Medications and Drugs
Brand Names: Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, UnithroidGeneric Name: levothyroxine (Pronunciation: LEE voe thye ROX een)
What is levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid)?Levothyroxine is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Levothyroxine is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own. Levothyroxine treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levothyroxine is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer. Levothyroxine should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems. Levothyroxine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. What are the possible side effects of levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid)?Stop using levothyroxine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
Less serious side effects may include mild hair loss. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. What is the most important information I should know about levothyroxine (Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid)?Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take levothyroxine. You should not use this medication if you have had a heart attack, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, coronary artery disease, anemia (lack of red blood cells), diabetes, problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands, or a history of blood clots. If you use insulin or take diabetes medicine by mouth, ask your doctor if your dose needs to be changed when you start using levothyroxine. Different brands of levothyroxine may not work the same. If you get a prescription refill and your new pills look different, talk with your pharmacist or doctor. It may take several weeks before your body starts to respond to this medication. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this medicine every day for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone your body cannot produce. There are many other medicines that can affect levothyroxine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. (Page 1 of 3) |
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Brand Names:
Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid
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Generic Name:
levothyroxine
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Thyroid Nodules Overview
- Nodules are simply lumps which are either solid or fluid-filled. The main function of the thyroid gland in the neck is to make thyroid hormone, which is essential for normal growth and metabolism.
- Autopsy studies have revealed that up to 50% of all adults die carrying at least one thyroid nodule. These people may or may not have been aware of the presence of their thyroid nodules.
- Thyroid nodules are found more commonly as people age.
- Most of these thyroid nodules are benign and not cancerous.
- Only 5% of all thyroid nodules will be discovered to be thyroid cancer.
- Finding cancer in a thyroid nodule is more likely in a person under the age of 30 or over the age of 60.
- However, it is important to remember that only a small percentage of people with thyroid cancer die as a result of their thyroid cancer.
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