Levothyroxine – Brands, Strengths and Prices

Key facts about levothyroxine

• Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism.
• It is a prescription-only medicine in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia.
• This medicine is taken on an empty stomach before breakfast.
• Do not use this medicine, alone or with other weight-loss medicines, to treat obesity or to lose weight.

Levothyroxine brands we stock at Prashi Pharma are listed below.

What is Levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine is a form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It is used to address low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism). This medication is available in several brand name medications. Always take this medication after consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

How Levothyroxine Works

What is Levothyroxine Used For?

Levothyroxine is used in newborns, children, and adults to [1]:

• Treat hypothyroidism - a condition which occurs when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones to meet your body's metabolic and energy needs.
• Lower the thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in the blood in individuals being treated for a certain type of thyroid cancer, alongside radioactive iodine therapy and surgery.

Is 25, 50, or 100 micrograms a High dose?

No, 25, 50, and 100 micrograms are generally considered low-to-moderate doses of Levothyroxine, not high doses.

Levothyroxine Strengths and Forms

Levothyroxine is available in various dosage strengths to treat hypothyroidism. Common strengths of this medicine include 25 mcg, 50 mcg and 100 mcg.

Our Levothyroxine products include:

• Lethyrox 25 mcg tablets
• Lethyrox 50 mcg tablets

These are standard treatment strengths, and the right strength must be decided by your doctor based on the patient's age, weight, TSH levels and thyroid hormone requirements. Patients should take the prescribed dose regularly and should not change or double the dose without medical advice.

How to Take Levothyroxine

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
• Try to take it at the same time every day.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water.
• Always check the leaflet that comes with the medication.
• Follow all the directions of your healthcare professional while taking Levothyroxine.
• Store the tablet in the blister pack until you are ready to take one.
• Keep taking this medication even if you feel better. It may take 4 to 6 weeks to get the full effect of a dose.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose of this medicine.

Side Effects of Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine oral tablet can cause adverse effects. These lists do not contain all possible side effects of this medicine. Side effects of Levothyroxine include:

• Appetite and weight changes - An increased appetite can occur, especially if the dose is too high. Some people feel hungrier than usual, which can lead to weight gain if not managed properly. Conversely, some patients may experience weight loss as the medicine can increase the body's metabolism.
• Nervousness - It is another side effect that some users encounter. This can manifest as a general feeling of restlessness or anxiety. Some people also experience shakiness or tremors.
• Insomnia - Some people taking Levothyroxine experience insomnia, especially when the dose is too high. Insomnia can significantly affect daily life and lead to fatigue. Therefore, this medication is usually prescribed in the morning to minimize sleep disturbances.
• Heart palpitations - This is a more severe side effect of levothyroxine and shouldn't be ignored. They can indicate the dose may be too high and may require adjustment by your doctor. If you experience chest pain or an irregular heartbeat, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
• Digestive problems - Abdominal cramps or diarrhea are less common but can happen.
• Increased sweating - Some people report this side effect with this medication. These symptoms can cause discomfort and may mimic the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Hair loss - This is another potential side effect, although it is temporary. As the body adjusts to the medication, hair growth typically returns to normal.
• Mood swings - Levothyroxine can also cause mood swings in some people. Some individuals may experience increased irritability or even depression. These symptoms should be monitored closely.
• Bone density loss - This is a long-term concern for people on high doses of Levothyroxine for extended periods. It can increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Regular monitoring by a medical expert can help manage this risk.
• Allergic reaction - This serious side effect of levothyroxine can cause symptoms such as a raised, itchy rash, difficulty breathing, and a swollen throat or tongue.

While these adverse effects are possible, they do not happen in everyone. Many people take Levothyroxine without experiencing any side effects.

