LEVOXYL
Generic Version of Levoxyl: E: LEVOTHYROXINE (lee-voe-thye-ROX-een)Levoxyl Manufacturer: MONARCH-JONES
How to use Levoxyl:
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 to 3 hours after eating. TRY TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time each day. THIS MEDICINE WORKS BEST when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. For children who cannot swallow whole tablets, crush the tablet and mix in 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 ml) of water, and give using a spoon or dropper as soon as possible after preparation. Do not store the mixture for later use. Do not mix crushed tablets in soybean infant formula. Consult your pharmacist for more information. Some medicines may decrease the absorption of this medicine into your bloodstream. Therefore, take this medicine 4 hours apart from calcium supplements, iron, antacids (those containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium), simethicone, cholestyramine, colestipol, sucralfate, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Certain foods may decrease the absorption of this medicine when taken at the same time. Take levothyroxine separately from soybean flour (soybean infant formula), walnuts, and dietary fiber. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Common reasons for using Levoxyl:
This medicine is a thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Common side effects of Levoxyl:
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include headache, nervousness, trembling, sweating, increased appetite, diarrhea, weight loss or insomnia. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor as your dose may need to be adjusted. In rare instances, some hair loss may occur during the first few months of starting this medicine. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medicine. If this effect persists or worsens, notify your doctor as soon as possible. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or seizures. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but if you experience difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions before using Levoxyl:
CONTINUOUS USE OF THIS MEDICINE FOR A FEW WEEKS may be necessary to relieve symptoms of your condition. SYMPTOMS OF LOW THYROID HORMONE LEVELS include fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heart rate, sensitivity to cold, or dry brittle hair that tends to fall out easily. These symptoms should disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. If they persist or become bothersome, notify your doctor promptly as your dose may need to be adjusted. Do not adjust your dose or stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. TELL THE DOCTOR OR DENTIST THAT YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE before you have emergency treatment or surgery. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS (e.g., thyroid function tests) while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes calcium or aluminum-containing antacids, iron preparations and cough-and-cold products, or diet aids. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. FOR WOMEN: INFORM YOUR DOCTOR if you become pregnant, as your dose will need to be adjusted. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.