Are you feeling tired, lethargic, or gaining weight? This could be due to a decrease in the amount of hormones produced by your thyroid gland. This condition is medically known as hypothyroidism. So, a shot called Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone that is given to replace the naturally low thyroid hormone in your body. It's like putting a new battery in a dead car.
What is Levothyroxine? Let's understand it simply.
Simply put, Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone that is similar to the hormone produced by our own thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones control many important functions in our body, such as metabolism, which is the process of converting food into energy, body temperature, and heart rate.
So when this hormone is low (Hypothyroidism), many functions in the body start to slow down. That's when doctors decide to give a medicine called Levothyroxine, in some severe cases as an injection. This is done to bring the low hormone levels back to normal.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting levothyroxine treatment, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. This is because some medical conditions require special care when using this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed in the table below.
| Do you have these conditions? |
|---|
| Addison's disease or another adrenal gland problem. |
| Chest pain related to a heart attack (Angina). |
| Bone problems (e.g. osteoporosis). |
| Engaging in a weight loss program or following a special diet. |
| Fertility problems. |
| Any type of heart disease. |
| Diabetes or high blood sugar levels. |
| A problem related to the pituitary gland. |
| Taking medication to prevent or treat blood clots (e.g. Warfarin). |
| Having an allergic reaction to levothyroxine, other thyroid hormones, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant. |
| Breastfeeding the baby. |
How is this vaccine given?
Levothyroxine injection is not usually something you can use at home. It is given into a muscle or vein by a trained doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic .
This vaccine can be given to young children and even newborns in some special cases. However, special precautions are followed. Your doctor will explain this to you.
What to do if you overdose?
Since this is given in a hospital setting, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you think you may have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This is an emergency and it is important to act quickly.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking any other medications, vitamins, herbal products, or supplements, you should tell your doctor about them. Some medications can interact with Levothyroxine and increase or decrease its effectiveness. Below are some of these medications.
| Type of medicine / substance | Description |
|---|---|
| Amiodarone, Carbamazepine, Ketamine, Lithium, Methadone, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin, Warfarin, Theophylline | Medicines for various medical conditions. |
| Some medications for depression | For mental health issues. |
| Some medications for cancer | To control cancer cells. |
| Female hormones (Estrogens) | Birth control pills, patches, injections, etc. |
| Medications for diabetes | To control blood sugar levels. |
| Soy isoflavones | Foods and supplements containing soy. |
| Types of Steroids | Ex: Prednisone, Cortisone. |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
Things to consider when undergoing treatment
- Regular check-ups: After you start this treatment, you will need to have regular medical check-ups and blood tests to see how your body is responding to the treatment.
- Be patient: It can take a few weeks for symptoms to improve. So don't panic. If your symptoms don't improve, talk to your doctor.
- Lifelong: You may need to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Never stop taking it without your doctor's advice.
- If you have diabetes: If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. Therefore, check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor.
- Hair loss: Some people may experience some hair loss during the initial stages of treatment. Don't worry, this is usually temporary and will go away over time.
- Before surgery: If you are having any surgery, be sure to tell your surgeon that you are taking Levothyroxine.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, Levothyroxine can cause some side effects. Most of these occur if the hormone levels are slightly higher than the body needs.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Mental changes | Anxiety, nervousness. |
| Changes in heart rate | Rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Excessive sweating, fever, severe abdominal distension, trembling hands, insomnia. |
| For women | Irregular monthly menstrual cycle. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Changes in appetite | Temporary hair loss |
| Headache | Nausea |
Take-Home Message
- Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone that is given to replace the body's naturally decreased thyroid hormone.
- This vaccine is only given in a hospital or clinic.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- If you experience side effects during treatment, especially rapid heartbeat and chest pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- Never stop treatment without your doctor's advice. Attending regular checkups can help you stay healthy.
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