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Show references Surks MI. Alcohol does not affect how this medicine works. One of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland is weight gain. So, once you start taking levothyroxine, you may lose weight as your body's hormones rebalance.
Losing weight can also be a sign that your dose of levothyroxine is too high. Once your thyroid hormone levels have returned to normal, your tendency to gain or lose weight is the same as for people who do not have thyroid problems. If you have an underactive thyroid, you're entitled to free prescriptions for all of your medicines not just your levothyroxine.
To claim your free prescriptions you'll need to have a medical exemption certificate. The application form for the medical exemption certificate is called FP92A. You can get this from your doctor's surgery. You will need to fill in the form, then your doctor will sign it and send it off. Contraceptive pills that contain oestrogen combined contraceptive pills can reduce the amount of levothyroxine in your body. Speak to your doctor if you start or stop taking the Pill — your dose of levothyroxine may need to change.
It's having an underactive thyroid that causes hair loss — not treatment with levothyroxine. Because the natural hair growth cycle takes several months, hair loss related to thyroid disease might only be seen months after the illness has begun. If treatment with levothyroxine has already started, it may seem like the medicine — rather than the underlying illness — is causing the hair loss.
Page last reviewed: 23 October Next review due: 23 October Levothyroxine - Brand name: Eltroxin On this page About levothyroxine Key facts Who can and cannot take levothyroxine How and when to take levothyroxine Side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions about levothyroxine. About levothyroxine Levothyroxine is a medicine used to treat an underactive thyroid gland hypothyroidism.
Levothyroxine starts working straight away, but it may be several weeks before your symptoms start to improve. The most common side effects of levothyroxine are caused by taking a bigger dose than you need.
Your doctor can lower your dose to help reduce any side effects. Before you start taking levothyroxine, your doctor will do a blood test to see what dose you need. Once you start taking the medicine you'll have regular blood tests to see how well it's working. Levothyroxine doses need to be carefully monitored during pregnancy. If you're planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant while taking levothyroxine, it's important to visit your doctor to make sure you get the correct care for you and your baby.
Do not take levothyroxine and go back to your doctor to discuss your treatment if you have : had an allergic reaction to levothyroxine or any other medicines in the past an overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism a health problem that affects your adrenal glands your doctor will be able to tell you if you're not sure Check with your doctor before taking levothyroxine if you have : a heart problem including angina , heart disease or heart failure high blood pressure had a heart attack diabetes — the dose of your diabetes medicine may need to change because levothyroxine can raise blood sugar levels.
Dosage You may need to take several different tablets to make up your dose. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take each day. The dose of levothyroxine varies from person to person. How to take it Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. What if I forget to take it? What if I take too much? Taking an extra dose of levothyroxine by accident is unlikely to harm you. Speak to your doctor if: you accidentally take more than 1 extra dose you get side effects such as a racing heart beat or chest pain — these may not happen straight away, it can be several days before they come on Blood tests Your doctor will do regular blood tests to check the levels of thyroid hormones in your body before and after starting levothyroxine.
These will allow your doctor to adjust the dose to suit you. You may need blood tests more often if you: are pregnant start or stop a medicine that can interfere with levothyroxine have any symptoms that could mean your dose is not quite right.
Common side effects and self-help advice The common side effects of levothyroxine usually happen because the dose you're taking is more than you need. Feeling sick Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food. Being sick vomiting or diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Headaches Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Feeling restless or excitable, or problems sleeping These symptoms should improve as your body gets used to levothyroxine.
Flushing or sweating Try cutting down on coffee, tea and alcohol. Muscle cramps If you get unusual muscle ache, which is not from exercise or hard work, talk to your doctor.
Shaking, usually of the hands Talk to your doctor as you may need to have your dose reduced. Serious side effects It happens rarely, but some people may have serious side effects when taking levothyroxine.
Call a doctor straight away if you get: chest pain fast or irregular heartbeats, or palpitations Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to levothyroxine. Information: You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit Yellow Card for further information. Levothyroxine and pregnancy Levothyroxine is usually safe to take in pregnancy. Levothyroxine and breastfeeding It's usually safe to breastfeed while you're on levothyroxine. Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:. They include: medicines for fits or seizures — such as carbamazepine and phenytoin rifampicin amiodarone oestrogens — such as in combined contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy HRT Levothyroxine can change how other medicines work, so their doses may need to be altered.
These medicines include: medicines for diabetes — either insulin or tablets the blood thinning medicine, warfarin Some medicines should not be taken at the same time of day as levothyroxine as they can reduce the amount of levothyroxine your body takes in, including: antacids calcium salts iron salts orlistat, a medicine used for weight loss sucralfate, a medicine used to treat stomach ulcers some cholesterol-lowering medicines such as colestyramine, colestipol or colesevelem Read the information leaflet supplied with these medicines or speak to your pharmacist for advice on how much time to leave between taking these medicines and taking levothyroxine.
