How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient thyroxine sodium (also known as levothyroxine sodium). It is one of the thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces and releases two hormones: thyroxine and liothyronine. In other areas of the body, thyroxine is converted to liothyronine, which is the more active form. 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 thyroid hormones in the blood is decreased (hypothyroidism). This results in a reduced rate of metabolism, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, intolerance to cold and tiredness. Normal levels of the thyroid hormone in the blood can be acheived with the medicine thyroxine. Thyroxine tablets are given to replace the thyroxine that would normally have been produced by the thyroid. Once the thyroid gland becomes unable to produce thyroxine, it will generally not return to normal function. Therefore, once thyroxine medicine is started, it must commonly be taken for the rest of a person's life.

What is it used for?

Hypothyroidism

Warning!

Some medicines may interfere with any blood tests done to determine thyroid hormone levels (thyroid function tests). It is important to inform your doctor of all medicines you are taking prior to and at the time of blood tests.

Use with caution in

A disease in which an individual produces large amounts of dilute urine and is constantly thirsty (diabetes insipidus)

Any condition causing decreased function of the adrenal glands

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

Diabetes mellitus

Elderly people

Heart disease

History of heart attack

Not to be used in

Thyrotoxicosis

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.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

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.

Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)

Diarrhoea

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Excitement

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)

Muscle cramps

Sweating

Muscle weakness

Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)

Weight loss

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Chest pain (angina)

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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