Levotiroxina: MedlinePlus-medicin (2023)

FAQs

Levotiroxina: MedlinePlus-medicin? ›

Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism (condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone). It is also used with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy to treat thyroid cancer. Levothyroxine is in a class of medications called hormones.

Levothyroxine is a medicine used to treat an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). The thyroid gland makes thyroid hormones which help to control energy levels and growth. Levothyroxine is taken to replace the missing thyroid hormone thyroxine. Levothyroxine is only available on prescription.

Popular brand names for levothyroxine (T4) include but are not limited to Synthroid®, Levoxyl®, Unithyroid®, Tirosint® in the United States and Euthyrox® and Eltroxin® in Europe.

Common side effects of levothyroxine include fluctuations in weight, mood, appetite, body temperature, tiredness, and menstrual cycle. Some patients experience autoimmune problems when taking it, so it's wise to seek individualized treatment.

Common side effects of levothyroxine include heat intolerance, a fast heart rate, and diarrhea. More serious levothyroxine side effects are also possible. If you experience side effects like tremors or mood changes, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you can.

Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is also used to help decrease the size of enlarged thyroid glands (also called a goiter) and to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid hormone affects virtually every organ system in the body, including the heart, CNS, autonomic nervous system, bone, GI, and metabolism.

While undertreatment with levothyroxine can lead to weight gain, overtreatment can result in weight loss as well as adverse effects including bone and muscle loss and heart problems, especially arrhythmias. Once the excess hormone is stopped (that is, the dose is adjusted downward), the weight is typically regained.

Levothyroxine is not effective for 100% of people who take it for hypothyroidism. Some other medications or supplements may help manage your symptoms, though not all alternatives are FDA approved. Make sure to talk with your health care provider or your pharmacist before taking an alternative to levothyroxine.

Experts consider levothyroxine to be the first-choice medication for treating hypothyroidism. This is because it works well and doesn't have too many side effects. Levothyroxine is generally preferred over medications like Armour Thyroid.

What foods to avoid with levothyroxine? ›

Abusing levothyroxine to lose weight or increase physical energy is not a common practice, but it does occur, especially among athletes. This group is more likely to abuse drugs like this to fool drug tests while getting benefits similar to those of stimulants.

For people with heart problems: Levothyroxine can increase your risk of serious heart problems, such as heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm, and heart failure. This risk is increased if you've already had these problems. Tell your doctor if you have heart problems or a history of heart problems.

According to the Mayo Clinic, supplements such as calcium, iron, multivitamins containing iron, and antacids containing magnesium or aluminum can potentially have interactions with thyroid medications. They should be taken several hours before or after your thyroid medication to avoid an interaction.

High levels of levothyroxine can speed up bone loss, essentially replicating what would happen if you were hyperthyroid. As you age, your thyroid requirements change, so a dose right for you in your 40s may be too high when you reach your 60s. Lifelong monitoring is needed to keep your thyroid hormone levels balanced.

Levothyroxine-induced liver injury is a rare and reversible adverse effect. Clinical vigilance is required when initiating the drug. Triiodothyronine is an appropriate alternative to levothyroxine in treating such cases.

Levothyroxine is generally well-tolerated, but it still has the potential to cause side effects. Heat intolerance, sweating, and diarrhea have been reported, especially when you're first starting the medication or changing doses.

Doctors treat hypothyroidism with thyroxine, which boosts low levels of thyroid hormones to relieve the symptoms of the condition. At the correct dose, it is an effective treatment for many people. However, if someone is taking more than they need, they can experience side effects, including: inability to sleep.

In conclusion, bedtime intake of levothyroxine in our study significantly improved thyroid hormone levels. This may be explained by better gastrointestinal bioavailability at night or by less uptake interference by food or medications. As shown in this study, bedtime administration is more convenient for many patients.

This is especially true in patients with heart failure. While levothyroxine replacement may improve heart failure, it is possible that in this group it could have harmful effects, especially if the levothyroxine dose is too high.

What is the main cause of thyroid problems? ›

Problems with the thyroid can be caused by: iodine deficiency. autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the thyroid, leading either to hyperthyroidism (caused by Graves' disease) or hypothyroidism (caused by Hashimoto's disease) inflammation (which may or may not cause pain), caused by a virus or ...

With thyroid fatigue, you may feel like you can't get through a day without a nap. You may sleep more than usual but still feel completely exhausted. You may not even have the energy to exercise. At times, you may fall asleep during the day or very quickly at night.

Once your thyroid levels are normal again, this medication should have no effect on your weight. Levothyroxine should not be used to treat obesity or for weight loss.

When you start taking thyroid medication like levothyroxine, don't expect instant weight loss. The first barrier is getting the right dose of thyroid medication. Once you have reached your ideal dose, you may notice some weight loss after around three to six months of continuous use.

