Levothroid / Levothyroxine Sodium
Levothroid, also known as levothyroxine sodium, is indicated for the treatment of hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by deficient activity of the thyroid gland, in patients of any age. Without levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone, bodily functions slow down. Symptoms may include droopy eyelids, slowed speech, swelled facial features, weight gain, dry skin and hair loss. If untreated, hypothyroidism may cause anemia and heart failure. Levothroid, which also treats congenital hypothyroidism and goiter, helps reverse the disorder's symptoms. Levothroid comes in tablet form to be taken daily. The medication is made by Forest Pharmaceuticals.
Potential side effects of Levothroid include, but may not be limited to, weight loss, tremor, insomnia, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, fever, increased appetite, vomiting and temporary hair loss.
Thyroid drugs should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid production. Levothyroxine is proven ineffective in weight reduction and may cause life-threatening toxicity in normal patients, especially when used with sympathomimetic amines.
In August 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to Forest Pharmaceuticals informing the company that it must immediately halt the manufacturing of Levothroid because the drugmaker failed to obtain approval for the medication. Thyroid drugs containing levothyroxine have been sold for years without FDA approval, but in 2001 the agency ordered all pharmaceutical companies selling the medications to apply for approval by August 14, 2003. According to the FDA, Forest failed to submit an application on time. Forest suspended shipments shortly after the FDA sent the warning letter. See your doctor if you believe you have suffered injuries due to Levothroid. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
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-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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