Levothyroxine is used in adults and children to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). oral

Levothyroxine is also used in adults along with surgery and radioactive iodine therapy to treat a certain type of thyroid cancer. oral

Levothyroxine can only be used in adults and children at least 6 years old. oral capsule

Levothyroxine is used in adults to treat myxedema coma. injection

There are many brand forms of levothyroxine available. Not all brands are listed on this medication guide.

Levothyroxine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Levothyroxine should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems. Dangerous side effects or death can occur from the misuse of levothyroxine, especially if you are taking any other weight-loss medications or appetite suppressants.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Having hypothyroidism during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth or other complications. The benefit of treating hypothyroidism may outweigh any risks to the baby. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Your dose needs may be different while you are nursing.

You should not use levothyroxine if you are allergic to glycerin or edetate disodium, or if you have an untreated or uncontrolled adrenal gland disorder.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

You may be more likely to have a broken bone while using levothyroxine. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy.

• a thyroid nodule;
• thyroiditis (inflammation of thyroid gland);
• heart problems such as a heart attack, stroke;
• a blood clot or a blood clotting disorder;
• diabetes (your diabetes medicine may need to be adjusted);
• anemia (low red blood cells);
• weak bones (osteoporosis), or low bone mineral density;
• problems with your pituitary or adrenal gland;
• an allergy to any food or drugs;
• recently received radiation therapy with iodine (such as I-131); or
• kidney disease.

Use Ermeza (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have : hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• sudden pain or trouble moving your hip, wrist, or back;
• fast or irregular heartbeats;
• chest pain, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;
• wheezing;
• fever, swollen glands, itching, joint pain, or not feeling well;
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

• fever, hot flashes, increased sweating;
• tiredness;
• skin rash, hair loss;
• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath;
• headache, leg cramps, muscle pain or weakness;
• tremors, feeling nervous or irritable, sleep problems (insomnia);
• increased or change in appetite;
• weight loss or weight gain;
• changes in your menstrual periods; or
• vomiting, diarrhea.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid the following food products within 1 hour of taking levothyroxine oral or the medication will not be as effective: grapefruit juice, infant soy formula, soybean flour, cotton seed meal, walnuts, and high-fiber foods.