TYRAQ

This medicine contains the active ingredient levothyroxine sodium which is a form of the hormone thyroxin that our body naturally gets from the thyroid gland in the neck. This medicine is prescribed for treating diseases and disorders of the thyroid gland, such as benign thyroid goiter (abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland) in patients with normal function of the thyroid gland, recurrence of goiter after surgery, decrease in the production of thyroxin, tumor recurrence in patients with carcinoma of the thyroid gland.

Is Levothyroxine sodium suitable for me?

Levothyroxine sodium is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

•        if you are allergic to levothyroxine sodium  or to other ingredients of this medicine

•        if you have untreated disorder of the adrenal glands, pituitary gland or increased amount of thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis)

•        if you have acute heart disease (myocardial infarction, or inflammation of the heart)

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

o   are pregnant or breast-feeding

o   have had an underactive thyroid gland for a long time

o   have heart problems (angina, heart failure or you have had a previous heart attack)

o   have high blood pressure

o   have diabetes

o   have an underactive pituitary gland (a gland in your brain)

o   have an underactive adrenal gland (a gland located near your kidneys)

o   have the formation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels (arteriosclerosis)

Levothyroxine sodium interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Levothyroxine sodium?

This medicine is available in form of a tablet.

You should take levothyroxine sodium exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The dose will depend on your condition and needs.

The usual dose:

• for the treatment of benign goiter with normal function of the thyroid gland: 75 to 200 micrograms per day
• for the prevention of goiter reoccurring after surgery: 75 to 200 micrograms per day
• for the decrease in the production of thyroxin: the starting dose for adults is 25 to 50 mg, the maintenance dose is 100 to 200 micrograms. The starting dose for children is 12.5 to 50 mg, the maintenance dose is 100 to 150 micrograms
• for the suppression of tumor growth in patients with of the thyroid gland carcinoma: 150 to 300 micrograms

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Levothyroxine sodium side effects?

Like all medicines Levothyroxine sodium can cause side effects, including:

• irregular or rapid heartbeat
• chest pain
• headache,
• muscle weakness and cramps
• sudden reddening (burning and redness of the face)
• fever
• vomiting
• menstrual disorders
• tremor, excitability, difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• increased pressure around the brain in children that is not cause by a tumor or other diseases (benign intracranial hypertension)
• restlessness
• insomnia
• increased sweating
• weight loss and diarrhea

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.