Extreme tiredness is a commonly reported side effect of Levothyroxine. Many people begin treatment but feel no better after starting medication, which may be because they are experiencing this effect.

Side Effects of Thyroid Medication

Increased sweating. Mood swings/irritability. Nervousness. Fatigue.

Thyroid hormones help cells function and are also involved in their breakdown. They also help regulate our moods, reproductive function, metabolism, and gastrointestinal function. Levothyroxine is generally taken life-long when used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels) unless the cause is transient.

Who shouldn't take levothyroxine? Levothyroxine should not be taken by: people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). people who are allergic to any ingredients of the medicine, for example lactose.

Yes, levothyroxine, the main treatment for a sluggish thyroid gland, may cause hair loss in addition to other side effects. You may experience partial hair loss in the first few months of treatment, but this usually resolves and hair growth goes back to normal within a short time.

Can hypothyroidism go away? ›

An underactive thyroid is a lifelong condition, so you'll usually need to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life.

Fatty Foods Such as Butter, Meat, and All Things Fried

Fats may also interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormone as well. Some healthcare professionals recommend that you cut out all fried foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.

Fruits: Apples, Pears and Citrus

Apples, pears, plums and citrus fruits are abundant with pectins, which help with detoxifying the body of mercury – one of the most critical metals that have been connected to thyroid problems.

Conclusion: In spite of receiving treatment with levothyroxine, women with hypothyroidism are more likely to have depression and anxiety.

Eye problems, known as thyroid eye disease or Graves' ophthalmopathy, affect around 1 in 4 people with an overactive thyroid caused by Graves' disease. Problems can include: eyes feeling dry and gritty. sensitivity to light.

A 2020 review of studies in Clinical Endocrinology found that people who took levothyroxine before bedtime had significant increases in their free T4 level compared to those who took it in the morning.

No interactions were found between levothyroxine and Vitamin D3.

You should take calcium and iron supplements at least three to four hours after levothyroxine to avoid reduced drug absorption.

Taking Your Thyroid Medication With Meals and Snacks

The synthetic thyroid hormone won't be absorbed properly unless you take it on an empty stomach and wait 45 to 60 minutes afterward before eating, Bianco says.

Is levothyroxine safe for kidneys? ›

There is some evidence to suggest that levothyroxine treatment of SCH provides clinical benefit by improving renal function and delaying disease progression in certain subpopulations with CKD in studies conducted outside of the United States [10, 13].

If you miss your dose of synthetic thyroid hormone (Levothyroxine), don't panic. Supplemental T4 hormone circulates in your blood for several days, so one missed dose won't harm you.

Stopping levothyroxine usually leads to the return of hypothyroidism symptoms. In the review mentioned above, only about 12% of people with overt hypothyroidism were able to stop their thyroid medications successfully. If you've had your thyroid completely removed, you'll need thyroid medications for life.

Central nervous system: headache,hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia. Musculoskeletal: tremors, muscle weakness, muscle spasm.

Not taking your hypothyroid or hyperthyroid medication can cause undesirable, dangerous, and even life-threatening conditions, ranging from fatigue and changes in blood pressure to death. If you are feeling conflicted about your thyroid medication, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Levothyroxine is commonly used in the treatment of patients with hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is often administered in the morning, on an empty stomach, to increase its absorption.

A number of drugs have been shown to impair the absorption of levothyroxine; these drugs include calcium carbonate, aluminum- containing antacids, sucralfate, iron supplements, cholestyramine, sevelamer, and, possibly, ciprofloxacin, raloxifene, and orlistat.

An underactive thyroid is a lifelong condition, so you'll usually need to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life. If you're prescribed levothyroxine because you have an underactive thyroid, you're entitled to a medical exemption certificate. This means you do not have to pay for your prescriptions.

A person can go for many years without thyroid hormones. Indeed, people often go undiagnosed for decades despite suffering from hypothyroid symptoms.

Can you stop taking thyroid medication once you start? ›

If you suddenly stop your thyroid medication, you may be at risk of potentially serious symptoms, including: Blood pressure changes. Fatigue, muscle weakness or joint pain. Depression.

No interactions were found between levothyroxine and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

In studies, coffee reduced the body's absorption of thyroid medications by about 30%. That's why experts recommend that you wait at least 60 minutes between drinking coffee and taking thyroid medication.

What is a good breakfast for people with hypothyroidism? Eggs are a healthy breakfast for people with hypothyroidism. Eggs are a lean protein containing iodine and selenium—nutrients necessary for thyroid health. Pair with toast and sliced avocado for a nutrient-dense, satisfying breakfast.

You feel more tired while taking Levothyroxine because the hormones in your body have been effectively reduced. Thyroxine is produced by the thyroid and is responsible for activating metabolic processes, energy production, and many other functions in your body.