• Eltroxin contains the active ingredient levothyroxine
• Eltroxin replaces the natural thyroid hormone that your body makes
• Thyroid hormone is needed to give you energy and control growth
• Eltroxin is often used to treat an underactive thyroid
• Some people with an overactive thyroid will have their natural thyroid hormone blocked, and then take Eltroxin to restore it to a healthy level
• Most side effects occur if your dose of Eltroxin is too high
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Eltroxin is a hormone drug that works in a similar way to the body’s natural thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone has an impact on your heartbeat and energy levels. Thyroid hormone can also have an impact on your hair, menstrual cycle, and whether you feel hot or cold. High or low levels can cause weight loss or gain respectively, and the hormone affects most organs in the body. 

When your body does not produce enough thyroid hormone, this is called hypothyroidism. You may gain weight, become constipated or feel tired. Eltroxin replaces the hormone to make sure that vital processes within the body can still occur. 

If your body produces too much thyroid hormone, this is called hyperthyroidism. You may lose weight, feel anxious, notice a fast heartbeat or trembling in your hands. You may be prescribed a tablet to prevent your body from making any thyroid hormone, and then take Eltroxin tablets to maintain a safe, healthy level or thyroid hormone.

Eltroxin is usually taken once a day in the morning. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

It is best to take it about 30 minutes before having breakfast or a caffeinated drink such as tea or coffee. This is because caffeine can prevent the absorption of levothyroxine.

Eltroxin comes in three different tablet strengths: 25 micrograms, 50 micrograms and 100 micrograms. A microgram is much smaller than a milligram. You may need to take several tablets to make up the dose you are prescribed.

The usual starting dose of Eltroxin is between 50 micrograms and 100 micrograms. People over 50, or those with heart disease, may start on a lower dose of Eltroxin. 

Your dose of Eltroxin may change, especially when you first start taking it. You will need regular blood tests to guide treatment. Your dose will depend on the amount (if any) of thyroid hormone your body is still naturally making, and how your body responds to Eltroxin.

Like all medications, Eltroxin can have some side effects. Side effects tend to occur if your dose of Eltroxin is too hight. Signs of this include: 

• Nausea or vomiting (feeling sick or being sick)
• Diarrhoea
• Headaches
• Feeling restless or difficulty sleeping
• Sweating
• Tremors or shaking of the hands
• Muscle cramps
• Flushing.

Speak to your doctor if you experience these side effects. They may need to do a blood test to check the level of hormone in your blood, and then reduce the dose accordingly.

Occasionally, more serious side effects can occur. These include:

• Chest pain
• Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).

Call a doctor straight away if you experience either of these.

Serious allergic reactions happen very rarely. If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip swelling or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Eltroxin may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your prescriber if you:

• Have high levels of thyroid hormone on blood testing
• Have adrenal gland disorder
• Are aged over 50
• Have heart disease including angina
• Have high blood pressure
• Have diabetes
• Have an allergy to certain sugars
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Some medications can interact with Eltroxin. You may be advised that Eltroxin will not suit you if you already take:

• Warfarin or another blood thinning medication
• Medications for diabetes
• Antidepressants
• Medications for heart disease including digoxin and beta blockers
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Carbamazepine and phenytoin for seizures
• Medications for heartburn or reflux
• Certain antibiotics.

Because Eltroxin may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Eltroxin will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Eltroxin will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription. Eltroxin will then be conveniently dispatched from one of our partner pharmacies.

Can I buy Eltroxin (Levothyroxine) online?

You can safely buy Eltroxin (Levothyroxine) online at EU Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Eltroxin (Levothyroxine) is the right medication for your medical condition.

Do I need a prescription for Eltroxin (Levothyroxine)?

Yes, in order to purchase Eltroxin (Levothyroxine) you will need a valid prescription. Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.