If you’ve been told you have an under‑active thyroid, chances are your doctor mentioned Levothyroxine. It’s the most common prescription for hypothyroidism because it replaces the hormone your body isn’t making enough of. Think of it as a synthetic version of thyroxine (T4) that helps normalize metabolism, energy levels, and mood.
Most people start with a low dose—often 25 µg to 50 µg per day—and the doctor tweaks it based on blood tests. The goal is to bring your TSH level into the normal range, which usually takes a few weeks of adjustments. Take the pill on an empty stomach, preferably first thing in the morning with plain water, and wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking coffee.
Levothyroxine is safe for most folks, but a few side effects can pop up, especially if the dose is too high. You might feel shaky, have rapid heartbeats, trouble sleeping, or notice weight loss without trying. If you get any of these symptoms, call your doctor—they’ll likely lower the dose and re‑check your labs.
Allergic reactions are rare but serious. Look out for rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Those signs need immediate medical attention.
Many Canadians wonder if they can order Levothyroxine online to save time or money. The short answer: yes, but only from licensed pharmacies that require a valid prescription. Look for sites that display a Canadian pharmacy license number and have a pharmacist available for questions.
Avoid websites that promise “no prescription needed” or sell the drug at dramatically low prices. Those are often counterfeit and can be dangerous. Check reviews, verify the physical address, and make sure the site uses secure (https) connections before entering any personal info.
When you receive your medication, inspect the packaging for tamper‑evidence and compare the label with what your doctor wrote. If anything looks off—misspelled names, unusual colors, or missing batch numbers—don’t take it. Contact the pharmacy right away.
Finally, keep a copy of your prescription handy in case customs asks for proof. Most reputable Canadian online pharmacies will ask you to upload a photo of the prescription before shipping.
In short, Levothyroxine can make a big difference when taken correctly. Stick to the dosing schedule, watch for side effects, and only buy from trusted Canadian sources. With those steps, you’ll keep your thyroid on track without unnecessary hassle.