Unithroid - Possible Side Effects

Unithroid is a prescription medication that is used to treat hypothyroidism. The drugs’ major component is levothyroxine or synthetic T4 hormone, which is identical to the T4 hormone produced inside the body.

The body’s T4 hormone is naturally produced by the thyroid gland and plays a very important role in regulating energy and metabolism. In the case of hypothyroidism, the body does not produce enough of the hormone, hence it is replaced with synthetic ones.

Who Can Take Unithroid?

Because thyroid hormones are naturally occurring in the body, almost anyone can take Unithroid. However, people with regular or high thyroid hormone levels do not need to take the medication at all. In fact, getting too much of the T4 hormone can cause unwanted side effects. Thus, you should only take Unithroid upon the prescription of your doctor.

Unithroid is prescribed for children and adults who suffer from hypothyroidism or low production of thyroid hormones. It is also prescribed for some cases of goiter or enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Is Unithroid Similar To Other Levothyroxine Tablets?

While Unithroid may have the same active component as other drugs like Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Levothroid they may not work the same. Hence it is important to take the same brand throughout the whole duration of your therapy.

Important Things To Know About Unithroid

Unithroid or other levothyroxine medications can cause adverse effects to people with pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, thyrotoxicosis, and adrenal gland problems.

Make sure that you let your doctor know if you have these conditions. In fact, you should disclose your entire medical history because some diseases and conditions can also inhibit your body’s ability to absorb the synthetic hormone.

What To Avoid While Taking Unithroid

Some medications can render Unithroid less effective when taken at the same time. 

Of course, you can still take these medicines; but only take them four hours after taking Unithroid. Some food products can also lessen the body’s ability to absorb levothyroxine, and these include high-fiber foods, walnuts, and infant soy formula. Like the general rule for medication, eat them four hours after you have taken the medication.

Side Effects of Unithroid

The medication can also cause side-effects. The side-effects experienced by some Unithroid users are usually associated with over-intake or over-replacement. Taking more than the recommended dose can increase your thyroid hormone levels, which in turn can lead to side-effects that are similar to the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Such symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Sleeping problems
• Anxiety, irritability, nervousness
• Loss of appetite, weight loss
• Difficulty breathing
• Palpitations
• Sensitivity to heat, hot flashes, sweating

Apart from these side-effects, an individual may also experience hypersensitivity and develop allergic reactions to one or many of Unithroid’s inactive ingredients. Call your doctor right away if you begin to experience allergic reactions such as wheezing, hives, and swelling of the mouth and throat area.

It is good to remember that it may take some weeks for your body to manifest the full effects of thyroid hormone replacement. So, you may still feel the symptoms of your condition within the first few weeks of therapy.

Once you begin to feel better, do not stop taking the drug right away. Remember that hypothyroidism is a life long condition, you will most likely be taking Unithroid for the rest of your life.