Levoxyl and Pregnancy

After extensive studies of Levoxyl and pregnancy in women, the FDA has determined that the medication is safe to take during pregnancy. In fact, hypothyroidism can cause serious problems during pregnancy, so it is important to treat the condition with medications such as Levoxyl. Because your Levoxyl dosage may need to be increased during pregnancy, your healthcare provider should monitor you closely and adjust your dosage as necessary.

 

Levoxyl and Pregnancy: An Overview

Levoxyl® (levothyroxine sodium) is a prescription medication used to treat hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and various other thyroid problems. The medication is safe for use during pregnancy. In fact, not taking Levoxyl during pregnancy (if you need to take it) can be quite dangerous.
 

Levoxyl and Pregnancy Category A

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category A is given to medicines that have been extensively studied in pregnant humans and do not appear to cause any harm to the fetus. Very few medications have been given this classification; it is an excellent indication that a medication is safe for use during pregnancy. You can feel confident that Levoxyl is one of the safest medications for use in pregnancy (when used appropriately).
 
Because hypothyroidism can cause serious problems (such as miscarriages), it is important to treat an underactive thyroid during pregnancy. If you are already taking Levoxyl, it is likely that your dose may need to be increased throughout your pregnancy. In fact, your dose may need to be increased as early as four weeks into your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely and adjust your Levoxyl dosage as necessary.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;