Eltroxin

How does it work?

Eltroxin tablets contain the active ingredient levothyroxine sodium (previously known simply as thyroxine sodium in the UK). (NB. Levothyroxine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.) Levothyroxine is the same as the hormone thyroxine, which is produced naturally by the thyroid gland.

The thyroid gland produces and releases two thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). Tri-iodothyronine is the more active thyroid hormone, and thyroxine is converted into T3 in various parts of the body. These hormones are responsible for maintaining a normal rate of metabolism in the body.

When the thyroid gland is unable to produce normal amounts of thyroxine, the level of both thyroid hormones in the blood decreases (hypothyroidism). This results in a reduced rate of metabolism, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, intolerance to cold and tiredness.

Levothyroxine tablets are given to replace the thyroxine that would normally be produced naturally by the thyroid gland. This returns levels of T3 and T4 to normal.

Once the thyroid gland becomes unable to produce thyroxine, it will generally not return to normal function. This means that once thyroxine replacement is started, it usually needs to be taken for the rest of a person’s life.

The daily dose should preferably be taken before breakfast.

What is it used for?

Underproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland

Warning!

You will need to have regular blood tests to monitor your levels of thyroid hormones while taking this medicine. This will enable your doctor to prescribe you the correct dose to increase levels of your thyroid hormones into the normal range.

Certain medicines can interfere with blood tests that you have to determine your thyroid hormone levels (thyroid function tests). It is important to inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking prior to and at the time of blood tests.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Heart disease such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or history of heart attack

Any condition causing decreased function of the adrenal glands

Decreased production of all hormones by the pituitary gland (panhypopituitarism)

Diabetes mellitus

Rare disease where there is a problem with the kidneys that causes large amounts of dilute urine to be produced (diabetes insipidus)

Not to be used in

Overproduction of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

Levothyroxine can be taken during pregnancy. However, it is important that pregnant women have regular blood tests to monitor their levels of thyroid hormones during the pregnancy. Thyroid hormones can cross the placenta and excessive levels can be harmful to the developing baby, so it is important to ensure that you are taking the correct dose. Most women whose thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range when they fall pregnant will not need any dose adjustments of their levothyroxine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Thyroid hormones pass into breast milk, but in amounts that are too small to affect the nursing baby, or to affect tests for neonatal hypothyroidism. It is safe for women taking this medicine to breastfeed their babies. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Side effects caused by levothyroxine usually only occur if your dose is too high. For this reason, you should tell your doctor if you get any of the follwoing side effects:

Chest pain (angina)

Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)

Muscle cramps

Diarrhoea

Vomiting

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Restlessness

Excitability

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Headache

Flushing

Sweating

Fever

Intolerance to heat

Muscle weakness

Weight loss

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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