Eltroxin is a branded medication developed and marketed by Mercury Pharma pharmaceutical company. Commonly prescribed for the treatment of thyroid hormone deficiency, better known as hypothyroidism, Eltroxin is based on levothyroxine sodium as an active ingredient. Highly adept at providing relief from symptoms of underactive thyroid, Eltroxin is available in the form of a standard tablet as well as oral solution, with both forms being available in two strengths.

What’s on this page?

What is hypothyroidism and how is it treated?

Hypothyroidism, also known as thyroid hormone deficiency is a medical condition caused by an underactive thyroid gland. This gland is located in the neck and is tasked with producing hormones which regulate the body’s metabolism and control numerous organ functions, as well as muscle growth and digestion. It is a condition opposite of hyperthyroidism – a condition marked by an overactive thyroid gland.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are not easy to notice as they can progress very slowly, sometimes even over several years. However, when the symptoms begin to manifest, they include weight gain, lethargic or depressed mood, constipation, greater sensitivity to cold as well as aches in the muscles. This condition is most commonly caused by a disorder called autoimmune thyroiditis – a situation that occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, compromising its ability to synthesise and release hormones.

Hypothyroidism is diagnosed and confirmed via specialised blood test aimed at measuring the levels of the relevant hormones in the system. If the condition is confirmed, the doctor will suggest treatment using hormone replacement tablets such as Eltroxin.

How does Eltroxin work?

Eltroxin is a branded medication based on levothyroxine sodium as an active ingredient. It acts by supplementing the levels of naturally occurring thyroid hormone thyroxine. However, medications of this type usually require several adjustments to the dose, before the body begins to properly respond to the treatment. So, regular blood checks will be necessary when taking Eltroxin in order to confirm that the hormone levels are at their optimal values.

Can I buy Eltroxin online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to buy Eltroxin online in the UK, but the process might be somewhat more complex as compared to buying prescription medications of a different kind. This is so because you will have to confirm thyroid hormone deficiency via blood test before you can apply for buying Eltroxin. In addition to this, you will have to monitor the levels of hormones in your system during treatment in order to ensure that you are using the correct dosage of the medication. If that is not the case, the doctor will have to review the results in order to make adjustments if needed.

With all this in mind, it comes as no surprise that most online clinics operating within the UK will allow you to buy Eltroxin through their website only if you are looking to renew the prescription. This means that if it is your first time taking Eltroxin, you will still have to obtain the prescription via so-called traditional route which involves making an appointment with your doctor and undergoing the relevant tests. If you are already using Eltroxin and are now just looking to start buying it online, it can be done fairly easily. You will still have to fill in a medical questionnaire that the doctor employed at the online clinic will use to determine your suitability for using Eltroxin.

If everything is in order, the prescription will be renewed and used to have the medicine sent from the partner pharmacy to the address you specified.

How to take Eltroxin?

Whenever you use any medication, it is important to do so in line with the doctor’s instruction and the official directions for that specific product. This is even more important when you are using impactful and serious treatments such as Eltroxin. By adhering to the guidelines, you will not only ensure the optimal results with the medication, but minimise the risk of experiencing side effects or causing potentially harmful interactions with other medications you might be taking at the same time.

Below, we will provide you with some of the most general guidelines that you should keep in mind when using Eltroxin. However, it is very important to note that what follows can never be used as a substitute for doctor’s advice or the official guidelines which you should carefully read through. A detailed guide to using Eltroxin can be found in the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine.

  • Always use exactly as instructed
  • If you are using Eltroxin tablets, take them at least half an hour before eating or drinking to ensure that the active ingredient is properly absorbed
  • Take the tablets whole with water – do not chew or break them
  • The exact dose will be determined by your doctor; the most common starting dose is 50mg to 100mg daily
  • The maximum daily dose is 200mg
  • If you are over 50 or have heart problems, the doctor might prescribe a lower dose
  • If you forget to take a tablet, simply take it when you do remember unless the next dose is due – if this is the case, simply skip the missed dose and carry on with your course as usual
  • Never double your dose to make up for the missed one
  • If you take more Eltroxin than you should, contact your doctor or the emergency service immediately; depending on the amount you took, it might be necessary to go to hospital
  • Eltroxin is a long-term treatment and as such it should be taken for as long as doctor thinks it is necessary; never stop taking the medicine without doctor’s instruction to do so

What are Eltroxin side effects?

As is the case with all prescription medications, Eltroxin can also cause certain side effects in people who are especially susceptible to them. And just like most other medications, Eltroxin can cause side effects that can roughly be divided in two very broad categories – those which are uncomfortable, but not really dangerous and those which will require you to halt treatment and seek immediate medical advice. The latter group includes the risk of an allergic reaction which usually manifests through the following symptoms:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue
  • Difficulties breathing
  • Sensitivity to sunlight
  • Itchiness, redness and lumpy skin rashes
  • Pain in the joints
  • General malaise

Luckily, allergic reaction to Eltroxin is considered to be extremely rare and as such, it is very unlikely to occur. However, another dangerous side effect that is known to occur somewhat more commonly (but is still considered rare) is so-called thyroid crisis, a condition stemming from the sudden and excessive rise in thyroid hormones. Symptoms associated include:

  • Jaundice
  • Accelerated heartbeat
  • Arrhythmia
  • Fever
  • Confusion
  • Hypotension
  • Convulsions
  • Heart failure
  • Loss of consciousness

Other side effects are considered to be less dangerous and are usually indistinguishable from the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including:

  • Hot flushes
  • Headaches
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Shaking
  • Diarrhoea
  • Chest pains
  • Loss of weight
  • Cramping or weakness of the muscles
  • Irregular heartbeat

Please note that the side effects discussed here are just some of the documented adverse reactions to Eltroxin. For a more detailed overview, please refer to the patient information leaflet.