Levothyroxine

Question 1

What is it used for?

Answer 1

Hypothyroidism (your body doesn’t create enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream and it might make you gain weight or feel tired)

• also used for enlarged thyroid gland or thyroid cancer

Question 2

How do you take levothyroxine?

Answer 2

capsule - swallow whole
liquid - can be mixed with water or taken directly
tablet - if given to a baby, it can be crushed up and mixed with water (1-2 teaspoons)

Question 3

What do you do if you miss a dose of levothyroxine?

Answer 3

Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra to make up for it.

Question 4

Where should you store levothyroxine?

Answer 4

closed container at room temp, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
(use oral liquid within 15 days of opening)

Question 5

Important to remember about levothyroxine!

Answer 5

Cannot be discontinued suddenly. Must consult with doctor to SLOWLY decrease dose.

Question 6

What should be expected from levothyroxine?

Answer 6

Patients usually don’t experience side effects with this drug, but if you start to have chest pain, abnormal heartbeat, or any other side effects that are bothering you, contact your doctor right away. You could also get hair loss, which you would want to mention to your doctor too.