Uses of Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine helps in replacing missing thyroid hormone and in all forms of underactive thyroid function (hypothyroidism) or after the removal of the thyroid gland.

Therapeutic Category

Levothyroxine: Synthetic Thyroid Hormone

How Levothyroxine works

Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone which is identical to natural occurring thyroid hormone thyroxine or T4, produced by the thyroid gland. Thyroxine regulates the production of another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which in turn controls how much thyroxine is produced. Levothyroxine sodium regulates TSH production in the same way and therefore, substitutes for a lack of endogenous thyroxine (produced by the thyroid gland). 

Common side effects of Levothyroxine

• Angina pain (pain in the chest, particularly when taking exercise e.g. walking up hill)
• Fever
• Intolerance to heat
• Mild hair loss seen in children
• In women-changes to your periods
• Irregular heart beats
• Palpitations (loud, thumping heartbeat)
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Tremor (shaking)
• Restlessness, excitability
• Insomnia, headache, flushing, sweating
• Loss of weight
• Rash, itching, oedema (fluid retention)
• Osteoporosis (bone loss)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• In case of accidental overdose or poisoning
• Sudden wheeziness, difficulty breathing, swelling of eyelids, face or lips, rash or itching, difficulty breathing
• Severe itching skin with raised lumps, joint pain, sensitivity to the sun, general feeling of being unwell

Health Tips for Levothyroxine

• Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Levothyroxine as it can increase the risk of side effects
• Regular exercise helps in managing hypothyroidism