Advice to patients (15) Thyroxine tablets
- Thyroxine is often used to treat problems where the body is not able to produce enough thyroxine naturally. This may be when the thyroid gland is not working properly or when it has had to be removed.
- The tablets are usually taken once each day.
- It is best to take thyroxine at least half an hour before breakfast, because food can stop this medicine being absorbed properly.
- Side effects are rare with thyroxine. Any problems may mean the doctor needs to change the dose you take. If you have palpitations, chest pain, muscle cramps, weight loss, sweating or anxiety you should tell your doctor.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor first. If you suddenly stopped, your symptoms could come back
This series of "advice tips" on commonly used drugs is written by
pharmacists from the Sussex Pharmacy Academic Practice Unit. It is intended
as a reminder of points to be made by pharmacists as they hand out dispensed
medicines. The list is not intended to be comprehensive but to cover some important
points.
By Carina and Duncan Livingstone
Other advice
tips | Cards
for sale
©The Pharmaceutical Journal