The National Health Service has issued an important safety alert concerning levothyroxine, a medication prescribed to millions across the UK for an underactive thyroid gland.
Who Should Not Take Levothyroxine?
While around 33 million prescriptions are dispensed annually, making it one of the NHS's most common medicines, it is not suitable for all patients. The NHS explicitly states that certain individuals may be at risk if prescribed this hormone replacement therapy.
According to official guidance, you may not be able to take levothyroxine if you have specific pre-existing health conditions. These include:
- Heart problems such as angina, heart disease, heart failure, or a previous heart attack.
- An overactive thyroid (thyrotoxicosis).
- Health issues affecting your adrenal glands.
- Diabetes or high blood pressure.
- A previous allergic reaction to levothyroxine or any other medicine.
Recognising Serious Side Effects
Levothyroxine can cause a range of side effects. Common ones, which are often not serious, include headaches, nausea, diarrhoea, muscle cramps, shaking, and trouble sleeping. The NHS advises speaking to a doctor or pharmacist if these persist.
However, some symptoms require urgent action. Patients are urged to call 111 or speak to a doctor immediately if they experience a fast or irregular heartbeat. More critically, any chest pain warrants an immediate call to 999.
Essential Advice for Patients
The NHS emphasises that patients should always read the leaflet inside their medicine packet for a full list of potential side effects. It is vital for individuals to discuss their full medical history with their GP before starting or continuing treatment, especially if they have any of the conditions listed.
This warning underscores the importance of personalised medical care, even for widely used and generally safe medications. For complete details, patients can visit the official NHS website.
