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Eltroxin

(levothyroxine)

In this factsheet:
• How does Eltroxin work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Eltroxin?
• What form(s) does Eltroxin come in?
• Who should NOT take Eltroxin?
• What side effects are possible with Eltroxin?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Eltroxin?
• What other drugs could interact with Eltroxin?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Eltroxin work? What will it do for me?

Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone supplement used to treat people who do not produce enough thyroid hormone on their own. Levothyroxine helps to reduce the symptoms of low thyroid hormone such as weight gain, sensitivity to cold, lack of energy, and dry skin. It may take several weeks for this medication to have a noticeable effect on your condition.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Eltroxin?

The dose of levothyroxine depends on how much of the hormone is needed to bring blood levels back to the normal range. This is determined by blood tests that are done in a laboratory. The starting dose will depend on the general physical condition of the person taking the medication and the severity and duration of time that symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels have been present.

You should take this medication once a day at the same time every day to ensure a consistent effect.

Signs that you may be getting too much thyroid hormone may include chest pain, increased heart rate, palpitations, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, and nervousness. If you think your dose of thyroid hormone may be too high, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

This medication is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does this medication come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Eltroxin come in?

50 µg
Each white, round, scored tablet engraved with "50" on one side contains 50 µg of levothyroxine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia powder, cornstarch, lactose, and magnesium stearate.

100 µg
Each yellow, round, scored tablet engraved with "100" on one side contains 100 µg of levothyroxine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia powder, colorcon yellow, cornstarch, lactose, and magnesium stearate.

150 µg
Each blue, round, scored tablet engraved with "150" on one side contains 150 µg of levothyroxine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia powder, colorcon blue, cornstarch, lactose, and magnesium stearate.

200 µg
Each pink, round, scored tablet engraved with "200" on one side contains 200 µg of levothyroxine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia powder, cornstarch, erythrosine, lactose, magnesium stearate.

300 µg
Each green, round, scored tablet engraved with "300" on one side contains 300 µg of levothyroxine. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acacia powder, colorcon green, cornstarch, lactose, and magnesium stearate.

Who should NOT take Eltroxin?

Levothyroxine should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to levothyroxine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is having a heart attack
• has acute thyrotoxicosis (too much thyroid hormone in their system)
• has uncorrected adrenal insufficiency

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