Generic Name: E: LEVOTHYROXINE (lee-voe-thye-ROX-een)

Drug Manufacturer: ABBOTT

Common Uses: This medicine is a thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use this Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 to 3 hours after eating. It is recommended that you take your dose 1 hour before breakfast unless otherwise directed by your doctor to avoid this problem. TRY TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time each day. THIS MEDICINE WORKS BEST when there is a constant level of the drug in your body. For children who cannot swallow whole tablets, crush the tablet and mix in 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 ml) of water, and give using a spoon or dropper as soon as possible after preparation. Do not store the mixture for later use. Do not mix crushed tablets in soybean infant formula. Consult your pharmacist for more information. Some medicines may decrease the absorption of this medicine into your bloodstream. Therefore, take this medicine 4 hours apart from calcium supplements, iron, antacids (those containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium), simethicone, cholestyramine, colestipol, sucralfate, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Certain foods may decrease the absorption of this medicine when taken at the same time. Take levothyroxine separately from soybean flour (soybean infant formula), walnuts, and dietary fiber. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: CONTINUOUS USE OF THIS MEDICINE FOR A FEW WEEKS may be necessary to relieve symptoms of your condition. SYMPTOMS OF LOW THYROID HORMONE 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 medicine. If they persist or become bothersome, notify your doctor promptly as your dose may need to be adjusted. Do not adjust your dose or stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. TELL THE DOCTOR OR DENTIST THAT YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE before you have emergency treatment or surgery. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS (e.g., thyroid function tests) while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes calcium or aluminum-containing antacids, iron preparations and cough-and-cold products, or diet aids. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because overuse may reduce the child's final adult height. Consult your doctor for more information. FOR WOMEN: INFORM YOUR DOCTOR if you become pregnant, as your dose may need to be adjusted. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.