Westhroid

Who is Westhroid for ?

Thyroid is a hormone produced by the body. When taken correctly, thyroid reverses the symptoms of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without thyroid hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. Thyroid also is used to treat goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Westhroid ?

Thyroid hormone should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. Thyroid medication is ineffective for weight reduction in normal thyroid patients and may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, especially when taken with amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.

Before taking thyroid,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to thyroid; foods such as pork, beef, soybean oil, or corn; or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amphetamines, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin), arthritis medications, aspirin, cholesterol-lowering resins such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), diabetes medications (insulin and tablets), digoxin (Lanoxin), estrogens, oral contraceptives, steroids, and vitamins.
• if you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after taking your thyroid medication.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); kidney disease; hepatitis; cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attack; or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking thyroid, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking thyroid.
• tell your doctor if you drink alcoholic beverages. It is important not to drink alcohol while taking thyroid.

Side Effects

Although side effects from thyroid are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• weight loss
• tremor
• headache
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• nervousness
• irritability
• insomnia
• excessive sweating
• increased appetite
• fever
• changes in menstrual cycle
• sensitivity to heat
• temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy

• severe skin rash
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• chest pain (angina)
• rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse