Levothyroxine (euthyrox): What Is It And What Is It Used For?

Levothyroxine is the active substance of the medicinal drug commonly known as Euthyrox . It is a synthetic thyroid hormone that has the same effect as the thyroid hormones produced by the body. Therefore, it is used to treat diseases and dysfunctions of the thyroid gland.

Euthyrox comes as tablets to take by mouth. There are different presentations, depending on the concentration of levothyroxine per tablet.

What is levothyroxine used for?

Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, which is a condition of the thyroid gandula and occurs when the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It is also used to treat congenital hypothyroidism and goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland. Also, it is used to stop tumor growth in thyroid cancer patients.

How does levothyroxine (Euthyrox) work?

As its package insert indicates, this medicine works by replacing the thyroid hormone that is normally produced by the body. If we lack or do not have adequate levels of thyroid hormone, the body cannot function properly.

This deficiency can be manifested by symptoms such as depression, lack of energy, excessive tiredness, constipation, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. It also affects menstrual periods, making them stronger and more irregular.

Thyroid hormones should not be used for weight loss. If you increase the dose without being specifically advised by your doctor, you could suffer serious side effects.

Some warnings and cautions

Before taking levothyroxine, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following heart conditions:

• Arterial hypertension.
• Arteriosclerosis or fatty deposits in the arteries.
• Heart failure  and fast, irregular heartbeat.
• Insufficient blood supply to the vessels of the heart or angina pectoris.

All of these diseases have to be under medical control before you start taking levothyroxine. Likewise, while you are taking levothyroxine, you will have to carry out frequent checks of your thyroid hormone levels. Therefore, you should not self-medicate under any circumstances.

How to take levothyroxine?

You should always follow the guideline indicated by your doctor. Levothyroxine is used orally and is taken as a single dose per day, on an empty stomach  in the morning, at least half an hour before breakfast.

In general, you start with a low dose that will be increased every 2-4 weeks  until you reach your final individual dose. During the first weeks of treatment, thyroid profile tests will be performed in order to adjust the dose.

The duration of treatment may vary depending on the indication for which levothyroxine has been prescribed. However, in most cases, it is a lifelong treatment.

If you take a higher dose than directed, you may experience symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, anxiety, agitation and involuntary movements. On the other hand, if you forget to take levothyroxine, wait for the normal dose the next day.

And in the case of a baby?

If it is a baby born with hypothyroidism, the doctor may recommend that you start with a higher dose. This is done to get the replacement as quickly as possible.

The recommended starting dose for infants is 10 to 15 micrograms per kg of body weight for the first 3 months. Once that age is reached, the doctor will adjust the dose individually.

Possible side effects of levothyroxine (euthyrox)

Like all medicines, Euthyrox can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you take more levothyroxine than directed or if the dose prescribed by your doctor does not suit you, one or more of the following side effects may appear:

• Diarrhea.
• Weight loss.
• Fever and sweating
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pain in the chest and head.
• Muscle weakness or cramps

Faced with any of these symptoms, your doctor may consider stopping treatment for several days or reducing the daily dose until the adverse effects disappear. Do not hesitate to consult him.

In short, levothyroxine (Euthyrox) is a drug that is used primarily for the treatment of hypothyroidism and other disorders of the thyroid gland. It should always be consumed following the doctor’s instructions and should not be stopped without prior authorization.

Remember that if you have doubts when taking it, it is best to consult your doctor. Avoid taking action on your own as well as self-medicating.