is levothyroxine a peptide FAQ

Levothyroxine provides a source of thyroid hormone in people who may not make enough on their own. Levothyroxine may also be used for thyroid cancer. Taking it tells the thyroid gland to stop producing its own hormones, which can help stop the growth of thyroid cancer.

The most common side effects of levothyroxine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Levothyroxine interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking levothyroxine.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take levothyroxine.

Levothyroxine is commonly used for the following.

It is important to take levothyroxine the same way each day. It should be taken on an empty stomach. Most levothyroxine products should be taken at least one-half to one hour before your first meal of the day. You may be able to take some liquid levothyroxine products as close as 15 minutes before eating. Follow any specific instructions given to you about separating levothyroxine from food. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about when to take your levothyroxine. Certain foods may affect the amount of levothyroxine that is absorbed into the body. Talk with your health care provider about how the following foods can affect your blood levels of levothyroxine.

Oral Tablets. Levothyroxine tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Protect tablets from light and moisture. Oral Capsules. Levothyroxine capsules should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). They can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting them. Protect capsules from heat, light, and moisture. Oral Liquid. Levothyroxine liquid should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Protect the liquid from light. Follow all instructions about keeping the liquid in the container and about when you should throw any unused liquid away after opening the bottle or pouch.

While less common, the most serious side effects of levothyroxine are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Levothyroxine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking levothyroxine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

If you or someone else has used too much levothyroxine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Do not take levothyroxine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. You should not use levothyroxine to lose weight or for obesity. Do not share levothyroxine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. If you need to measure a dose of the levothyroxine liquid, use an accurate measuring device. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a good measuring device. Some levothyroxine liquid may come in small individual containers that do not require any measuring. These containers should stay in the pouch until you are ready to take a dose. Follow any “Instructions for Use” that come with your liquid levothyroxine about mixing with water or other liquids. Do not open, chew, cut, or crush levothyroxine capsules. They should be swallowed whole. Keep levothyroxine out of the reach of children. People who are elderly may be at greater risk of some side effects of levothyroxine. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are 65 years of age or older. You may notice hair loss while taking levothyroxine, especially when you first start taking it. This is rare, and the hair loss is usually temporary. Certain medicines can change how much levothyroxine gets into your blood. You may need to separate some medicines by about four hours before or after levothyroxine. Talk to your health care provider about all of the medicines you take. See the Drug Interactions section for more details. It can take several weeks for the full effect of levothyroxine to be seen. Do not stop taking or change your dose of levothyroxine without talking to your health care provider. Levothyroxine is usually taken long-term.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if levothyroxine is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.