Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

THYROID REPLACEMENT - ORAL

WARNING: This medication must not be used to treat obesity because serious, possibly life-threatening effects could occur. Excessive levels of thyroid hormone can cause irregular heartbeats, nervousness, weight loss, and insomnia.

Uses

Thyroid replacement therapy is prescribed when not enough thyroid hormone is secreted from the thyroid gland.

How To Use

Take this medication on an empty stomach. It is usually taken as a single daily dose before breakfast. Do not stop taking this medication unless consulting with your doctor. Replacement therapy is usually taken for life.

Side Effects

Symptoms of low thyroid 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 medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Symptoms of high thyroid levels include headache, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, sweating, diarrhea, weight loss. If you experience any of these effects, contact your doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, diabetes, adrenal gland problems, any allergies (including drug allergies). Avoid using thyroid drugs for weight control. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Current information shows that this drug may be used during pregnancy. Small amounts of this drug are excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially about: warfarin, drugs that may increase heart rate or blood pressure such as decongestants or caffeine (decongestants may be found in nonprescription cough-and-cold medicines), estrogen products (including estrogen-containing birth control pills), digoxin, diabetes medicines. Certain medicines may decrease absorption of this drug into your bloodstream. Therefore, take this 4 hours apart from: calcium or iron supplements, aluminum or calcium antacids, cholestyramine or colestipol, sucralfate or sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, headache, tremors, nervousness, stomach cramps, fever, chest pain, difficulty sleeping.

Notes

There are different generics of thyroid hormones available. Do not change generics without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Lab tests may be done periodically to monitor the effectiveness of this medication.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses in a row.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.