Drug Information
What is Eltroxin used for?
This medicine is for the treatment of low thyroid hormone secretion and some other thyroid problems.
When should Eltroxin not be taken?
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications you have excessive thyroid hormone secretion you have an uncorrected adrenal gland problem
What precautions should I follow when taking Eltroxin?
Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Eltroxin?
Do not use this medicine, alone or in combination with other medications, to treat obesity. Thyroid hormones are produced and released by the thyroid gland and regulate the body's metabolism. When the thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism)it does not produce enough thyroid hormone and metabolism slows. This condition is treated by using thyroid hormones from either natural or synthetic sources. Natural thyroid hormone products (eg, desiccated thyroid and thyroglobulin) are obtained from the thyroid glands of cows and pigs. They are not very expensive but standardization of the products is difficult. The synthetic thyroid hormone products (eg, levothyroxine, liothyronine and litorix) are generally preferred because their potency is more predictable.
What are the side effects of Eltroxin?
Most severe: Severe allergic reaction (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, face, tongue, or lips); seizures.
Most common: Partial hair loss; low motor activity in children.
Other: Weight loss, increased appetite, palpitations, nervousness, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sweating, tachycardia, increased pulse and blood pressures, angina pectoris, cardiac dysrhythmias, tremors, headache, insomnia, heat intolerance, fever and dysmenorrhea.
How should I take Eltroxin?
How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount andperor frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine replaces a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland. It is generally taken for life, except in cases of short-term low thyroid hormone secretion caused by a inflamed thyroid gland. Take this medicine once a day, usually before breakfast. Be consistent in taking the tablet without food. It may take a few weeks for this medicine to start working. You may not notice any changes until it begins working. Do not switch to another brand of this medicine without talking with your health care provider. Contact your health care provider if any of following symptoms occur: Chest pain; shortness of breath; hives; skin rash; rapid or irregular heartbeat; headache; irritability; nervousness; sleeplessness; diarrhea; excessive sweating; intolerance to heat; appetite change; vomiting; weight gain or loss; changes in menstrual period; fever; hand tremors; leg cramps. Tell your health care provider that you are taking this medicine before undergoing surgery. Diabetic patients - Your diabetes medications may have to be changed. Monitor your sugar levels and report any changes to your health care provider at once. The amount of certain oral blood thinner medicines may need to be changed while taking this medicine. In rare cases, partial hair loss may occur. This is usually temporary. Lab tests will be required while taking this medicine. Be sure to keep appointments. If this medicine is given to infants or children who cannot swallow the Tablet whole, crush the tablet and mix the powder in a small amount of water, breast milk, or non-soybean formula (1 to 2 teaspoonfuls). The crushed tablet can also be sprinkled over s small amount of food, such as applesauce. Do not mix with food or formula that contain large amounts of soybean, fiber, or iron. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.
How should Eltroxin be stored?
Store between 59 to 86 degrees F. Protect from light and moisture.
General Information:
If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
