CD-ROM Today (UK) (Spanish) 15/CDRT.iso/dp/0320/03201.txt

Text File | 1994-01-17 | 6KB | 140 lines

$Unique_ID{BRK03201}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{levothyroxine}
$Subject{Levothroid R-P Roerer sodium Levoxine Daniels Boots Synthroid Thyroid
hormone levothyroxine hormones gland cancer enlarged}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Synthroid 0.025 mg*0320101.scf
Synthroid 0.05 mg*0320102.scf
Synthroid 0.1 mg*0320103.scf
Synthroid 0.15 mg*0320104.scf
Synthroid 0.2 mg*0320105.scf
Synthroid 0.3 mg*0320106.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


levothyroxine
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Levothroid (R-P Roerer)
     levothyroxine sodium (various manufacturers)
     Levoxine (Daniels)
     Synthroid (Boots)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Thyroid hormone

INGREDIENT

     levothyroxine

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (0.025 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.088 mg, 0.1 mg, 0.112 mg, 0.125
mg, 0.15 mg, 0.175 mg, 0.2 mg, and 0.3 mg)

STORAGE

     Levothyroxine tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     Levothyroxine is prescribed to replace natural thyroid hormones that are
absent because of a disorder of the thyroid gland.  It is also used to help
decrease the size of enlarged thyroid glands and to treat thyroid cancer.
This product is prepared synthetically (artificially) but is exactly like the
natural thyroid hormone that is produced by the human body.

TREATMENT

     Levothyroxine tablets should be taken on an empty stomach with a full
glass of water.  If the drug upsets your stomach, ask your doctor if you can
take it with food or milk.
     In order to get used to taking this drug, try to take it at the same time
each day.  Try not to miss any doses.  If you do miss a dose of this drug,
take it as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In
that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular
dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.  If you miss more than one or
two doses, contact your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation; dry, puffy skin; fatigue; headache; listlessness; or weight
gain.  These effects are symptoms of an underactive thyroid.  They should
disappear after your body adjusts to the medication.  It could take several
weeks for the medication to take effect.  Consult your doctor if these
symptoms persist.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  Most of the major side effects associated with this
drug are the result of too large a dose.  The dosage of this medication may
need to be adjusted if you experience any of the following side effects:
chest pain, diarrhea, fever, heat intolerance, insomnia, irritability, leg
cramps, menstrual irregularities, muscle aches, nervousness, palpitations,
shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, or weight loss.  CHECK WITH YOUR
DOCTOR.

INTERACTIONS

     Levothyroxine interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Dosing requirements for digoxin, insulin, or oral antidiabetic agents
may change when levothyroxine is used.
     2. The effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin)
may be increased by levothyroxine, which could lead to bleeding complications.
     3. Cholestyramine and colestipol prevent the body's absorption of
levothyroxine.  At least four hours should separate doses of levothyroxine and
one of these drugs.
     4. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and estrogen-containing
drugs may change dosage requirements.
     5. Phenobarbital may decrease the effects of levothyroxine; but tricyclic
antidepressants and over-the-counter (nonprescription) allergy, asthma, cough,
cold, sinus, and diet medications may increase its side effects.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to thyroid hormone, levothyroxine, or liothyronine
or to any other substances such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had angina
pectoris, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney
disease, or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.
     * If you have an underactive thyroid gland, you may need to take this
medication for life.  You should not stop taking it unless you first check
with your doctor.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking levothyroxine.
     * Over-the-counter allergy, asthma, cough, cold, sinus, and diet
medications can increase the side effects of levothyroxine.  Therefore, check
with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ANY of these products.
     * Although many thyroid products are on the market, they are not all
bioequivalent; that is, they may not all be absorbed into the bloodstream at
the same rate or have the same overall activity.  DON'T CHANGE BRANDS of this
drug without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you are
receiving an equivalent product.
     * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type reactions (fainting, rash,
difficulty in breathing) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Levothyroxine does not readily
cross the placenta, and the drug appears to be safe during pregnancy.
However, your dosing of levothyroxine may change during pregnancy.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.