Levothyroxine can help treat an underactive thyroid – but it isn’t suitable for everyone
Not everyone will be able to take levothyroxine(Image: Getty Images)
The NHS has issued a warning to anyone taking levothyroxine to treat their thyroid condition. With around 33 million prescriptions of levothyroxine being handed out in the UK each year, the drug is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines from the NHS.
It is commonly used to treat an underactive thyroid gland, otherwise known as hypothyroidism. Typically, it will be prescribed as either a tablet or a liquid that the patient swallows, depending on what the GP thinks is more suitable.
While levothyroxine can be effective at treating an underactive thyroid in most cases, the NHS has warned that there are some people who should not be prescribed it. This can be for a variety of reasons, including the drug increasing the risk of complications from other health conditions.
The NHS website states: “Levothyroxine can be taken by most adults and children. However, it’s not suitable for some people.”
Levothyroxine can help treat an enderactive thyroid(Image: Getty Images)People who may not be able to take levothyroxine
According to NHS guidance, you may not be able to take levothyroxine if one of the following applies:
You have a heart problem, including angina, heart disease or heart failureYou have a health problem that affects your adrenal glandsYou have previously had a heart attackYou have an overactive thyroid that produces too much thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis)You have diabetesYou have previously had an allergic reaction to levothyroxine or any other medicineYou have high blood pressureREAD MORE: Doctor Amir Khan says eyelid symptom is telltale high cholesterol signREAD MORE: ‘I had a gut instinct in the shower that saved my life’When to call 999
Levothyroxine can cause a wide array of side effects, some of which may warrant a call to 999 or a visit to A&E. Common side effects of levothyroxine include:
Flushing or sweatingFeeling restless or excitableTrouble sleepingNauseaHeadachesVomitingShakingDiarrhoeaMuscle cramps
Levothyroxine can cause a variety of side effects(Image: Getty Images)
Keep in mind that there may be more side effects associated with levothyroxine not listed above. For full details on side effects you may experience while taking the drug, you should read the leaflet inside the packet that came with your medicine.
While these common side effects may be discomforting, they are usually not serious and will not require an emergency trip to hospital. However, if you do experience them and they do not go away, the NHS advises that you speak to a doctor or pharmacist who can provide further professional help.
However, if you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat, then it is advised that you either speak to a doctor or call 111 as soon as possible. Furthermore, if you experience any chest pains while taking levothyroxine, it is advised that you call 999.
Full details on levothyroxine and its side effects can be found on the NHS website here.