The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that lies behind the neck.
This gland secretes the hormone thyroxine. This hormone is necessary for metabolism and maintaining the functions of our body.
Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn’t create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream.
This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.
To treat an underactive thyroid gland or hypothyroidism thyroxine hormone (Levothyroxine) medicine is used.
Things to consider when using thyroxine hormone (Levothyroxine) medicine:
– For most people, the hormone levothyroxine is a lifelong drug.
– Once the medicine is started, do not stop or reduce the medicine without consulting a doctor.
– If you start or change other medications, let your doctor know.
How and when to take the thyroxine hormone?
– Dry your hands before opening the bottle.
– Try to take the tablet from the bottle cap without touching it directly.
– Take the tablet with water.
– Take levothyroxine once a day in the morning, one hour before having breakfast.
What if you forget to take the medicine?
– If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But only 1-2 hours before or after meals.
– If you miss the previous day’s dose, you can take two medicines the next day.
Levothyroxine and pregnancy
– Levothyroxine is safe to take in pregnancy.
– It’s important to carry on taking levothyroxine throughout your pregnancy.
– You’ll need to have regular blood tests during pregnancy to make sure you’re on the right dose of levothyroxine.
– Your doctor may need to increase your dose of levothyroxine while you’re pregnant.
