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DescriptionsLevothyroxine injection is used to treat myxedema coma (severe hypothyroidism), a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The powder form of levothyroxine injection can be used as a substitute for the oral dose when a rapid effect is needed and when the oral route is not allowed. This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor. This product is available in the following dosage forms:
Before UsingIn deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered: AllergiesTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully. PediatricAppropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levothyroxine injection in the pediatric population. GeriatricAppropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levothyroxine injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart and blood vessel problems, which may require caution in patients receiving levothyroxine injection. BreastfeedingStudies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding. Drug InteractionsAlthough certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Other InteractionsCertain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive. Using this medicine with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Other Medical ProblemsThe presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Proper UseA nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins. You will receive a few doses of this medicine, then your doctor may switch you to an oral dosage form. DosingThe dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
PrecautionsIt is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects. This medicine may increase your risk of heart rhythm problems or heart attack. Check with your doctor right away if you have dizziness, fainting, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, chest pain or discomfort, or pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck. This medicine may cause new or worsening heart failure. Check with your doctor right away if you have more than one of these symptoms: chest pain, decreased urine output, dilated neck veins, extreme fatigue, irregular breathing, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, or weight gain. Levothyroxine should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for the purpose of losing weight. This medicine is ineffective for weight reduction and when taken in larger amounts may cause more serious medical conditions. Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention. Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Rare
Incidence not known
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Portions of this document last updated: Nov. 01, 2022 Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levothyroxine-injection-route/side-effects/drg-20072053 Copyright © 2022 IBM Watson Health. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. . What are the side effects of thyroid replacement medication?Advertisement. Chest pain, discomfort, or tightness.. decreased urine output.. difficult or labored breathing.. difficulty with swallowing.. dilated neck veins.. extreme fatigue.. fast, slow, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse.. heat intolerance.. What is the most significant adverse effect of thyroid drugs?The most dangerous effect is agranulocytosis, which occurs in 0.1 to 0.5% of patients. This life-threatening condition can now be effectively treated by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration.
Which problem is an adverse effect of levothyroxine?Tell your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms while you are taking levothyroxine: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, shortness of breath, or excessive sweating.
What is the most significant side effect of synthetic thyroid replacement medications?General: fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating. Central nervous system: headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia.
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