Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, which is commonly used to treat patients suffering from hypothyroidism.
Having a deficiency of thyroid hormones in your system can lead to a variety of symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, an increased sensitivity to the cold and changes in your hair, nails and skin.
When you begin taking levothyroxine, you’ll likely be required to take regular blood tests until your doctor has found the most appropriate dosage of levothyroxine for you. This typically means that you’ll be started on a lower dose, which is increased gradually based on how your body responds to the medicine.
Common Side Effects of Levothyroxine
As with taking any medication, taking levothyroxine can cause unwanted side effects, and while many people won’t experience them at all – it’s important to know the potential side effects, so you can recognise them if you do begin to feel them.
The side effects you may experience when taking levothyroxine are the same as the symptoms of having an overactive thyroid. However, these will usually go once your doctor has found the correct dosage for your condition:
- Muscle Tremors & Twitches: Fine tremors in the hands and fingers
- Heat Intolerance: A reduced tolerance to heat, excessive sweating, and an aversion to warm environments are common due to increased metabolic activity
- Irritability: Mood changes, including irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep may occur due to heightened anxiety and restlessness
For detailed information on the serious side effects of levothyroxine, please visit the official NHS website.
Order Your Levothyroxine with Healthera
If you’ve been prescribed levothyroxine to treat your hypothyroidism, you can now order it online from your local pharmacy with Healthera.
It only takes a few minutes to set up your prescription for either collection or home delivery.
To get started, simply click the button below:
