Euthyrox

Manufacturer: Merck
Substance: Levothyroxine Sodium
Packing: 50 tabs. (200 mcg/tab)

Euthyrox

Generic Drug:  Levothyroxine
Dose Form Description:  Tablet
Route Description:  Oral

Euthyrox is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Levothyroxine is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own. Euthyrox treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Levothyroxine is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), which can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation treatment, surgery, or cancer.
Euthyrox should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.
Euthyrox may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

The major hormone of Euthyrox is derived from the “Thyroid Gland.” Thyroxine is synthesized via the iodination of tyrosines  and the coupling of iodotyrosines in the thyroglobulin. Thyroxine is released from thyroglobulin by proteolysis and secreted into the blood and it is peripherally deiodinated to form triiodothyronine which exerts a broad spectrum of stimulatory effects on cell metabolism.

Euthyrox (T4) is a synthetically prepared levo isomer of thyroxine, the major hormone secreted from the thyroid gland. Thyroxine is released from thyroglobulin by proteolysis and secreted into the blood. Thyroxine is peripherally deiodinated to form triiodothyronine which exerts a broad spectrum of stimulatory effects on cell metabolism. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolic rate of cells of all tissues in the body. In the fetus and newborn, thyroid hormone is important for the growth and development of all tissues including bones and the brain. In adults, thyroid hormone helps to maintain brain function, food metabolism, and body temperature, among other effects. The symptoms of thyroid deficiency relieved by levothyroxine include slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin and unusual sensitivity to cold.

Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Euthyrox may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Euthyrox as a result of an interaction with other medications.

Stop using Euthyrox and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

headache
sleep problems (insomnia)
nervous or irritable feeling
fever, hot flashes, sweating
changes in your menstrual periods
appetite changes, weight changes;
Less serious side effects may include mild hair loss.

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.

WARNING :
This medication should not be used for weight loss. Normal doses of this medication will not work for weight loss, and large doses of this medication may cause serious, possibly fatal side effects, especially when taken with diet pills.