Levothyroxine is a medication used in the treatment of thyroid hormone deficiency, including hypothyroidism. While it is a safe and effective treatment, it can cause side effects, both short term and long term.
Common short term side effects of levothyroxine include nausea, insomnia, anxiety, muscle cramps, increased appetite, weight loss, heart palpitations, fatigue, excessive sweating, headaches, and heat intolerance.
Long term side effects may include bone loss, a tighter feeling in the throat, an irregular heartbeat, weakened immunity, poor blood sugar control, hair loss, dry skin, and difficulty concentrating. It can also affect the menstrual cycle in women, resulting in irregular periods.
Additionally, over long-term use, levothyroxine may raise the risk of developing heart disease, kidney stones, and an enlarged thyroid (goiter).
It is important to discuss potential side effects with a doctor before beginning or continuing to take levothyroxine. If any of the aforementioned side effects occur, contact a healthcare provider.
What is the downside to taking levothyroxine?
There are potential side effects associated with taking levothyroxine, some of which may be more severe than others. Most commonly, people taking levothyroxine may experience headache, increased hunger, insomnia, tremors, and nervousness.
They may also experience changes in their hair, skin, and nails, as well as changes in their menstrual cycle.
More serious, but rare, side effects of levothyroxine include chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, decreased appetite, blurred vision, and joint pain. In some cases, levothyroxine may cause an allergic reaction, which may result in difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives, and swelling.
If any of these side effects occur, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
Taking too much or too little levothyroxine can also have serious implications. Symptoms of taking too much levothyroxine may include nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, and rapid or irregular heartbeat.
For those taking too little, symptoms may include tiredness, depression, constipation, and weight gain. If you think that you are taking more or less than prescribed, it is important to contact your doctor to find out if you need adjustment.
It is also crucial to note that different people may experience different side effects, and it is important to consult your doctor if you experience anything abnormal while taking levothyroxine.
Why was levothyroxine taken off the market?
The thyroid medication levothyroxine was taken off the market due to reports of adverse reactions in some patients. Two of the possible side effects reported were problems with the heart and liver, which can be serious and potentially dangerous.
Additionally, levothyroxine was found to interact with a few common drugs, including some blood pressure medications, and this could lead to further complications. As such, it was decided that it was in the best interest of public health and safety to take the medication off the market in order to avoid these potential adverse reactions.
In some cases, physicians are able to prescribe an alternative medication, but in many cases, the best course of action is to help patients manage their conditions using diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Can levothyroxine damage your heart?
No, levothyroxine typically does not damage the heart. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone that is used to treat conditions such as hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. It helps regulate the body’s metabolism and energy levels and keeps the heart, bones, digestive system, and muscles functioning properly.
Although all medications have the potential to have side effects, levothyroxine has not been linked to any significant damage or abnormalities related to the heart. However, if you are experiencing any irregular or concerning heart issues while taking levothyroxine, it is important to discuss this with your doctor and look into other possible causes.
If you have any pre-existing heart conditions, you should always inform your doctor before taking a medication like levothyroxine to ensure that it is safe for you to take.
Is there a natural replacement for levothyroxine?
No, there is no natural replacement for levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the natural thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4), and it is the most commonly prescribed medication for the treatment of hypothyroidism.
It is available in generic and brand-name versions and works to replace the missing thyroid hormone in order to normalize hormone levels. While there are natural forms of thyroid hormone such as desiccated thyroid, synthetic levothyroxine is much more effective and reliable than desiccated thyroid.
Additionally, desiccated thyroid may contain other hormones from the animal source, and has varying doses of T4, which can make dosing challenging and potentially problematic. Therefore, for proper and consistent thyroid hormone replacement therapy, levothyroxine is the only approved and reliable form of treatment.
Has levothyroxine been recalled by the FDA?
No, levothyroxine has not been recalled by the FDA as of June 2020. Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone used to treat people with hypothyroidism, a condition caused by an underactive thyroid gland. The FDA approved levothyroxine in 1983 and has continued to monitor its use and effectiveness since then.
In 2015, the FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication about levothyroxine, noting that the drug may not be adequately controlling symptoms of hypothyroidism in some people, and that the drug may need to be adjusted or switched to a different type of thyroid hormone product.
However, the FDA concluded that levothyroxine was safe and effective when used as directed and that there was no need to recall the drug from the market.
Is levothyroxine still available?
Yes, levothyroxine is still available and widely prescribed by doctors. It is the most commonly used medication for treating an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the active form of thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4).
It is taken orally, usually in tablet form, and is used to replace or supplement the body’s own thyroid hormone. The dosage and length of treatment varies widely, depending on the patient’s condition, age, and body weight.
Levothyroxine is generally considered to be a safe and effective medication and is available as both a generic and brand name version. It is available in multiple doses and can be purchased in pharmacies, as well as online.
Talk to your doctor if you think levothyroxine could help your condition.
Why was thyroid medication recalled?
In March 2020, a large number of batches of thyroid medication, including levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone, were recalled by multiple pharmaceutical companies due to quality concerns.
The medications may have contained flawed ingredients or impurities, resulting in the recalls. Due to the widespread nature of the recalls, some patients may have experienced difficulties in obtaining their medications or substitutes.
