Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is a replacement for a hormone normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Levothyroxine treats hypothyroidism or prevent goiter which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.

Levothyroxine should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems even though it helps people with hypothyroidism lose weight. If you do not have hypothyroidism, do not eat levothyroxine to lose weight. Dangerous side effects or death can occur from the misuse of levothyroxine, especially if you are taking any other weight-loss medications or appetite suppressants.

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take levothyroxine. However, you may not be able to take this medication if you have:

• Thyrotoxicosis;
• Heart disease, coronary artery disease, or a history of blood clot
• Diabetes 
• Anemia 
• Osteoporosis
• Problems with your pituitary gland
• An untreated or uncontrolled adrenal gland disorder

If you are taking levothyroxine, you should avoid:

• Alka-Mints, Calcium Oyster Shell, Caltrate, Os-Cal, Oyster Shell Calcium, Rolaids Soft Chew, Tums. They contain calcium carbonate
• Cholestyramine, Colestipol;
• Ferrous sulfate iron supplement;
• Sucralfate;
• Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kalexate, Kayexalate, Kionex)
• Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium - Acid Gone, Gaviscon, Maalox, Milk of Magnesia, Mintox, Mylanta, Pepcid Complete, and others).

Avoid the following food products, which can make your body absorb less levothyroxine: infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.

Certain medicines can make levothyroxine less effective if taken at the same time. If you use any of the following drugs above, avoid taking them within 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take levothyroxine.

Some side effects can occur can taking Levothyroxine. You should consult your doctor if these are serious They include:

• Fast or irregular heart rate
• Fever, hot flashes, sweating
• Sleep problems
• Changes in your menstrual periods
• Vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes

Common levothyroxine side effects may include mild hair loss. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to levothyroxine: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

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http://www.drugs.com/levothyroxine.html