Thyroxine Side Effects

Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone, it is thyroid hormone T₄, to the more precise. It is also available in the synthetic version, which is used in hormone replacement for patients, who have thyroid problems. The brands available of this thyroid medication is different around the world. At the same time, there are also a number of generic versions available as well. Thryoxine is given to patients with hypothyroidism and also for people who suffer from goiter or enlarged thyroid gland. In some cases it is also prescribed to treat lymphocytic thyroid, thyroid cancer, etc. as well. However, there are some people who suffer from thyroxine side effects. It is more often than not dependent on the dosage of thyroxine prescribed. We will now read on what are the side effects of thyroxine.

Common Thyroxine Side Effects
Synthetic thyroxine is a replacement for the thyroxine produced by the body, therefore it is natural, that it will have some side effects. However, if the dosage is aptly tailored to the person's need, the side effects may not be seen. A blood test is often conducted to adjust the dosage of thyroxine from time to time to avoid any long term side effects of thyroxine. The most common side effects of thyroxine are mentioned below.

• When the dosage of thyroxine increases, it results in increased metabolic activity, which gives rise to palpitations.
• People who suffer from heart diseases may experience chest pain.
• Joint pain, muscle weakness and muscle cramps also count in the thyroxine side effects.
• Some people may experience sweating and tremors as a result of side effects of thyroxine.
• It is also said to increase the risk of osteoporosis.
• Thyroxine can also cause severe allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, itching, etc.
• Swelling of the mouth, face lips or tongue can also be caused as a side effect of thyroxine.
• Tightness in the chest can also be caused as a result of thyroxine side effects.
• In cases of women, it can result in changes in menstrual periods. In some cases, it may cause irregular menstrual cycle, or heavy flow, impaired fertility, etc.
• Unusual weight loss or weight gain can also result as a side effect of thyroxine.
• Severe and persistent headache can also be counted as a side effect of thyroxine.
• Some people may experience trouble in sleeping, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc. as well.
• Anxiety, irritability, insomnia are also side effects of thyroxine.
• In some severe cases of thyroxine side effects, some patients have known to suffer from dyspnea.
• Decreased bone mineral density can also be as a result of thyroxine over dose.

Sometimes the side effects of thyroine is the effect, it has on the interaction with other drugs. The thyroxine side effects are often linked to the prescribed dosage of the drug. The dosage is often decided depending on the age, weight, thyroid levels, pre-exisiting medical condition, other drugs administered, etc. There are certain medications, which often reduce the ability of the body to absorb thyroxine. Therefore, patients are often advised to take iron supplements, calcium supplements, antacids, etc. More often than not it is observed, that it may take thyroxine around 4 to 6 weeks to reach its maximum level of effectiveness. Hence, it is often recommended, that individuals on thyroxine have their blood tested at regular intervals, so that the level of T₄ and thyroid function can be monitored and it will help to administer the right dosage, so that thyroxine side effects can be avoided.