levothyroxine

Pronunciation:	LEE voe thye ROX een
Brand:	Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Tirosint, Unithroid

Euthyrox 0.1 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with 100 M

slide 1 of 86

Levothroid 0.025 mg cap

oblong, orange, imprinted with T 4, 25

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Levothroid 0.025 mg

round, orange, imprinted with LOGO, 25

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Levothroid 0.05 mg cap

oblong, white, imprinted with T 4, 50

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Levothroid 0.05 mg

round, white, imprinted with LOGO, 50

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Levothroid 0.075 mg cap

oblong, lavender, imprinted with T 4, 75

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Levothroid 0.075 mg

round, gray, imprinted with LOGO, 75

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Levothroid 0.088 mg cap

oblong, green, imprinted with T 4, 88

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Levothroid 0.088 mg

round, green, imprinted with LOGO, 88

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Levothroid 0.1 mg cap

oblong, yellow, imprinted with T 4, 100

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Levothroid 0.1 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with LOGO, 100

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Levothroid 0.112 mg cap

oblong, pink, imprinted with T 4, 112

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Levothroid 0.112 mg

round, pink, imprinted with LOGO, 112

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Levothroid 0.125 mg cap

oblong, brown, imprinted with T4, 125

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Levothroid 0.125 mg

round, purple, imprinted with LOGO, 125

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Levothroid 0.137 mg

round, blue, imprinted with LOGO, 137

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Levothroid 0.15 mg cap

oblong, blue, imprinted with T 4, 150

slide 17 of 86

Levothroid 0.15 mg

round, blue, imprinted with LOGO, 150

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Levothroid 0.175 mg cap

oblong, lavender, imprinted with T 4, 175

slide 19 of 86

Levothroid 0.175 mg

round, turquoise, imprinted with LOGO, 175

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Levothroid 0.2 mg cap

oblong, pink, imprinted with T 4, 200

slide 21 of 86

Levothroid 0.2 mg

round, pink, imprinted with LOGO, 200

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Levothroid 0.3 mg cap

oblong, green, imprinted with T 4, 300

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Levothroid 0.3 mg

round, green, imprinted with LOGO, 300

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Levothyroxine 0.025 mg-MYL

oblong, peach, imprinted with M, L 4

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Levothyroxine 0.05 mg-MYL

oblong, white, imprinted with M, L 5

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Levothyroxine 0.05 mg-URL

round, white, imprinted with 3912 V

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Levothyroxine 0.075 mg-MYL

oblong, purple, imprinted with M, L 6

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Levothyroxine 0.088 mg-MYL

oblong, green, imprinted with M, L 7

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Levothyroxine 0.1 mg-MYL

oblong, yellow, imprinted with M, L 8

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Levothyroxine 0.1 mg-SAN

oblong, yellow, imprinted with 100, GG 335

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Levothyroxine 0.1 mg-URL

round, yellow, imprinted with 3914 V

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Levothyroxine 0.112 mg-MYL

oblong, pink, imprinted with M, L 9

slide 33 of 86

Levothyroxine 0.112 mg-SAN

oblong, pink, imprinted with 112, GG 336

slide 34 of 86

Levothyroxine 0.125 mg-MYL

oblong, beige, imprinted with M, L 10

slide 35 of 86

Levothyroxine 0.125 mg-SAN

oblong, beige, imprinted with GG 337, 125

slide 36 of 86

Levothyroxine 0.125 mg-URL

round, peach, imprinted with 3919 V

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Levothyroxine 0.15 mg-MYL

oblong, turquoise, imprinted with M, L 11

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Levothyroxine 0.15 mg-SAN

oblong, blue, imprinted with 150, GG 338

slide 39 of 86

Levothyroxine 0.15 mg-URL

round, blue, imprinted with 3915 V

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Levothyroxine 0.175 mg-MYL

oblong, lavender, imprinted with M, L 12

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Levothyroxine 0.2 mg-MYL

oblong, red, imprinted with M, L 13

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Levothyroxine 0.2 mg-URL

round, pink, imprinted with 3915 V

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Levothyroxine 0.3 mg-MYL

oblong, dark green, imprinted with M, L 14

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Levothyroxine 137 mcg-MYL

oblong, blue, imprinted with M, L 15

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Levoxyl 0.025 mg

peanut, orange, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 25

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Levoxyl 0.05 mg

peanut, white, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 50, dp 59

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Levoxyl 0.075 mg

peanut, purple, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 75

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Levoxyl 0.088 mg

peanut, green, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 88

slide 49 of 86

Levoxyl 0.15 mg

oval, blue, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 150

slide 50 of 86

Levoxyl 0.175 mg

oval, turquoise, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 175

slide 51 of 86

Levoxyl 0.3 mg

oval, green, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 300

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Levoxyl 100 mcg

oval, yellow, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 100

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Levoxyl 112 mcg

oval, pink, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 112

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Levoxyl 125 mcg

oval, brown, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 125

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Levoxyl 137 mcg

oval, blue, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 137

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Levoxyl 200 mcg

oval, pink, imprinted with LEVOXYL, dp 200

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Synthroid 0.025 mg

round, orange, imprinted with FLINT, 25

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Synthroid 0.025 mg-ABB

round, orange, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 25

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Synthroid 0.05 mg

round, white, imprinted with FLINT, 50

slide 60 of 86

Synthroid 0.05 mg-ABB

round, white, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 50

slide 61 of 86

Synthroid 0.075 mg

round, lavender, imprinted with FLINT, 75

slide 62 of 86

Synthroid 0.075 mg-ABB

round, lavender, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 75

slide 63 of 86

Synthroid 0.088 mg

round, green, imprinted with FLINT, 88

slide 64 of 86

Synthroid 0.088 mg-ABB

round, green, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 88

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Synthroid 0.1 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with FLINT, 100

