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$Title{LEVOTHYROXINE}
$Subject{Levothroid (USV)
Levoxine (Daniels)
Synthroid (Flint)
Synthrox (Vortech)
Syroxine (Major)}
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Synthroid 0.1*0200003.scf
Synthroid 0.15*0200004.scf
Synthroid 0.2*0200005.scf
Synthroid 0.3*0200006.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


LEVOTHYROXINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Levothroid (USV)
     Levoxine (Daniels)
     Synthroid (Flint)
     Synthrox (Vortech)
     Syroxine (Major)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Thyroid hormone
INGREDIENT:
     levothyroxine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (0.025 mg, 0.05 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.1 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.  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 medication, try to take it at the
same time each day.  Try not to miss any doses.  If you do miss a dose of this
medication, take it as soon as you remember, 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 side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

     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 chemically bind levothyroxine in the
gastrointestinal tract, preventing its absorption.  Therefore, at least four
hours should separate doses of levothyroxine and one of these medications.
     4. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and estrogen-containing
drugs may change dosage requirements for levothyroxine.
     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.
     * 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 (nonprescription) 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.
     * Be sure to 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 requirements 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.
