Levothyroxine

What is Levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine is a treatment which increases the level of hormones in those with an underactive thyroid. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid can take a long time to develop. They can include depression, muscle aches, and constipation.

Levothyroxine works to replace the hormones which your thyroid gland produces, known as T3 and T4.

Your doctor will conduct blood tests in order to provide adequate treatment plans

Can I take levothyroxine?

Before taking Levothyroxine, speak to your doctor to ensure it is safe for you to take.

Levothyroxine is only suitable for people with an underactive thyroid (hypothyrodism). If you think you might have an underactive thyroid, you should speak to your doctor in the first instance.

Your doctor will need to conduct tests to determine the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. This is commonly referred to as a thyroid function test, or simply a thyroid blood test.

You can also get a home thyroid function test online from us. Our test kits come with easy-to-follow instructions, and results are available within 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample.

During your consultation with our doctor, ensure you mention any medicines you are currently taking so that our doctor can safely prescribe the medicine for you.

Our Doctors may require further information or evidence that you have been diagnosed and are currently taking Levothyroxine

It's important not to take levothyroxine and seek advice from your doctor if you have:

• had an allergic reaction to levothyroxine or any other medicines in the past
• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• a health issue that affects your adrenal glands

Speak with your doctor first before taking levothyroxine if you have:

• a heart condition including heart disease, angina or heart failure
• high blood pressure
• had a heart attack
• diabetes (levothyroxine can raise blood sugar levels)

Always read the accompanying patient information leaflet before you start taking Levothyroxine.

When should I take levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine should be taken once in the morning.

You should take it at least 30 minutes before eating food or drinking caffeinated beverages, as these can affect Levothyroxine's ability to work.

How should I take levothyroxine?

To take levothyroxine, swallow one tablet whole with a glass of water.

Do not crush or chew the tablet.

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking Levothyroxine. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the absorption of Levothyroxine and impact its effectiveness.

Always follow your doctor's instructions and read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine before taking levothyroxine.

How long does it take for Levothyroxine to work?

Levothyroxine usually takes between 7 and 10 days to be absorbed by your cells. However, it can often take many weeks before you notice improvements.

If you do not notice an improvement in your symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen while taking Levothyroxine, speak to your doctor.

How long do I need to take levothyroxine for?

You will need to take levothyroxine indefinitely.

Stopping treatment will most likely cause your symptoms to return.

Always follow the Doctor's instructions.

What should I do if I forget to take levothyroxine?

If you forget to take your dose of levothyroxine, take it as soon as you remember.

If it's approaching your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your treatment as normal.

Do not double-dose to make up for the missed dose.

Taking more Levothyroxine won't treat your condition more effectively, but may increase your risk of side effects.

What are the side effects of levothyroxine?

Like all medicines, levothyroxine can cause unwanted side effects. However, once you're on the correct dosage, the side effects should go away.

Usually, side effects are more common if you take more levothyroxine than you require. The symptoms will be the same for those with an overactive thyroid. They include:

• feeling sick
• vomiting or diarrhoea
• headaches
• feeling restless or excitable, or having problems sleeping
• flushing or sweating
• muscle cramps
• shaking, usually of the hands

Serious side effects are rare, but some people may experience them. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• chest pain
• fast or irregular heartbeats, or palpitations

In rare cases, it's possible to experience a serious allergic reaction to levothyroxine.

Contact your doctor straight away if:

• you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
• you're wheezing
• you get tightness in the chest or throat
• you have trouble breathing or talking
• your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

These are warning signs of a serious allergic reaction, which is a medical emergency.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For a complete list of side effects, see the leaflet inside the packaging of your medicine.

If you would like to order Levothyroxine online from Prescription Doctor, start by completing our online medical form.

Can I take Levothyroxine during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The safety of taking Levothyroxine during pregnancy or breastfeeding is unknown.

If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, plan on conceiving, or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor before taking Levothyroxine.

Your doctor will evaluate how safe Levothyroxine is for you during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If you become pregnant while taking Levothyroxine, inform your doctor right away.

Will Levothyroxine affect my fertility?

Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that male or female fertility is affected by Levothyroxine.

If you are concerned how your condition or treatment may impact your fertility, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist for advice.

Will Levothyroxine affect my contraceptive?

Hormonal contraceptives which contain oestrogen, such as the combined pill, can reduce the effectiveness of Levothyroxine.

You should discuss your contraceptive options with your doctor if you have been prescribed Levothyroxine.

Is it safe to buy Levothyroxine online?

Ordering prescription medication online is not the same as buying a new pair of shoes online. There are a number of additional steps which are required to ensure the treatment is safe for you.

You will need to complete an online medical form in order for our medical team to determine your suitability.

Because Levothyroxine is a prescription-only medication, our doctor will require evidence that you have been prescribed it before. You can provide evidence by uploading a repeat prescription slip to the online medical form. Alternatively, you can email any evidence across to our customer services team, who can then pass it on to our medical team.

If you have any allergies, or if you require a specific brand of Levothyroxine, please specify this on the medical form. You can also send a message to our customer services team to pass on to our UK pharmacy.

Where can I get Levothyroxine online?

You can renew your prescription of Levothyroxine online from Prescription Doctor. We offer next-day discreet delivery on orders.

Our bespoke online prescribing service makes it safe and secure to get the treatment you need delivered straight to your door.

To begin your order of Levothyroxine today, simply complete our short medical form and our doctor will take it from there.

Table of contents

What is Levothyroxine?

Can I take Levothyroxine?

When should I take Levothyroxine?

How long does it take for Levothyroxine to work?

What should I do if I forget to take Levothyroxine?

What are the side effects of levothyroxine?

Can I take Levothyroxine during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

What are the side effects of Levothyroxine?