Unithroid

Generic name: Levothyroxine

Drug class: Thyroid drugs

Dosage forms: Capsule; Tablet; Solution

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 25, 50, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137, 150, 175, 200, 300 mg

Mechanism of action: The mechanism of action of Unithroid is related to its ability to supplement or replace the natural thyroid hormone in the body.

Drug usage cases: Thyroid hormones, including levothyroxine, should not be used either alone or with other therapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity or weight loss. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is also used to help decrease the size of enlarged thyroid glands (also called a goiter) and to treat thyroid cancer. This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Drug contra indications: In 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:

Allergies: Tell 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. Pediatric: Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levothyroxine in children. However, your child’s doctor will check your child closely for heart problems during the first 2 weeks of treatment. Geriatric: Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of levothyroxine in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related heart or blood vessel problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving levothyroxine. Interactions with Medicines: Although 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 taking 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. Furosemide, Lopromide, Midodrine. 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. Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol:

Certain 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. Enteral Nutrition, Soybean. Other Medical Problems: The 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:

Adrenal gland insufficiency (underactive adrenal gland), untreated or, Heart attack, acute or recent or, Thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid), untreated—Should not be used in patients with these conditions. Adrenal gland problems or, Anemia, pernicious or, Angina (severe chest pain), history of or, Blood clotting problems, or history of or, Diabetes or, Heart or blood vessel disease (eg, coronary artery disease, heart failure), history of or, Heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation), history of or, Osteoporosis, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse. Hypoproteinemia (low levels of protein in the blood), severe or, Kidney disease (eg, nephrosis) or, Liver disease (eg, hepatitis), severe or, Pituitary gland problems (eg, acromegaly) or, Porphyria (enzyme problem)—Use with caution. May need to adjust the dose of levothyroxine in patients with these conditions. Patients who have trouble swallowing capsules (including children younger than 6 years of age)—Tirosint® should not be given in these patients.

Side effects: 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Symptoms of overdose, Change in consciousness, cold, clammy skin, confusion, disorientation, fast or weak pulse, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, sudden headache, sudden loss of coordination, sudden slurring of speech, Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Warnings: Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Unithroid or its ingredients. Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, immediate medical attention should be sought. Medication Interactions: Unithroid may interact with other medications, supplements, or foods, potentially affecting its efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your healthcare professional about all the medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any herbal supplements or vitamins. Cardiovascular Effects: Unithroid can have an impact on the cardiovascular system, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. It may increase the risk of heart-related complications, especially when the dosage is not properly adjusted. Regular monitoring of heart function and thyroid hormone levels is recommended. Adrenal Insufficiency: In individuals with severe or prolonged hypothyroidism, there is a risk of developing adrenal insufficiency, a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. Careful monitoring and potential supplementation of adrenal hormones may be necessary. Osteoporosis: Long-term use of Unithroid in high doses or in individuals with underlying osteoporosis or other bone-related conditions may increase the risk of bone loss and fractures. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, regular weight-bearing exercise, and appropriate monitoring are important in these cases.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Breast Feeding: Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.