Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking Levothyroxine as follows:
- Take Levothyroxine early in the morning, 30 minutes before breakfast, as Levothyroxine is best absorbed on empty stomach. Take the medication dose at the same time, every day, to avoid forgetting the intake of medication.
- Be aware of responses to Levothyroxine overdose and consequent symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as, palpitations, very rapid heart rate, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, racing thoughts, mood swings, nervousness, and irritability. Report any of these findings to your doctor for a possible revision on the dose.
- Be aware of responses to inadequate dose of Levothyroxine and consequent continuing symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as, reduced activity and endurance, poor energy levels, exhaustion, tiredness, malaise, constipation, low heart rate, low body temperature, cold intolerance, reduced body metabolism and weight gain. Report any of these findings to your doctor for a possible revision on the dose.
- Watch closely for development of any allergic reactions to Levothyroxine, such as, skin rashes, hives, and rashes. 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.
