This article describes possible side effects of Tirosint oral forms. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Tirosint, including the drug’s uses, side effects, and more.
Tirosint is a brand-name medication that comes as a solution that you swallow and capsules that you take by mouth. It’s available in a generic version called levothyroxine sodium. This article describes possible side effects of Tirosint.
Tirosint oral forms have a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Warnings for Tirosint” section below.
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More common side effects of Tirosint
Tirosint oral forms may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of Tirosint oral forms include:
- hair loss*
- headache
- increased appetite
- nervousness
- weight loss
These side effects were reported in studies of Tirosint oral solution and Tirosint oral capsule.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Tirosint in detail” section below.
Mild side effects of Tirosint
Tirosint may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of Tirosint oral forms that occurred in studies include:
- diarrhea
- hair loss*
- headache
- increased appetite
- leg cramps
- muscle weakness
- nervousness
- sweating more than usual
- difficulty sleeping
- weight loss
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Tirosint in detail” section below.
These side effects were reported in studies of Tirosint oral solution and Tirosint oral capsule.
Tirosint oral forms may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information for Tirosint oral solution and Tirosint oral capsule.
Serious side effects of Tirosint
Tirosint may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Tirosint oral forms, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Tirosint.
Serious side effects of Tirosint oral forms that occurred in studies include:
- chest pain
- heart problems*
- fertility problems
- high blood pressure
- weak or brittle bones*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Tirosint in detail” section below.
These side effects were reported in studies of Tirosint oral solution and Tirosint oral capsule.
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For some people, Tirosint oral forms can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies of Tirosint oral solution and Tirosint oral capsule.
When allergic reactions have occured, they have been allergic reactions to inactive ingredients and not the drug itself. Inactive ingredients in Tirosint include gelatin and glycerin.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Tirosint oral forms, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Common questions about side effects of Tirosint
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Tirosint oral forms. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is weight gain a side effect of Tirosint?
No, weight gain isn’t an expected side effect of Tirosint oral forms. On the other hand, weight loss is an expected side effect.
Weight gain can be a symptom of an underactive thyroid. As your body adjusts to taking Tirosint, you may experience some weight loss. If you start gaining weight while taking Tirosint, talk with your doctor. They may need to adjust your Tirosint dosage. Don’t change your dosage without talking with your doctor first.
Do Tirosint side effects go away?
Yes, mild side effects of Tirosint may go away within a few days or weeks. This happens as your body gets used to Tirosint, and your thyroid hormone levels even out.
That said, some side effects of Tirosint may be more severe and could have long lasting effects. These include weak or brittle bones and heart problems. To learn more about these, see the “Side effects of Tirosint in detail” section below.
Tell your doctor if you have side effects that don’t go away or become severe or bothersome. They can determine if your dosage of Tirosint needs to be adjusted. Don’t change your dosage without talking with your doctor first.
What are the side effects of taking too much Tirosint?
The side effects of taking too much Tirosint are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). This can include any of the side effects listed in the sections above. Other symptoms of an overdose of Tirosint include:
- confusion
- disorientation
- loss of consciousness
- seizures
It may take a few days for symptoms to show up after taking too much Tirosint. But too much Tirosint can be fatal. Get medical care right away if you think you’ve taken too much Tirosint.
Side effects of Tirosint in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Tirosint oral forms.
Hair loss
In studies, hair loss was reported in people taking Tirosint oral forms. This side effect is usually mild.
It’s not clear how common this side effect was in studies of Tirosint oral solution and Tirosint oral capsule.
Hair loss with Tirosint is usually partial hair loss. It typically happens in the first few months of treatment and is temporary. It should get better with time.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about hair loss, tell your doctor. Hair loss usually lasts only a short period of time and will get better.
Heart problems
In studies, heart problems were reported in people taking Tirosint oral forms. This side effect may be serious.
It’s not clear how common this side effect was in studies of Tirosint oral solution and Tirosint oral capsule.
Heart rhythm problems can happen while taking Tirosint. Other heart problems can occur too, including angina (chest pain), heart attack, and heart failure. These problems are usually because of over-treatment with Tirosint. This leads to high levels of the drug in the body.
Symptoms of heart problems can include:
- chest pain or pressure
- dizziness
- fatigue
- heart palpitations or feeling a flutter or skipped beat
- shortness of breath
- sweating
Certain factors can increase the risk of heart problems with Tirosint oral forms. These include being an older adult and already having heart disease.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of heart problems, get medical care right away.
If you develop a heart problem while taking Tirosint, your doctor may stop treatment for a period of time and restart it at a lower dose.
Weak or brittle bones
In studies, weak or brittle bones were reported in people taking Tirosint oral forms. This side effect may be serious.
It’s not clear how common this side effect was in studies of Tirosint oral solution and Tirosint oral capsule.
With weak or brittle bones, you have an increased risk of breaking a bone. You may not have any symptoms before a bone breaks, but your doctor can find changes with certain lab tests. This side effect is usually because of over-treatment with Tirosint.
Being in the postmenopausal stage can also increase the risk of weak or brittle bones with Tirosint oral forms.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about weak or brittle bones, talk with your doctor. Tell your doctor right away if you break a bone while taking Tirosint.
Warnings for Tirosint
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Tirosint oral forms.
Boxed warning
Tirosint oral forms have a boxed warning about using them for weight loss and taking too much Tirosint. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Tirosint should not be used for weight loss. In people with normal thyroid function, taking the recommended dosages of Tirosint won’t cause weight loss.
Taking dosages larger than what your doctor recommends to lose weight can cause serious, life threatening side effects. This includes seizures, coma, and death. The risk of these side effects increases when Tirosint is taken with other weight loss medications.
Due to these risks, you should only take Tirosint exactly as your doctor prescribes it.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take Tirosint oral forms if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Tirosint oral forms are a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking Tirosint oral forms, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
- adrenal problems
- blood clotting problems
- diabetes
- food allergies
- heart disease
- low red blood cells
- myxedema coma
- osteoporosis
- pituitary gland problems
- postmenopause
- recent iodine radiation therapy
- thyroid nodules
- past allergic reaction to Tirosint
Tirosint and pregnancy
In general, Tirosint oral forms are considered safe to take during pregnancy. That said, check with your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you specifically.
Tirosint and breastfeeding
In general, Tirosint oral forms are considered safe to take while breastfeeding. That said, check with your doctor whether they feel it’s safe for you specifically.
Tirosint and alcohol
Tirosint oral forms are not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Tirosint oral forms.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.