Mixing levothyroxine with herbal remedies and supplements There's very little information about taking herbal remedies and supplements with levothyroxine. Important: Medicine safety Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements. Allergies are possible. Check in with your provider and pharmacist about anything new you're taking, and whether you should swallow it or take it sublingually.
Medication for hyperthyroidism overactive thyroid is simpler than for hypothyroidism. Still, you should keep some considerations in mind to ensure your medication is working as well as possible.
Consistently taking your medication is important. The guidelines depend on what kind you're taking. Natural T3 Drugs. If you're on a natural T3 medication, such as Armour or Nature Thyroid, and forget your medication , don't take your dose late or double up. Taking more than a single dose can cause overdose symptoms.
They include:. It's important that you find ways to remember each dosage. You may want to set alarms on your phone or find an app to send you reminders. It's a good idea to carry your medication with you so you can take it on the go. If you take thyroid replacement hormones levothyroxine after surgery or radioactive iodine, you can take two pills at the same time if you forget one. While this is safe, it's better if you remember to take it every day.
Many drugs that can interact with hyperthyroid medications. Always talk to your healthcare provider before you take anything new. Common interactions include drugs such as:. Be cautious with over-the-counter cold medications or any drugs with a stimulant effect. It's always a good idea to check in with your provider or pharmacist. If you get pregnant or suspect you are while taking Tapazole methimazole or MMI , stop your medication and contact your healthcare provider immediately. It's possible to have serious side effects from anti-thyroid drugs.
Be on the lookout for potential symptoms. The most common ones include:. It's important while you're taking these drugs to avoid close contact with people who are sick. Also be sure to stay up-to-date on immunizations. If you forget a dose of natural T3 drugs, don't take it late or take two pills the next day. That can lead to overdose symptoms.
Because Tapazole and PTU are taken three times a day, it's important to find ways to remember to take it on time. Levothyroxine can be doubled up if you miss a day. Drug interactions and negative side effects are possible with anti-thyroid drugs.
Keep an eye out for potential problems. Thyroid drugs work best when taken correctly. For hypothyroidism drugs, ask what time of day is best to take them and be consistent about the time. If you get pregnant, you may need to increase your dosage. Goitrogenic foods, certain drugs and supplements, and some medical conditions can make you absorb more or less of the drug. Check with your provider any time you change your medication or supplement regimen.
For hyperthyroidism drugs, make sure you don't double up on natural T3 drugs. That can cause an overdose. You need to take Tapazole and PTU three times a day. Figure out ways to remind yourself so you can be consistent.
Levothyroxine can be doubled up if you miss one. Watch for negative side effects and drug interactions. In order to get the full benefit of your thyroid medication, it's important to understand how and when to take it. That'll ensure it gets into your bloodstream and does its job. If you think your thyroid medication isn't working, look at how you're taking it and see if you could improve your routine.
Look over list of side effects and interactions to if something could be interfering. If you don't spot a problem you can solve, contact your healthcare provider. They're your partner in ensuring your medications are safe and effective so they can improve your health and functionality. Hypothyroidism low thyroid function is treated with one or more of the following thyroid hormone replacement drugs:.
Hyperthyroidism overactive thyroid is treated with antithyroid drugs that block the production of the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, namely:. Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach. Liothyronine can be taken with or without food. Avoid taking the drugs within three hours of eating high-calcium foods that can reduce absorption. Soybeans, walnuts, and dietary fiber may also need to be avoided.
For children who can't swallow tablets, crush and mix levothyroxine or liothyronine with 1 to 2 teaspoons of water. Don't mix it with food or soybean-based infant formula. Give them the mixture by spoon or dropper right away.
This method also works for adults who have trouble swallowing pills. A number of drugs can interfere with the absorption of thyroid replacement hormones, most specifically antacids, calcium supplements, cholesterol-lowering drugs , and iron supplements. Let your healthcare provider know about any medications you take before starting levothyroxine or liothyronine.
Both Tapazole methimazole and propylthiouracil PTU can be taken with or without food. Taking Tapazole with food or milk can help prevent an upset stomach. Tapazole methimazole and propylthiouracil PTU can interact with beta-blockers , digitalis , theophylline , and blood thinners like warfarin.
The interactions can usually be lessened by reducing the dose of the accompanying drug. Losing weight with thyroid disease can be a struggle. Our thyroid-friendly meal plan can help. Sign up and get yours free! Dayan C, Panicker V. Management of hypothyroidism with combination thyroxine T4 and triiodothyronine T3 hormone replacement in clinical practice: a review of suggested guidance.
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