Unithroid drugs: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Unithroid is a medication that belongs to the Levothyroxine class of drugs. Medicines used to treat underactive thyroid diseases. The drug is prepared in the form of tablets or capsules with a volume of 300 mcg each and is taken orally.

1. What is Unithroid?

Unithroid is a medicine used to treat an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). It is normally produced by the thyroid gland, which helps to replace or provide extra thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism can occur spontaneously or when the thyroid gland is damaged by radiation, medication, or surgical removal. Thyroid hormone plays an important role in maintaining normal mental and physical functioning. In children, getting enough thyroid hormone is important for a child's normal mental and physical development. This medication is also used to treat other thyroid disorders (some types of goiter, thyroid cancer). The drug is not used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.

2. How to use Unithroid?

Unithroid is used orally, usually once a day on an empty stomach, should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast. Before taking the medicine, it is necessary to carefully read the instructions for use that come with the medicine or better take it as directed by the doctor. Take this medication with a full glass of water unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Dosage is based on body conditions such as age, weight, medical condition, hormone test results, and response to treatment. Take your medicine at the same time and at the same time every day for the best results. Use Levothyroxine properly and as prescribed by your doctor to achieve the expected results.
If taking the capsule form, do not split, crush or chew, swallow whole. For children who cannot swallow the capsule whole, the tablet form of the drug should be used. Crush the tablet and mix it with 1 to 2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of water and give the child a spoon or dropper right away. Take care not to mix the tablets into infant soy formula.
Currently on the market there are many different brands of Unithroid. Consult your doctor when changing brands.
Certain medications can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone absorbed by your body such as: cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam, antacids, sucralfate, simethicone, iron, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, calcium supplements, orlistat, lanthanum, sevelamer. If you are taking any of these medicines, to ensure the best absorption of the hormones, take them at least 4 hours apart from the Unithroid medicine.
Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include:
Fatigue Muscle aches Constipation Dry skin Weight gain Slow heartbeat Sensitive to cold. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens or persists after several weeks while using this medicine.

3. What are the side effects of Unithroid?

Many people who use this Levothyroxine drug do not have serious side effects. However, it is also possible to experience hair loss during the first few months of treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms of high thyroid hormone levels:
Increased sweating Sensitivity to heat Mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, changes). mood) Diarrhea Tremor Headache Shortness of breath Bone pain, easy fracture Other rare but very serious symptoms of high thyroid hormone levels:
Chest pain Fast, irregular heartbeat Swelling of hands, eyes Ankles, feet Convulsions When using Levothroid medicine, it is very rare to have a serious allergic reaction. However, get medical help right away if you notice any of the following symptoms, including:
Rash Itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat) Severe dizziness Difficulty breathing Upper These are some of the signs and symptoms you may experience while using Levothroid. If you notice any other symptoms not listed above, contact your doctor right away.

4. Some Unithroid drug interactions may occur when taking

Levothroid drug interactions can change how well your medicine works or increase your risk of serious side effects. Tell your doctor about all the products you are using including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and vitamins you take. Do not stop or change the dose of Levothroid without your doctor's approval.
Products that may interact with this drug include: "blood thinners" (such as warfarin), sucroferric oxyhydroxide, digoxin.

5. Some notes when using Unithroid thuốc

5.1 Precautionary measures

Before taking levothyroxine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or have any other allergies. Levothyroxine may contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions or other health problems.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any of the following conditions: increased thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis), decreased adrenal gland function, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes.
If you have diabetes, your blood sugar will be affected while using this medicine. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as increased thirst/urination, tremors, unusual sweating, dizziness or hunger. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication or diet.
Children may be more sensitive to some of the side effects of this medicine, especially headache, vision changes, and hip/leg pain. High thyroid hormone levels can lead to decreased bone growth/growth and reduced adult height.
Levothyroxine can be used by women during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, as your dose may need to be adjusted accordingly. Consult your doctor when you are breast-feeding, as Levothyroxine passes into breast milk but is unlikely to affect the infant.

5.2 Overdose

If you take too much of this medicine and have serious symptoms such as fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, confusion, seizures, fainting, or trouble breathing. Immediately contact a doctor or medical center to receive medical help, avoiding unnecessary risks.

5.3 Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose, if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not double your dose to catch up unless your doctor tells you to.
Vinmec International General Hospital has a team of doctors and pharmacists with many years of experience. Customers who have any health problems can contact the hospital for examination and appropriate indications.

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Reference source: webmd.com