It is manufactured by King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
The thyroid gland makes two different thyroid hormones -- triiodothyronine (T3) and levothyroxine (T4). Usually, the thyroid gland produces much more T4 than T3 (however, T3 is much more active than T4). The body can convert the T4 hormone into T3 as necessary. If your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones, there are a few different ways to increase your levels.
Some forms of thyroid replacement combine both T
3 and T
4 (such as natural thyroid replacement made from pig thyroids). However, because the body converts T
4 into T
3 as needed, most people can successfully take just T
4 (such as with Levoxyl). Alternatively, just T
3 can be taken (with products such as
Cytomel®). Currently, most people take just T
4 products (such as Levoxyl).
Although it is synthetic, Levoxyl is identical to the naturally occurring hormone levothyroxine (also known as T4).
When and How to Take Levoxyl
Some general considerations for when and how to take it include the following:
- The medication comes in the form of a tablet and is taken once a day, usually in the morning.
- It is best to take it on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
- If necessary (such as for young children), a tablet may be crushed and mixed with one or two teaspoons of water. This mixture must be taken immediately (it should not be stored).
- Your healthcare provider will adjust your dose based on certain blood tests. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have missed any of your doses, as this may affect any dose adjustments.
- Try to take it at the same time each day to keep an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Levoxyl will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The results of certain thyroid blood tests
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Any other medications you are taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the possible side effects of this drug include, but are not limited to:
(Click Levoxyl Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that can include:
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Levoxyl. Each time you get your blood tests to monitor your thyroid function, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have missed any doses, as this may affect any dose adjustments.
Levoxyl tablets come in the following strengths (the colors of the tablets are in parentheses):
- Levoxyl 25 mcg (orange)
- Levoxyl 50 mcg (white)
- Levoxyl 75 mcg (purple)
- Levoxyl 88 mcg (olive)
- Levoxyl 100 mcg (yellow)
- Levoxyl 112 mcg (rose)
- Levoxyl 125 mcg (brown)
- Levoxyl 137 mcg (dark blue)
- Levoxyl 150 mcg (blue)
- Levoxyl 175 mcg (turquoise)
- Levoxyl 200 mcg (pink)
- Levoxyl 300 mcg (green).
Sometimes, the strengths of Levoxyl are given in milligrams (mg) instead of micrograms (mcg), which can be confusing. Because there are 1000 mcg in every mg, Levoxyl 100 mcg is the same thing as Levoxyl 0.1 mg.
Is There a Generic Version of Levoxyl?
Currently, there are several different generic versions of Levoxyl available. However, you should not switch brands without first talking to your healthcare provider, as even tiny differences in this medication can result in large changes in the body. Not all
generic levothyroxine products are equivalent to Levoxyl.
