Levoxyl (Levothyroxine)

Do's

• Take Levoxyl orally as directed by your healthcare provider, typically once daily on an empty stomach. 
• Take it 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast with a full glass of water, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. 
• Swallow capsules whole. 
• Use the tablet form, which can be crushed and mixed with water for administration, if unable to swallow capsules (infants or small children). 
• Inform your healthcare provider about all your medications (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal) to ensure proper dosing. 
• Take Levoxyl consistently at the same time each day to maintain stable hormone levels. 
• Continue taking Levoxyl as prescribed for life unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. 
• Maintain the same brand of Levoxyl unless your healthcare provider advises switching. 
• Separate medications that can reduce Levoxyl's absorption (e.g., cholestyramine, antacids, iron supplements) from Levoxyl by at least 4 hours. 
• Be aware of symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels, such as tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or cold sensitivity. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition worsens or persists after several weeks of Levoxyl treatment. 

Don'ts

• Do not split, crush, or chew Levoxyl capsules. 

The dose depends on various factors, including your age, weight, medical condition, lab results, and other medications you take. 

Common side effects may include:

• Hair loss during the first few months of treatment (usually temporary)
• Joint pain
• Leg cramps
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Changes in menstrual periods

Serious side effects:

• Allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath
• Irregular heart rhythm or very fast heart rate
• Heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, discomfort in the upper body
• Heart failure symptoms, such as shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, unexpected weight gain
• Severe headache
• Seizures
• Change in consciousness, loss of consciousness
• Cold, clammy skin
• Confusion, disorientation
• Sudden slurring of speech

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Levoxyl,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Tell your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, including to Levoxyl itself or its inactive ingredients.

Inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have:

• Increased thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis)
• Decreased adrenal gland function
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes

If you have diabetes, Levoxyl may affect your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and report any changes to your healthcare provider.

Before surgery or dental procedures, inform your healthcare provider or dentist about all medications you take, including Levoxyl.

Children may be more sensitive to certain side effects, like headaches, vision changes, and hip/leg pain.

Regularly scheduled appointments are crucial to monitor growth and development in children taking Levoxyl.

Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, especially fast/irregular heartbeat.

Levothyroxine can be used during pregnancy, but your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dosage.

Levothyroxine passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.