slide 66 of 86

Synthroid 0.1 mg-ABB

round, yellow, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 100

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Synthroid 0.112 mg

round, pink, imprinted with FLINT, 112

slide 68 of 86

Synthroid 0.112 mg-ABB

round, pink, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 112

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Synthroid 0.125 mg

round, beige, imprinted with FLINT, 125

slide 70 of 86

Synthroid 0.125 mg-ABB

round, beige, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 125

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Synthroid 0.137 mg

round, blue, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 137

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Synthroid 0.15 mg

round, blue, imprinted with FLINT, 150

slide 73 of 86

Synthroid 0.15 mg-ABB

round, blue, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 150

slide 74 of 86

Synthroid 0.175 mg

round, purple, imprinted with FLINT, 175

slide 75 of 86

Synthroid 0.175 mg-ABB

round, purple, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 175

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Synthroid 0.2 mg

round, pink, imprinted with FLINT, 200

slide 77 of 86

Synthroid 0.2 mg-ABB

round, pink, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 200

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Synthroid 0.3 mg-ABB

round, green, imprinted with SYNTHROID, 300

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Unithroid 0.025 mg

round, peach, imprinted with JSP, 513

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Unithroid 0.088 mg

round, green, imprinted with JSP, 561

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Unithroid 0.1 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with JSP, 516

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Unithroid 0.112 mg

round, pink, imprinted with JSP, 562

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Unithroid 0.15 mg

round, blue, imprinted with JSP, 520

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Unithroid 0.175 mg

round, lavender, imprinted with JSP, 563

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Unithroid 0.3 mg

round, green, imprinted with JSP, 523

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What is the most important information I should know about levothyroxine?

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take levothyroxine. You should not use this medication if you have had a heart attack, a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

Before you take levothyroxine, tell your doctor if you have a serious thyroid disorder (thyrotoxicosis), heart disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, anemia, problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands, a history of blood clots, if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you are having any symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling).

If you use insulin or take diabetes medicine by mouth, ask your doctor if your dose needs to be changed when you start using levothyroxine.

Different brands of levothyroxine may not work the same. If you get a prescription refill and your new pills look different, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.

It may take several weeks before your body starts to respond to this medication. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this medicine every day for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone your body cannot produce.

Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.

What is levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Levothyroxine is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

Levothyroxine treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levothyroxine is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.

Levothyroxine should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

Levothyroxine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking levothyroxine?

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take levothyroxine. However, you may not be able to take this medication if you have certain medical conditions.

To make sure you can safely take levothyroxine, tell your doctor if you have:

a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis;
heart disease, coronary artery disease, or a history of blood clots;
diabetes;
anemia (lack of red blood cells);
problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands;
an untreated or uncontrolled adrenal gland disorder; or
if you have recently had a heart attack, or are having any symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling).

If you use insulin or take diabetes medicine by mouth, ask your doctor if your dose needs to be changed when you start using levothyroxine.

FDA pregnancy category A. Levothyroxine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking levothyroxine, do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice. Having low thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.

Levothyroxine can pass into breast milk, but it is not expected to be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Your dose needs may be different while you are nursing.

In most cases, you will need to take levothyroxine for the rest of your life. Taking levothyroxine over long periods of time may cause bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. Talk with your doctor about how this could affect you.

How should I take levothyroxine?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

It is very important to take Levoxyl with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. The Levoxyl tablet can dissolve very quickly and swell in the throat, possibly causing choking or gagging.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before eating. Levothyroxine is usually taken in the morning. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions and try to take the medicine at the same time each day.

It may take several weeks before your body starts to respond to this medication. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Even if you feel well, you may still need to take this medicine every day for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone your body cannot produce.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your liver and kidney function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using levothyroxine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, pounding heartbeats, tremors, shortness of breath, leg cramps, confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures.

What should I avoid while taking levothyroxine?

Certain medicines can make levothyroxine less effective if taken at the same time. If you use any of the following drugs, avoid taking them within 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take levothyroxine:

calcium carbonate (Caltrate, Citracal, Oystercal, and others);
ferrous sulfate iron supplement;
sucralfate (Carafate);
sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate, Kionex, and others);
antacids that contain aluminum (Amphojel, Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, Riopan, Rulox, Tums, and others); and
cholesterol-lowering drugs cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid).

Do not change brands or change to a generic levothyroxine drug product without first asking your doctor. Different brands of levothyroxine may not work the same. If you get a prescription refill and your new pills look different, talk with your pharmacist or doctor.

Avoid the following food products, which can make your body absorb less levothyroxine: infant soy formula, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.

What are the possible side effects of levothyroxine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

headache;
sleep problems (insomnia);
feeling nervous or irritable;
fever, hot flashes, sweating;
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
changes in your menstrual periods; or
appetite changes, weight changes.

Less serious side effects may include mild hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect levothyroxine?

Tell your doctor if you have recently received radiation therapy with iodine (such as I-131).

Many other medicines can be affected by your thyroid hormone levels. Other medicine may also increase or decrease the effects of levothyroxine, or may interact with levothyroxine.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about levothyroxine.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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