
People who have been taking levothyroxine for years have a higher chance of developing bone problems like osteoporosis. Read this HealthHearty article to know more about the less common side effects of levothyroxine.
Plain and Simple Avoiding overdose and taking the medication as prescribed by the doctor is the key to keep any related levothyroxine side effects to a minimum. |
Levothyroxine is a prescription medicine which is recommended for the treatment of hypothyroidism (inactive thyroid gland), a condition in which the thyroid gland is incapable of producing adequate amount of thyroid hormone. The medication is essentially a synthetic thyroid hormone that is chemically equivalent to the one secreted by the thyroid gland. Hence, regularly taking the medication works in treating the thyroid condition.
However, levothyroxine is not free from side effects, some of which can be quite bothersome and may require dose adjustment to alleviate the symptoms.
Infrequent Side Effects |
Cardiovascular Problems Clinical studies have shown that levothyroxine can cause high blood pressure, angina, abnormal heart rhythm, rapid heartbeat, heart failure, and heart attack. Although these are uncommon side effects, people with a history of cardiovascular problems have higher chances of suffering from cardiovascular problems from taking this medication. Bone Problems Insomnia Hair Loss Allergic Reaction Weight Gain Neurological Problems Gastrointestinal Problems Emotional Disturbances |
Other Less Common Side Effects |
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Overdose Symptoms |
If any one of the following side effects occur, seek prompt medical attention:
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Although levothyroxine, for an under-active thyroid gland, is usually a lifelong treatment, one needs to monitor the impact of the prescription dose with blood testing that checks thyroid levels. Based upon the blood test results, the dose will be adjusted from time to time, so as to ensure that thyroid levels remain in the normal range.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.