood cells), diabetes, problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands, or a history of blood clots.
If you use insulin or take diabetes medicine by mouth, ask your doctor if your dose needs to be changed when you start using Eltroxin.
Different brands of Eltroxin may not work the same. If you get a prescription refill and your new pills look different, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
It may take several weeks before your body starts to respond to this medication. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this medicine every day for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone your body cannot produce.
There are many other medicines that can affect Eltroxin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Eltroxin?
Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take Eltroxin. You should not use this medication if you have had a heart attack, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, anemia (lack of red blood cells), diabetes, problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands, or a history of blood clots.
If you use insulin or take diabetes medicine by mouth, ask your doctor if your dose needs to be changed when you start using Eltroxin.
Eltroxin is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that it is safe to use while you are pregnant. It is also safe to use while you are breast-feeding a baby. This drug does pass into breast milk, but it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing infant.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. You may need to increase your dose during pregnancy or if you plan to breast-feed.
In most cases, you will need to take Eltroxin for the rest of your life. Taking levothyroxine over long periods of time may cause bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about how this could affect you.
How should I take Eltroxin?
Take Eltroxin exactly as your doctor has prescribed it for you. Do not use more of the medication than recommended. Do not take levothyroxine for longer than your doctor has prescribed.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
It is very important to take Eltroxin with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. The levothyroxine tablet can dissolve very quickly and swell in the throat, possibly causing choking or gagging.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before eating. Eltroxin is usually taken in the morning. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions and try to take this medication at the same time each day.
It may take several weeks before your body starts to respond to this medication. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this medicine every day for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone your body cannot produce.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using Eltroxin.
Store Eltroxin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, pounding heartbeat, tremor, shortness of breath, leg cramps, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures.
What should I avoid while taking Eltroxin?
Do not change brands or change to a generic Eltroxin drug product without first asking your doctor. Different brands of levothyroxine may not work the same. If you get a prescription refill and your new pills look different, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.
Avoid the following food products, which can make your body absorb less Eltroxin: infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.
What are the possible side effects of Eltroxin?
Stop using Eltroxin and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- headache
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- nervous or irritable feeling
- fever, hot flashes, sweating
- changes in your menstrual periods
- appetite changes, weight changes;
Copyright 1996-2009 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 5.01. Revision date: 08/21/2009.