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Euthyrox

(levothyroxine)

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

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Euthyrox?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Less common or rare:

• headache (severe) in children
• skin rash or hives

Signs of getting too much medication:

• chest pain
• confusion
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• mood swings
• muscle weakness
• psychosis
• restlessness (extreme)
• yellow eyes or skin
• shortness of breath

Signs of not getting enough medication:

• clumsiness
• coldness
• constipation
• dry, puffy skin
• listlessness
• muscle aches
• sleepiness
• tiredness
• weakness
• weight gain

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Euthyrox?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Diabetes: Levothyroxine raises blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, this may result in an increase in the requirements for insulin or anti-diabetes medications. Monitor your blood sugar more closely when starting or changing doses of this medication.

Heart disease: When starting levothyroxine, people with heart disease may be started on a lower dosage as it may cause the heart to work harder than it has been used to.

Breast-feeding: The use of appropriate amounts of this medication by breast-feeding women has not been shown to cause harm for nursing babies.

Pregnancy: When this medication is used to regulate the levels of thyroid hormone, treatment is considered necessary for pregnant women.

Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the effects of levothyroxine.

What other drugs could interact with Euthyrox?

There may be an interaction between levothyroxine and any of the following:

• antacids that contain aluminum
• anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin)
• anti-diabetes medications
• beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, propranolol)
• cholestyramine
• diet pills
• digoxin
• estrogens
• ferrous sulfate
• ketamine
• sucralfate
• sympathomimetic medications (e.g., amphetamines)
• theophyllines (e.g., aminophylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline)
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)
• warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

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