Levothyroxine/thyroxine

What is Levothyroxine/thyroxine used for?

Levothyroxine is a medicine that replaces a thyroid hormone your body needs. Doctors prescribe it for people of all ages with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), whether it's a problem they were born with or developed later. It also helps treat a type of thyroid cancer. However, it's not for losing weight or treating some other thyroid problems.

How does Levothyroxine/thyroxine work?

Your body needs thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) to work properly. Levothyroxine is a man-made version of T4. If your body doesn't make enough T4, levothyroxine replaces it. It works by getting inside your cells and turning on genes that tell your body what to do. Most of your body's T3 is actually made from T4.

Is Levothyroxine/thyroxine effective?

This is a liquid medicine containing levothyroxine, used to treat an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). It's made by IBSA Pharma and was released in March 2019. The medicine comes in a 200 mcg/mL concentration, meaning each milliliter (a small amount) contains 200 micrograms of the active ingredient. This information doesn't tell us how well it works.

How does one know if Levothyroxine/thyroxine is working?

To check if thyroid medicine is working, doctors do blood tests. For adults, a test is done 6-8 weeks after a dose change, or yearly if the dose is stable. For children with hypothyroidism from birth, tests are done more often, especially soon after starting or changing medicine. If the blood tests don't show improvement within a few weeks, it means the medicine might not be enough.

What is the usual dose of Levothyroxine/thyroxine?

The dose depends on factors such as age, weight, thyroid function, and health conditions. Common starting doses:

• Adults with hypothyroidism: 50–100 mcg daily, adjusted every 4–6 weeks.
• Maintenance dose: Typically 75–150 mcg daily.
• Children: Based on body weight.

Your doctor will monitor your thyroid levels (TSH, T4) and adjust the dose as needed.

How do I take Levothyroxine/thyroxine?

Take your medicine 15 minutes before breakfast, on an empty stomach. Some foods and other medicines can stop it from working properly. Talk to your doctor about avoiding things like calcium supplements, iron pills, certain fiber-rich foods (like soybeans and walnuts), and other specific medicines they might mention.

For how long do I take Levothyroxine/thyroxine?

Keep taking your TIROSINT-SOL medicine until your doctor says to stop. It might take a while to feel better, so keep taking it even if you feel okay. Once you open the package, use it within three months.

How long does it take for Levothyroxine/thyroxine to start working?

It might take a while—several weeks—to feel better after starting this medicine. This medicine is like a replacement for something your body makes itself, and you'll likely need to take it for the rest of your life.

How should I store Levothyroxine/thyroxine?

Keep the medicine in its original bag at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Use it within three months of opening the bag. Don't mix it with anything else before using.

Who should avoid taking Levothyroxine/thyroxine?

Levothyroxine is only for thyroid problems, not weight loss. Tell your doctor about any other health issues you have, like heart problems, diabetes, blood clotting problems, or adrenal/pituitary gland problems, because your dose might need to be changed. If you get a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, trouble breathing, or anything else unusual, tell your doctor right away. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar more often. If you take blood thinners, get your blood tested regularly. Let your doctor and dentist know you're taking it before any surgery.

Can I take Levothyroxine/thyroxine with other prescription drugs?

Levothyroxine is a thyroid medicine. Many other medicines can affect how well it works. Some, like blood thinners and heart medicines, may need their dose changed if you're taking levothyroxine. Certain antidepressants can make both medicines stronger. Ketamine can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Other medicines can either boost levothyroxine's effects or weaken them. Finally, some medicines like antacids and others that bind to substances in your gut can stop your body from absorbing levothyroxine properly; take them several hours apart from levothyroxine.

Can I take Levothyroxine/thyroxine with vitamins or supplements?

To make sure your thyroid medicine (levothyroxine) works best, don't take it at the same time as certain things. Things like iron pills, calcium pills, antacids (for heartburn), soybean flour, walnuts, and a lot of fiber can stop your body from absorbing the medicine properly. Also, grapefruit juice can slow down how well it works. It's best to take your levothyroxine at least four hours *before* you take any of those other things.

Can Levothyroxine/thyroxine be taken safely while pregnant?

Taking levothyroxine during pregnancy doesn't seem to increase the chances of birth defects or miscarriage, based on what we've seen after the medicine was released. However, if a mother doesn't take it and has an underactive thyroid, it *can* be harmful to both her and the baby, possibly causing miscarriage, pregnancy complications, or problems with the baby's brain development. Doctors will check thyroid levels regularly and adjust the medicine dose as needed during and after pregnancy. Keep in mind that some birth defects and miscarriages happen naturally, even without thyroid problems.

Can Levothyroxine/thyroxine be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Levothyroxine, a thyroid medicine, passes into breast milk. Babies haven't shown problems from this. We don't know much about how it affects milk supply, but it might help mothers with low milk due to thyroid problems. Doctors weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the mother's needs and any very small risks to the baby.

Is Levothyroxine/thyroxine safe for the elderly?

For older people or those with heart problems, starting thyroid medicine (levothyroxine) needs a small dose. The doctor will slowly increase it every few weeks until your thyroid levels are normal. Older adults may need a smaller total dose than younger people. Too much medicine can speed up your heart, so close monitoring is very important.

Is it safe to exercise while taking Levothyroxine/thyroxine?

Yes, exercise is safe and beneficial, provided your thyroid levels are well-controlled. Always consult your doctor before starting a new fitness regimen.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Levothyroxine/thyroxine?

Moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe. Avoid excessive alcohol, which can affect thyroid function.