Who Should Not Take Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine may not be suitable if you have [3]:

• An allergic reaction to Levothyroxine - If you ever have an allergic reaction to this medicine or any of its components, your doctor will likely not prescribe this thyroid medicine.
• Overactive thyroid - Levothyroxine adds thyroid hormone to your body. If your thyroid is already overactive, taking levothyroxine pushes total hormone levels even higher.
• Heart condition - Levothyroxine can cause chest pain and a fast or irregular heartbeat. If you have a heart condition, you might be more prone to these side effects.
• Diabetes - Levothyroxine can increase blood sugar levels, which can make it difficult to manage diabetes.
• A condition that affects your adrenal glands - Patients with adrenal insufficiency have reduced cortisol production. Levothyroxine increases metabolic activity and cortisol clearance, which may increase the body's cortisol requirements. Starting levothyroxine in untreated adrenal insufficiency can trigger an adrenal crisis, causing severe weakness, low blood pressure and vomiting. Therefore, adrenal insufficiency should be treated before starting levothyroxine.
• Kidney or liver disease - People with kidney or liver disease may need closer monitoring while taking levothyroxine, as these conditions can affect thyroid hormone metabolism and overall medication response. Dose adjustments may be needed in some cases.

Other things to remember

• This medicine should not be used for weight loss or other weight-related issues.
• Older adults should be monitored closely while taking this medicine.
• Inform your doctor if you have a planned surgery or dental procedure.
• Store the Levothyroxine tablets at room temperature away from heat, moisture and direct light.
• Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without first checking with your medical provider.
• Throw away these thyroid tablets if they have expired or are no longer needed.

Taking Levothyroxine with other medicines, food and alcohol

Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications may interact with Levothyroxine, including:

• Antacids with calcium carbonate or magnesium and aluminum. These can bind to levothyroxine and reduce its absorption.
• Bile acid sequestrants used to lower cholesterol levels, such as cholestyramine and colesevelam, and the phosphate binder sevelamer may prevent Levothyroxine from being absorbed.
• Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole.
• Diabetes medicines like metformin and insulin, and the heart medicine digoxin, can be less effective if taken with this hypothyroidism medication.
• Weight loss medicines such as Orlistat.
• Antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants, which with levothyroxine increase the risk of toxicity resulting in abnormal heartbeats or nervous system issues.
• Cancer medication like tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
• Ketamine.
• Sympathomimetic drugs - examples include dopamine, ephedrine, etc.
• Sucralfate, a prescription medication used to treat stomach ulcers.
• Antibiotics such as Rifampin, as it increases the breakdown of levothyroxine, making it less effective.
• Blood thinners like warfarin.
• Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy such as estrogen or testosterone.
• Opioid pain medication.

This list may not include all possible drug interactions of Levothyroxine, and you should seek medical advice from your doctor for additional drug information.

Some dietary supplements can also interact with Levothyroxine, including:

Food and alcohol interactions

Here are some foods to limit around the time you take Levothyroxine.

Levothyroxine vs Liothyronine and Brand Switching

Liothyronine and levothyroxine are both effective medicines for hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine contains T4, which your body converts into T3, whereas Liothyronine contains a man-made form of T3.

T4 and T3 are two thyroid hormones that your thyroid gland normally makes. T4 is the main form of thyroid hormone in the body, which is converted into T3 by the kidneys and liver. T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone.

Your healthcare professional should decide which option is right for you to get the best results. Whether you take liothyronine, levothyroxine or a brand version, it's best to stick with the same medicine and manufacturer every month.

Levothyroxine in the US, UK and Australia

Levothyroxine is sold across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia under different brand names and local prescribing regulations.

How To Order Levothyroxine Online With A Prescription

Prashi Pharma is an online pharmaceutical supply platform that makes accessing medicines simple and convenient. We aim to provide a smooth ordering process with prescription verification and discreet packaging. Steps to order Levothyroxine from our online platform are:

1. Choose your medicine - Select the brand and strength prescribed by your doctor, such as Lethyrox 25 mcg or 50 mcg.
2. Upload your prescription - Submit a valid prescription during checkout.
3. Prescription verification - Our registered pharmacist checks your prescription before processing the order.
4. Discreet delivery - Your medicine is packed discreetly and dispatched to your address. Delivery times depend on your country.
5. Tracking ID - Once your order is dispatched, you will receive a tracking ID through which you can track the progress of your order.

How to order · Prescription policy · Shipping policy

Sources

1. Levothyroxine, Drugs.com
2. Levothyroxine, Medical News Today
3. Levothyroxine: a medicine for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - NHS