Levothyroxine

Question 1

What contraindications are important to exclude before prescribing levothyroxine?

Answer 1

None

Question 2

How would you describe the MOA of levothyroxine to patients?

Answer 2

• Synthetic version of thyroxine, a hormone produced by your thyroid gland
• It is given to bring your thyroid activity back up to normal

Question 3

How should levothyroxine be taken?

Answer 3

• Once daily tablet before breakfast
• Taken long-term
• Dose changes take 4-6 weeks to take effect

Question 4

What monitoring is required once levothyroxine is prescribed?

Answer 4

• TSH test every 2-3 months until stable

- When TSH level stable, check annually

Question 5

What important side effects of levothyroxine should patients be made aware of?

Answer 5

• Very rare when TSH levels are stable
• Hyperthyroid symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, palpitations, heat intolerance
• Hypothyroid symptoms (cold intolerance, constipation)