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Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). The thyroid gland in the human body produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play a crucial role in regulating the body’s metabolism, energy production, and overall growth and development.
Levothyroxine is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This deficiency can lead to a range of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, hair loss, and depression. By providing the body with a synthetic version of thyroxine, levothyroxine helps restore normal thyroid hormone levels and alleviates the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
Levothyroxine is available in various brand names, such as Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Euthyrox, among others. It is usually taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules. The dosage of levothyroxine is determined by a healthcare provider based on factors such as the patient’s age, weight, severity of hypothyroidism, and other medical conditions.
It’s important to note that proper dosing and regular monitoring are crucial when taking levothyroxine. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can have significant effects on the body’s metabolism and overall health. Therefore, patients prescribed levothyroxine often undergo periodic blood tests to ensure that their thyroid hormone levels are within the appropriate range.
While levothyroxine is generally considered safe and effective, there are potential side effects and interactions with other medications. Common side effects may include headache, nervousness, increased appetite, and changes in menstrual cycle for some women. Interactions with certain medications or supplements can also affect its effectiveness or lead to adverse effects.
If you suspect you have a thyroid condition or are experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking levothyroxine or any other medication. Video Rating: / 5
In this video Doctor O’Donovan explains key facts you need to know about a medication called LEVOTHYROXINE (also known as Synthroid®, Levoxyl®, Unithyroid®, Tirosint® in the United States and Euthyrox® and Eltroxin in Europe) and how it is used to treat symptoms of HYPOTHYROIDISM (an under-active thyroid).
In the video we cover:
00:00 – Intro
00:46 – What is Levothyroxine?
01:11 – Who can and can’t take it?
01:54 – How and when to take it
03:01 – What to do if you miss a dose
03:40 – Side effects of levothyroxine
04:55 – Pregnancy and breastfeeding
05:23 – Interactions of levothyroxine with other medications
Key facts from the NHS website:
*Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of a hormone called thyroxine. It replaces thyroxine if your thyroid gland cannot produce it and prevents the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
*Levothyroxine starts working straight away, but it may be several weeks before your symptoms start to improve.
*The most common side effects of levothyroxine are caused by taking a bigger dose than you need. Your doctor can lower your dose to help reduce any side effects.
*Before you start taking levothyroxine, your doctor will do a blood test. *Once you start taking the medicine you’ll have regular blood tests to see how well it’s working.
*Levothyroxine doses need to be carefully monitored during pregnancy. If you’re planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, it’s important to talk to your doctor to get the right care for you and your baby.
Further information:
NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/levothyroxine/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levothyroxine-oral-route/description/drg-20072133
The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn’t designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.
Legal information:
Content provided via YouTube is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O’Donovan are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment. Video Rating: / 5
How To Take Synthroid Properly | Best Way To Take Levothyroxine Correctly | When To Take Thyroid Medication After Eating
Hey guys! This weeks video is all about how to take your thyroid medication properly to get the most out of it.
Levothyroxine is a medicine used to treat an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) which affects 1 in 70 women and 1 in 1,000 men in the UK.
The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormone which helps to control energy levels and growth. Levothyroxine is taken to replace the missing thyroid hormone.
KEY FACTS:
• Levothyroxine starts working straight away, but it may be several weeks before your symptoms start to improve.
• The most common side effects of levothyroxine are caused by taking a bigger dose than you need. Your doctor can lower your dose to help reduce any side effects.
• Before you start taking levothyroxine, your healthcare professional will do a blood test to see what dose you need. Once you start taking the medicine you’ll have regular blood tests to see how well it’s working.
HOW AND WHEN TO TAKE:
• Unless told otherwise by your prescriber or healthcare professional take levothyroxine once a day in the morning, ideally at least 30-60 minutes before having breakfast or a drink containing caffeine like tea or coffee.
• Both breakfast and caffeinated drinks can stop your body taking in levothyroxine properly so it doesn’t work as well.
• If you can’t take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach take levothyroxine at least 2 hours after eating food.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with levothyroxine. Levothyroxine should not be taken at the same time as indigestion remedies or preparations containing calcium or iron (which are contained in some vitamin products). These types of medicines reduce the amount of levothyroxine absorbed by your body. Leave at least 2-4 hours between taking your dose of levothyroxine and any such preparation.
• Soya interferes with thyroxine absorption, therefore if you are taking thyroxine you should try to avoid soya. If you wish to take soya, there should be as long a time interval as possible between eating the soya and taking the thyroxine.
• Avoid products such as kelp, as they may interfere with thyroid function & wellbeing. Kelp is derived from seaweed and is naturally high in iodine. Because of this it is sometimes marketed as a “thyroid booster” and can be purchased in dry preparations and tablets. As with iodine itself, it is of no health benefit to those with thyroid disease.
• Levothyroxine medication interactions link – https://bnf.nice.org.uk/interaction/levothyroxine.html (THIS LINK ONLY WORKS IF YOU LIVE IN THE UK.
-Here’s an alternative, pop in all your medicines and check for specific interactions- https://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.html
BLOOD TESTS:
Your healthcare professional will do regular blood tests to check the levels of thyroid hormones in your body before and after starting levothyroxine. These will allow your doctor to adjust your dose to suit you.
At the start of treatment you can expect to have blood tests often. Once your hormone levels are stable, you’ll usually have a blood test after 4 to 6 months, and after that once a year.
You may need blood tests more often if you:
• Are pregnant
• Start or stop a medicine that can interfere with levothyroxine
• Have any symptoms that could mean your dose is not quite right
MISSED DOSES:
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In which case just skip the forgotten dose. Do not take 2 doses together to make up for a missed dose.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
Want to see more videos about everything health and pharmacy? Let me know in the comments below. Subscribe for new videos ▶https://www.youtube.com/c/AbrahamThePharmacist
ABOUT ME:
Prescribing Media Pharmacist | Bringing Science Through New Film Every Monday | Extreme Optimist
I’m a British – Persian – Iranian prescribing media pharmacist who loves science, making videos and helping people. I work in both GP surgeries and community pharmacy.
DISCLAIMER:
This video is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Abraham The Pharmacist has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
