Levothyroxine

(lee voe thye ROKS een)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Do not use this drug to treat obesity or for weight loss.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to levothyroxine or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Overactive thyroid gland or a weak adrenal gland.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to add thyroid hormone to the body.

How is this drug given?

• All products:
• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Give on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast.
• Give this drug with a full glass of water.
• Capsule:
• Have your child swallow capsule whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.
• Tablet:
• If your child cannot swallow pills, the tablet may be crushed and mixed in 1 to 2 teaspoons (5 to 10 mL) of water right before giving to your child.
• Infants:
• Before giving any drug, your infant needs to be awake and alert. Hold your infant in your lap or put him/her in an infant seat.
• Do not put this drug in your infant's bottle.
• Shot:
• It is given as a shot into a vein.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose, brand, or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Infants:
• If your infant throws up after taking this drug, talk with the doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• There is more than one brand of this drug. One brand cannot safely be used for the other. Your doctor will tell you about any needed change.
• Do not run out of this drug.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch his/her blood sugar closely.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Do not give your child iron products, antacids that have aluminum or magnesium, calcium carbonate, simethicone, sucralfate, Kayexalate®, colestipol, or cholestyramine within 4 hours of this drug.
• If your child has heart disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child is allergic to tartrazine, talk with your child's doctor. Some products have tartrazine.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Feeling more or less hungry.
• A change in weight without trying.
• Nervous and excitable.
• Not able to sleep.
• Shakiness.
• Bothered by heat.
• Sweating a lot.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Grouchy or touchy.
• Leg cramps.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room (ER) right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a fast heartbeat.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child is feeling very nervous and excitable.
• If your child has a big weight gain.
• If your child has a big weight loss.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Oral:
• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Shot:
• This drug will be given to your child in a hospital or doctor's office. You will not store it at home.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only your healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your healthcare provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

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