| Main Use |
Active Ingredient |
Marketed Name |
| Hypothyroidism |
Thyroxine Sodium |
Thyronorm |
Uses
Thyronorm (Thyroxine Sodium) (also called levothyroxine or T4) is a thyroid hormone in its synthetic form. Medical applications include the treatment of thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism), prevention or treatment of a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland) and the treatment of thyroid cancer. Patients affected by hypothyroidism suffer from an abnormal reduction in the thyroid gland`s activity, resulting in a deficiency of the hormones it normally produces.
This can cause low energy levels, cold sensitivity, dryness of the skin, increased body weight, loss of hair and various other symptoms. Patients affected by this condition may be told to take this medicine, so as to replenish the thyroid hormone levels, thereby providing relief from the symptoms listed here.
Dosage and Administration
Thyronorm (Thyroxine Sodium) comes in the form of tablets, and each tablet contains 25mcg of the thyroid hormone. Determining the correct dosage is complicated, and your doctor will need to conduct blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels, after which the appropriate amount of medicine can be prescribed. Body weight will also need to be taken into account. Some patients will be told to take a dosage of 1.7mcg per kilogram of body weight per day. However, this is just a guideline, and in all cases, dosage instructions will be given by your doctor. Do not adjust your dosage unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Side effects
Some side effects can occur when taking Thyronorm (Thyroxine Sodium) to replace thyroid hormone levels, and a list of some examples is provided here:
- Weight loss
- Changes in appetite
- Cramps affecting the stomach
- Perspiring more than you usually would
- Hair loss, especially at the beginning of treatment
Ensure that you inform your doctor about any side effects that occur during treatment. Although it does not happen frequently, serious side effects may still occur in some patients. You will need to consult your doctor or go to the hospital immediately if this happens.
Precautions
Patients who are being treated with anticoagulant drugs should note that this thyroid hormone medication may increase the anti-blood clotting effects of these drugs. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage accordingly.
Under no circumstances should this medicine be used to help patients lose weight, as it is not safe or suitable for this purpose.
Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.
Always use Thyronorm (Thyroxine Sodium) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.
This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you suffer from any allergies.
- If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
- If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
- If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.
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