Are you also taking medication for hypothyroidism? Let's talk about Levothyroxine

Has your doctor told you that you have low thyroid hormone levels, which means you have hypothyroidism? If so, you may have been prescribed a medication called Levothyroxine. This is a very important medication that is used by many people in our country and around the world. So, you probably have a lot of questions about this medication. "How exactly do I take this?", "Before or after meals?", "What are the possible side effects?" Things like that. Don't worry, today we will talk about all this simply, like a friend to you.

Simply put, what is Levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone that is very similar to the thyroid hormone produced naturally by our body's thyroid gland. Doctors prescribe this medication to replace the hormone when your thyroid gland is not producing enough of it.

Think of it this way: thyroid hormones are like the engine that controls the speed of our body. They control many things in our body, including metabolism, which is the conversion of food into energy, body temperature, and heart rate. When this hormone is low, all the body's functions slow down. You may feel tired, sleepy, and cold. Levothyroxine works by bringing the low hormone levels back to normal and restoring normal body function.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before giving you Levothyroxine, your doctor will ask you a few questions. However, you should also remember to tell your doctor about these things. This medicine does not affect everyone the same.

• If you have Addison's disease or another problem with your adrenal glands.
• If you have chest pain like angina or other heart disease.
• If you have a condition like weak bones or osteoporosis.
• If you are on a special diet to lose weight .
• If you have fertility problems .
• If you have diabetes .
• If there is any problem with the pituitary gland .
• If you are taking medications such as Warfarin to prevent blood clots .
• If you have an allergy to levothyroxine, other thyroid hormones, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
• If you are breastfeeding your baby .

How to use the medicine correctly?

This is the most important part. To get the full benefit of the medicine, you need to use it correctly.

• Take on an empty stomach: Take the Levothyroxine tablet/capsule with a glass of water . It is best to take it on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to an hour before breakfast .
• Do not take with other medications: Some medications and supplements can interfere with the absorption of Levothyroxine. Therefore, do not take the following within 4 hours of taking this medication:

• Do not break or crush the capsule: The capsule that this medicine comes in should be swallowed whole. It should not be broken, chewed, or crushed.
• Take it at the same time every day: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as much as possible. Taking it in the morning is best.
• If you miss a dose: If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Other things to consider when taking the medicine

• Do not change the brand: Do not change the type (brand) of Levothyroxine you are using without your doctor's advice.
• Regular tests: Once you start this treatment, you will need to have regular blood tests to make sure your hormone levels are at the right levels. This is essential.
• It takes time to see results: You may not feel much difference right away when you start taking the medication. It may take a few weeks for your symptoms to subside and you to feel better. Be patient.
• Lifelong: In most cases, you will need to take this medication for the rest of your life. Never stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
• For people with diabetes: This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly.
• Hair loss: Some people experience some hair loss during the initial stages of treatment. Don't worry, this is usually temporary. It will go away over time.
• Before surgery: If you are going to have any surgery, be sure to tell your doctor that you are taking Levothyroxine.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Levothyroxine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Most of the time, these occur if the dose of the medicine is slightly too high for the body.

Levothyroxine, thyroxine, thyroid, hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid medication, side effects