Unithroid (Levothyroxine) Side Effects
Serious Side Effects of Unithroid
- loss of bone density, leading to osteporosis
- irregularities in heartbeat, such as rapid heartbeat or uneven pace
- sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing
- nervous feeling, seizures
- rash, hives, trouble breathing or swallowing, redness, excessive sweating, which can signify a severe allergic reaction (hypersensitivity)
Common Side Effects of Unithroid
- hyperactive or anxious feeling
- weight loss
- increase in appetite
- Tremor
- headache, irritability, or changes in mood
- nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal disturbances
- difficulty sleeping or staying asleep, insomnia
- Sensitivity to heat
- Temporary hair loss, alopecia
Warnings & Recalls for Unithroid (Levothyroxine)
Unithroid Black Box Warnings
Unithroid should not be used under any circumstances for the
treatment of obesity or
weight loss. Unithroid should not be considered as an effective treatment for these conditions, and large doses may cause serious,
potentially fatal, side effects, such as
lethal overdose from toxic levels of thyroid hormone in the body.
Other Warnings Associated with Unithroid
Continued usage of Unithroid is known to cause the long term side effect of osteoporosis, which is the decreasing of bone density. Just like any other medication, Unithroid carries the risk of potential allergic reaction. Immediately notify a healthcare professional if you experience rash, itching or swelling, particularly in the face or throat, severe dizziness, or have trouble breathing.Patients who suffer from allergies related to any of the components contained in Unithroid or are allergic to
pork should consult their doctor before taking this medication.Patients who have a history of the following conditions should first consult a doctor before using Unithroid:
- diabetes
- osteoporosis
- atherosclerosis
- cardiovascular events, such as high blood pressure, chest pain, or heart attack
Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or wanting to come pregnant should consult with a doctor before taking or continuing the use of Unithroid.
Unithroid (Levothyroxine) Treatment and Use
Unithroid (Levothyroxine) is an artificial thyroid hormone manufactured by Jerome Stevens Pharmaceuticals which is prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid is underactive and unable to sustain its own hormone levels. This hormone, known as thyroxine, regulates energy and metabolism, and effects many bodily functions. Unithroid acts as a substitute for the thyroxine that an underactive thyroid is unable to produce, and helps maintain both mental and physical activities that the thyroid is essential to regulating.
Symptoms of an Underactive Thyroid
- Results in poor growth in children
- Slowed speech
- Lack of energy or listlessness
- Sudden weight gain
- Hair loss
- Dried out or thickened skin
- Increased sensitivity to cold
Unithroid Dosage Information
Unithroid is an oral tablet which is typically prescribed in small doses before being increased as your healthcare physician sees fit. Unithroid can also be used in the treatment and prevention of goiter, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland brought on by hormone imbalances and radiation treatments resulting from cancer.
Although Unithroid is successful in the treatment of hypothyroidism, it is not a cure, and it must be taken continuously to achieve the desired results. Unithroid should not be utilized in the treatment of obesity, or any other form of weight management. If you have suffered from heart attack, diabetes, or have a history of blood clots, or thyrotoxicosis, please inform your healthcare provider to determine whether this medication is right for you.
If you or anyone you know has experienced any adverse effects after being prescribed Unithroid, please report your experience and help protect fellow patients from any hidden dangers.
Other Names for Unithroid (Levothyroxine)
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Lawsuits & Legal Information for Unithroid (Levothyroxine)
