Thyroid disease is one of the most common disorders in the United States, with about 27 million people suffering from some form of the disease. When the thyroid is either underactive, nonfunctioning, or has been all or partly surgically removed, hypothyroidism may occur. If left untreated, hypothyroidism and its symptoms usually worsen.

The traditional treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement. This involves taking levothyroxine (T₄) , liothyronine (T₃) , or a combination product containing both T₄ and T₃. These treatments work in the body much like thyroxine, the human hormone normally produced by the thyroid gland.

Safety Information

Precautions

Thyroid hormones should not be used for the treatment of obesity.

Levothroid tablets should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, including hypertension. The development of chest pain or other exacerbation of cardiovascular symptoms will require a decrease in dosage. Thyroid hormone may increase symptoms of diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or adrenal insufficiency. Adjustment of treatment measures for these endocrinological diseases is necessary if thyroid hormone therapy is added. If Levothroid is used in the treatment of myxedema coma, glucocorticoids should be administered.