Levothyroxine is a hormone replacement medication that is used for the treatment of thyroid hormone deficiency caused by an underactive thyroid gland, better known as hypothyroidism. As a generic version of Eltroxin, Levothyroxine is based on the active ingredient of the same name which is in turn a synthetic bioequivalent to naturally-synthesised thyroxine, a hormone released by the thyroid gland. By supplementing the depleted levels of thyroid hormones, Levothyroxine will efficiently mitigate the symptoms of hypothyroidism by tackling their root cause. As such, it is a long-term treatment that should be taken for as long as the doctor thinks it is necessary.

What’s on this page?

Do I have hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is not a too common condition, but it still affects roughly between 1% and 2% of the total population of the UK, with the majority of those affected being women. Some recent estimates seem to conclude that while 1 in every 1000 men is affected by thyroid hormone deficiency, the same is true for as much as 15 in every 1000 women. In most cases, hypothyroidism is a symptom of an underlying disorder which makes the immune system attack the thyroid gland, thus compromising its function. As a result, the levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine (better known as T3 and T4) will begin to drop.

As these hormones play a vital role in numerous metabolic processes, the symptoms of hypothyroidism will include fatigue, weight fluctuations, depression, slow heart rate, dry skin and muscle cramps. If left untreated, this condition can cause significant complications such as anaemia, loss of hearing or high cholesterol, while contributing to conditions affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina. However, even if all symptoms are present, you will still have to undergo specialised blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Read more about hypothyroidism, here.

How Levothyroxine helps with hypothyroidism?

Just like most other thyroid hormone deficiency treatments, Levothyroxine works by supplementing the depleted thyroxine or T4 hormone in the body. By doing so, this medicine will effectively help the body to deal with the lack of this important metabolic hormone, allowing it to process fat into energy unimpeded. However, on the downside, Levothyroxine dose will probably have to be adjusted several times until the body starts responding to the medicine properly. This means that you will be required to undergo regular blood tests while taking the medicine in order to monitor thyroid hormone levels until they reach the optimal values.

Once a maintenance dose has been reached, the treatment should be much more straightforward. However, it will still be advisable to have your thyroid function checked on a regular basis, just to confirm that everything is in order and the treatment is working as it should be.

Can I buy Levothyroxine online?

Yes, it is possible to buy Levothyroxine 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 Levothyroxine. 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.

Because of all these complications, many online clinics working in the UK will offer their customers to buy Levothyroxine only if they need a prescription renewal. What this means is that if it is your first time buying Levothyroxine, you will still have to do it via so-called traditional route that involves scheduling an appointment with your doctor, consulting with him or her in person and undergoing the required tests. Once you already have a maintenance dose and are supposed just to continue taking the medicine until the doctor instructs you otherwise, you can begin buying Levothyroxine online. Of course, you will still be required to fill in a specialised medical questionnaire so that the doctor can confirm that you are suitable for using Levothyroxine.

As soon as doctor gives you the green light, the prescription will be issued and used that same moment to have the medicine delivered from the partner pharmacy to the address you provided.

How is Levothyroxine used?

Whenever you are taking prescription medications, you should always make sure that you do so exactly as instructed by your prescriber and in line with the official instructions. While your doctor will certainly give you some valuable advice, you can find detailed guidelines on how to properly use Levothyroxine in the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine. By using this resource you will ensure maximum effectiveness of your treatment while at the same time minimising the risk of experiencing side effects.

Below, we will provide you with some of the most general guidelines related to using Levothyroxine. However, it is important to note that the text bellow is here just for illustrative purposes – to help you get a better idea of what using Levothyroxine might look like – and as such, it cannot be used as a substitute for the official information or the doctor’s advice.

  • Always use exactly as instructed
  • If you are using Levothyroxine 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 Levothyroxine 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
  • Levothyroxine 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 Levothyroxine side effects?

As is the case with all prescription medications, Levothyroxine can also cause certain side effects in people who are especially susceptible to them. And just like most other medications, when using Levothyroxine you should be able to differentiate between those side effects 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 allergic reaction with typical signs and 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

Still, allergic reaction to Levothyroxine extremely rare and is very unlikely to occur. On the other hand, thyroid crisis is something that you should definitely be aware of. As a condition that is caused by a sudden and excessive rise in thyroid hormones, it can cause the following symptoms:

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

Below, we will briefly discuss some other documented Levothyroxine side effects.

Levothyroxine tablets side effects

  • Headaches
  • Flushing
  • Fever
  • Sweating
  • Weight loss
  • Tremor
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heart beat
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps or weakness
  • Irregular periods

Levothyroxine oral solution side effects

  • Palpitations
  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Puffiness
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle cramps or weakness
  • High blood pressure in the cranium
  • Tremor
  • Insomnia
  • Excessive weight loss
  • Heat intolerance

Please keep in mind that there are other documented side effects aside from those mentioned here. To learn more about them, please consult the official patient information leaflet that you can find within your pack of Levothyroxine.