Levothyroxine

Introduction

Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat thyroid cancer and to reduce the size of enlarged thyroid glands, generally known as goiter (Pritham, 2013). When using this medicine, one should weigh the dangers against the potential benefits because it has both advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of Levothyroxine

One of the benefits of levothyroxine is that it provides an important hormone that the body requires to function. The medication also effectively alleviates the symptoms of an underactive thyroid (Culer, 2014). This medication is suitable for people of all ages and can even be used by pregnant women. Another advantage is that levothyroxine is inexpensive and widely available in medical facilities. Levothyroxine is the commonly prescribed synthetic replacement for the lost thyroid hormones because it provides the most consistent level of hormones in human beings (Pritham, 2013). Most of the patients who use it correctly report fast and consistent results. This means with proper dosage as well as following all requirements, this drug can be good in replacing the lost thyroid hormones.

Disadvantages of Levothyroxine

On the other hand, one of the cons associated with this drug is its absorption is easily impacted by various factors like food, health conditions and other types of medication supplements (Pritham, 2013). Using much or little of this medicine may make one experience various side effects including excessive weight gain, dry skin and so forth.

The other con associated with this medicine is that it dose adjustments are based on health changes. The other con of this drug is that different brands of levothyroxine work differently, meaning patients must ask the pharmacists if the refill resembles the old pills. Finally, this drug may lead to life-threatening side effects, especially when taken with amphetamines.

References

Pritham, R. Y. (2013). Treating Thyroid Disorders and Depression: 3 Case Studies: Recognizing Clinical Nuances Can Improve Screening and Treatment of Both Disorders. Current Psychiatry, 12(1), 56-78.

Culer. D. (2014). The Quality Cure: How Focusing on Health Care Quality Can Save Your Life and Lower Spending Too. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.