Levothyroxine

What is Levothyroxine?

Levothyroxine, (commonly known as thyroxine), is a synthetic medication that is similar to the naturally occurring hormone produced by the thyroid glands. It is used in the treatment of hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid when your own body is not producing enough natural thyroid hormone.

Benefits of Levothyroxine

If your body stops producing thyroid hormone altogether or produces a smaller amount then your body requires this is known as hypothyroidism. You may not notice it immediately, however, in the long term, hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, tiredness and depression.

Taking Levothyroxine orally increases the level of thyroxine hormones in your body, which prevents the symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

It is important to have regular annual or bi-annual thyroid function tests (TFT) to check how much thyroxine is in the body, and if necessary, to adjust the dose of Levothyroxine treatment. These tests are usually carried out by your own GP or doctor either before or after a medication review.

How to use Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine (or thyroxine), is a prescription-only medication. Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the patient information leaflet provided in the medication packet.

Swallow the tablets with plenty of water, ideally 30-minutes before breakfast (or your first meal of the day). You may be taking this medicine for the rest of your life so it’s important that you understand how to take it properly.

Dosage Information

Levothyroxine tablets come in various different strengths. Most commonly in 12.5mcg, 25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg doses.

As every individual will have different levels of thyroxine in their body, your doctor will decide on your starting dose based on the results of your thyroid function blood test.

The most common starting dose is between 50-100mcg every day, but this may be increased every few weeks until your thyroxine levels are correct. Your final daily dose may be a lot higher and will be made up of a combination of the various different strengths of levothyroxine available.

(For example, 150mcg daily dose could be taken as 1x100mcg tablet and 1x50mcg tablet, or 2x75mcg tablets all at the same time each day).

At Access Doctor, our prescribers will only approve orders for Levothyroxine if you have already been diagnosed, and started on the treatment by your own GP or doctor. We can not provide thyroid function tests to determine your dose otherwise.

If you forget a dose then you should take it as soon as possible after you remember. However, if it’s nearly time for your next dose then skip the forgotten one and move onto your next one. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

If you accidentally take more Levothyroxine tablets then you should then contact a doctor or emergency service straight away. Symptoms of an overdose include chest pain, a fever or an irregular heartbeat.

You should not stop taking Levothyroxine tablets unless you are specifically told to by a doctor or prescriber. These tablets are for long term use and you should continue to take them for as long as advised.

How do I buy Levothyroxine?

You can safely buy Levothyroxine online from Access Doctor. After completing an online health evaluation form, one of the prescribers will review your order to ensure that Levothyroxine is the right medication for your medical condition. Once approved, the order will be processed by our pharmacy team and delivered safely and discreetly.