What is Unithroid: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Unithroid

• Take your medicine as directed. 

• Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

• Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. 

• You may have to take this medicine for 4 to 8 weeks before your symptoms improve.

• Take this medicine in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating breakfast. Swallow the tablet whole, and take it with a full, 8-ounce glass of water.

• Take your medicine at the same time every day.

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep this and all medicine out of the reach and out of sight of children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Never share your medicine with anyone, even if they have the same symptoms.

• Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Many people need to take this medication as a lifelong treatment.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Unithroid

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.

• You should not use two doses at the same time to try to make up for a missed dose.

Unithroid contraindications

Do not use Unithroid if you: 

• Are allergic to levothyroxine or any active ingredients in the medication

• Have an uncorrected adrenal gland problem

• Have had a recent heart attack

Unithroid warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

• Tell your doctor if you have recently received radiation treatment with iodine.

• Tell your doctor about all the medical conditions you have. Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have:

  • Heart disease

  • Diabetes

  • Adrenal or pituitary gland conditions

  • Kidney disease

  • Liver disease

  • Anemia

  • Blood clotting problems

  • Osteoporosis

• This medicine may cause heart problems, including angina (chest pain), heart rhythm problems, or heart attack—if the dose is too high. It is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions on when to get blood work so your levels can be monitored closely.

• This medicine should not be used to treat obesity or as part of a treatment plan for a weight control program.

• Large doses of thyroid hormones, especially when taken with diet pills, can result in dangerous adverse effects.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are taking this medicine.

• Make sure you see your doctor for regular check-ups so your condition can be followed closely.

• Your doctor will order lab tests at regular intervals to check on the effects of this medicine and make sure you are taking the proper dosage. Keep all appointments.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly.

Unithroid interactions

• Some foods and medicines can affect how levothyroxine works. Before taking Unithroid, tell your doctor about all of the medications you take, including prescription drugs, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:

  • Amiodarone

  • Asparaginase

  • Carbamazepine

  • Dexamethasone

  • Digoxin

  • 5-fluorouracil

  • Furosemide

  • Heroin

  • Imatinib

  • Ketamine

  • Methadone

  • Mitotane

  • Phenobarbital

  • Phenytoin

  • Rifampin

  • Tamoxifen

  • Beta blocker medicine such as propranolol

  • Birth control pills (including estrogen)

  • Blood thinners (including heparin, warfarin)

  • Insulin or diabetes medicine

  • Certain antidepressants (such as amitriptyline)

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

  • Salicylates

  • Steroids (including dexamethasone, androgens, anabolic steroids)

  • Products used for colds, asthma, appetite control, hay fever, or sinus problems

• There are also some drug interactions that interfere with Unithroid’s absorption. These medications should be taken at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take Unithroid, such as:

  • Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate)

  • Lanthanum

  • Orlistat

  • Sevelamer

  • Sucralfate

  • Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium, such as Maalox, Mylanta, Milk of Magnesia, magnesium hydroxides

  • Simethicone

  • Any medicine that contains iron (such as iron or ferrous sulfate products) or calcium, such as antacids that contain calcium carbonate

  • Certain medicines that lower cholesterol (including cholestyramine, colesevelam, and colestipol)

  • Proton pump inhibitors (including lansoprazole, omeprazole, esomeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, Nexium, Prilosec, Zegerid)

• Cottonseed meal, soybean flour (infant formula), walnuts, grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and high-fiber foods may decrease the absorption of this medicine. Consult your doctor for medical advice about dietary restrictions.

• Large doses of thyroid hormones, especially when taken with diet pills, can result in dangerous side effects.