The recalls were triggered by investigations by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) into allegations that some suppliers had falsified reports and misled the agency about testing and other quality requirements for the drugs.
Numerous recalls were issued for brands manufactured by Sandoz, Mylan, and Endo Pharmaceuticals, among others. The FDA emphasized that the risk of serious side effects from taking the recalled medications was low, but that patients who had taken it should contact their healthcare provider.
It is important to note that the recalls do not reflect any manufacturing problems with companies that make thyroid medication, but rather compliance issues. The affected products came from a few suppliers who may have failed to meet the required standards for quality and purity for the medication – and in some cases, the suppliers may have misled the FDA about the quality of the product.
Is levothyroxine just as good as Synthroid?
Levothyroxine and Synthroid are both medications used to treat an underactive thyroid. Both are synthetic forms of the hormone thyroxine, also known as T4. Generally, levothyroxine is as effective as Synthroid in treating hypothyroidism and restoring normal thyroid hormone levels in the blood.
Both medications work by replacing the hormone that is lacking in the body and helping to reach balance.
However, it is important to note that Synthroid and levothyroxine are not interchangeable and should not be used interchangeably without doctor approval. Although similar, the medications contain different amounts of the active ingredient, levothyroxine sodium.
The amount of levothyroxine sodium in Synthroid is higher than in other generic forms of levothyroxine, suggesting that Synthroid may be more effective in some people. Therefore, if you take levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, your doctor may provide specific instructions about which brand to use.
Is levothyroxine a high risk medication?
No, levothyroxine is generally not considered a high risk medication. Levothyroxine is a synthetically produced form of the hormone thyroxine, which is used to treat hypothyroidism. It is one of the most widely prescribed medications available in the United States and is considered safe and effective.
That being said, it can have serious side effects in some patients. Common side effects of levothyroxine include headaches, insomnia, and changes in appetite. It may also cause an increase in blood pressure in some individuals.
Additionally, there are interactions between levothyroxine and a number of other drugs, so it’s important to discuss this potential risk with your doctor before taking it. It is also important to make sure you take the medication correctly and do not miss doses.
With the proper monitoring, levothyroxine is generally safe and does not pose an overly high risk.
Why does levothyroxine have a black box warning?
Levothyroxine has a black box warning because it can be dangerous when not taken as prescribed. Too much of the hormone, thyroid hormone, can result in unexpected and life-threatening side effects. These can include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, confusion, fever, and even coma.
Too little of the hormone, on the other hand, can result in a decreased ability to think, memory problems, fatigue, dry skin, and constipation. Therefore, it is extremely important for people taking this medication to be monitored closely by their healthcare provider and take the medication exactly as prescribed.
This black box warning is to alert and educate health care providers and patients of this serious potential risk, and to ensure appropriate use of the medication.
Is Synthroid safer than levothyroxine?
While both Synthroid and levothyroxine are synthetic forms of the hormone thyroxine (T4), there is not enough data available to reliably determine which is safer than the other. However, there is evidence that levothyroxine may be a better choice of medication for people who have certain heart problems or low adrenal function.
This is because levothyroxine contains only thyroxine and no other ingredients, while Synthroid contains thyroxine and other inactive ingredients. Those additional ingredients might pose a risk for some people with health conditions.
Ultimately, it is best to speak with your doctor about which medication is best for you and your unique needs.
What is the most significant adverse effect of thyroid drugs?
The most significant adverse effect of thyroid drugs is hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
This can cause a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, depression, constipation, cold intolerance, weight gain, and dry skin. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, infertility, and stroke.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine if thyroid medication is right for you and to find the right dose to minimize side effects. Other potential adverse effects of thyroid drugs include hair loss, nausea, muscle weakness, and headache.
In some cases, thyroid drugs can also cause an increase in symptoms such as anxiety, heart palpitations, and insomnia.
What are the signs and symptoms of overmedication with levothyroxine?
The signs and symptoms of overmedication with levothyroxine can be similar to those caused by an underactive thyroid and can include a rapid heart rate, weight loss, increased sensitivity to heat, increased sweating, nervousness, a feeling of being overly energetic, irritability, difficulty sleeping, tremor, and headaches.
Other signs and symptoms of overmedication with levothyroxine may include menstrual irregularities, increased cholesterol, increased appetite, hair loss, diarrhea, and muscle aches. If you are taking levothyroxine and experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your doctor to assess if you may be overmedicating.
Your doctor can adjust the dosage of your medication and conduct blood tests to determine your thyroid hormone levels.
What is the most severe complication of hypothyroidism?
The most severe complication of hypothyroidism is myxedema coma. Myxedema coma is a medical emergency and is life-threatening. It is the result of long-term, untreated hypothyroidism and can be triggered by infection, hypothermia, or medication such as sedatives, antidepressants, or opioid analgesics.
Symptoms of myxedema coma include decreased consciousness, decreased reflexes along with hyperviscosity of the blood, leading to circulatory and respiratory failure. If left untreated, it can cause death.
Treatment for myxedema coma typically involves hydrocortisone and large doses of intravenous thyroid hormone, along with intensive care management. Early diagnosis and treatment can easily avoid the complications of a myxedema coma and significantly improve the quality of life of patients.
