Thyronorm 25mcg Tablets

Levothyroxine sodium is a man-made form of thyroxine, the hormone made by the thyroid gland. It is used to:

• treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), helping with symptoms such as tiredness, weight gain and low mood
• help treat some thyroid cancers, together with surgery and other treatment

Most people need it for a long time, often for life.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day.

• Take it on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, and before tea, coffee or other medicines.
• Swallow the tablet with a glass of water, at the same time each day.
• Keep calcium, iron and antacid products well apart from your dose; ask your pharmacist how long to wait.
• You will need regular blood tests to check your dose. It may take a few weeks to feel better.
• Do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip the missed one. Never take two doses together.

Side effects are usually a sign that the dose is too high and often settle when it is adjusted. They include:

• trouble sleeping
• headache
• feeling anxious or sweaty
• hair loss

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• chest pain, or a fast or irregular heartbeat
• a high temperature, dizziness, or yellow skin or eyes
• signs of a serious allergic reaction: swollen lips, tongue or throat, wheezing or trouble breathing, or a widespread rash

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to levothyroxine
• have an overactive thyroid, adrenal gland problems or a heart condition
• have diabetes
• are pregnant or planning a pregnancy (it can be taken, but you may need more blood tests and a dose change)
• are breastfeeding
• take other medicines, especially epilepsy medicines, acid reducers such as omeprazole, antidepressants, heart medicines, calcium or iron supplements, St John's wort or biotin

Store at room temperature in the original, tightly closed container, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Not for weight loss: levothyroxine must not be used to lose weight. Large doses can cause serious or life-threatening problems.

Food: soya, walnuts and high-fibre foods can affect how well it works; keep your diet consistent and ask your doctor.

Blood tests: tell any doctor ordering thyroid tests if you take biotin, as it can affect the results.