Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Levothyroxine as follows:
Side-effects with Levothyroxine administration are usually dose-related. While individuals commonly present with some general constitutional side-effects and mild gastrointestinal upset with Levothyroxine intake, patients can present with extreme side-effects when the dose is high or if the medication is taken for prolonged periods of time. So, periodical labs, to study the response, in order to allow necessary accommodations with the dose of medication is mandatory.
General constitutional side-effects Levothyroxine use can result in elevated body temperatures with individuals presenting with fever, sweating, increased heart rate, tremors, fatigue, irritability, and menstrual changes.
Hair loss
- Levothyroxine intake can result in diffuse hair loss. But, this pattern of hair loss can be reversible once the thyroid hormone levels stabilize.
General allergic reactions
- Levothyroxine use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of angioneurotic edema, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing.
- Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Diarrhea
- Levothyroxine use can sometimes result in gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
- The diarrhea can be self-limiting and resolve over a period of time.
Report any unresolved diarrhea happening beyond 2 – 3 weeks to your physician. Observe compliance with recommendations on fluid supplementation, to help replace fluid loss due to diarrhea.
