WHAT IS Levothroid/Levothyroxine TABLETS?

LEVOTHYROXINE/Levothroid is a thyroid hormone. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold. It also helps to treat goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland). This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP Levothroid/Levothyroxine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

HOW SHOULD I USE Levothroid/Levothyroxine?

Take this medicine by mouth with plenty of water. It is best to take on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children and infants as young as a few days of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. For infants, you may crush the tablet and place in a small amount of (5-10 ml or 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls) of water, breast milk, or non-soy based infant formula. Do not mix with soy-based infant formula. Give as directed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

WHAT IF I MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. What may interact with this medicine?

• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• carbamazepine/Epitol
• iron supplements
• liquid nutrition products like Ensure
• antacids
• cholestyramine
• ketamine
• anti-thyroid medicines
• phenytoin/Phenytek er
• prednisone/Meticorten or other corticosteroids
• medicines for mental depression
• phenobarbital or other barbiturate medications
• theophylline/Slo-bid cr
• rifabutin
• sucralfate
• amiodarone/Cordarone
• medicines for diabetes
• warfarin/Coumadin
• calcium/Phoslo supplements
• medicines or herbals used to decrease weight or appetite
• soy isoflavones
• digoxin/Digitek
• rifampin
• colestipol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

WHAT SHOULD I WATCH FOR WHILE USING Levothroid/Levothyroxine?

Be sure to take this medicine with plenty of fluids. Some tablets may cause choking, gagging, or difficulty swallowing from the tablet getting stuck in your throat. Most of these problems disappear if the medicine is taken with the right amount of water or other fluids.

Do not switch brands of this medicine unless your health care professional agrees with the change. Ask questions if you are uncertain.

You will need regular exams and occasional blood tests to check the response to treatment. If you are receiving this medicine for an underactive thyroid, it may be several weeks before you notice an improvement. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

It may be necessary for you to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor or health care professional advises you to.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as directed.

You may lose some of your hair when you first start treatment. With time, this usually corrects itself.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS MAY I NOTICE FROM Levothroid/Levothyroxine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
• tremors
• chest pain
• swelling of ankles, feet, or legs
• nervousness
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• skin rash or hives

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• weight loss
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• trouble sleeping
• changes in menstrual periods
• changes in appetite

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS BEFORE I TAKE Levothroid/Levothyroxine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• high levels of thyroid hormone
• dieting or on a weight loss program
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• heart disease
• diabetes
• angina
• breast-feeding
• fertility problems
• pituitary gland problem
• previous heart attack
• an unusual or allergic reaction to levothyroxine/Levothroid , thyroid hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.