Levothiroxine Accord

Leaflet accompanying the packaging: information for the user

Levothyroxine Accord, 12.5 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 25 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 50 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 75 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 88 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 100 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 112 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 125 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 137 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 150 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 175 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine Accord, 200 micrograms, tablets

Levothyroxine sodium

You should carefully read the contents of the leaflet before taking the medicine, as it contains important information for the patient.

• You should keep this leaflet, so that you can read it again if you need to.
• If you have any doubts, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist.
• This medicine has been prescribed specifically for you. Do not pass it on to others. The medicine may harm another person, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
• If the patient experiences any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, they should tell their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. See section 4.

Table of contents of the leaflet:

• 1. What is Levothyroxine Accord and what is it used for
• 2. Important information before taking Levothyroxine Accord
• 3. How to take Levothyroxine Accord
• 4. Possible side effects
• 5. How to store Levothyroxine Accord
• 6. Contents of the packaging and other information

1. What is Levothyroxine Accord and what is it used for

Levothyroxine, the active substance of Levothyroxine Accord, is a synthetic thyroid hormone intended for the treatment of thyroid diseases and disorders. It has the same effect as the thyroid hormones that occur naturally in the body. Levothyroxine Accord is used:

• to treat mild goiter in patients with normal thyroid function,
• to prevent goiter recurrence in patients after surgery,
• to supplement the lack of natural thyroid hormones when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones,
• to inhibit tumor growth in patients with thyroid cancer.

Levothyroxine Accord 25 micrograms, 50 micrograms, 75 micrograms, 88 micrograms, and 100 micrograms are also used to balance thyroid hormone levels in patients who are taking antithyroid drugs due to excessive thyroid hormone production. Levothyroxine Accord 100 micrograms, 150 micrograms, and 200 micrograms may also be used in tests to assess thyroid function. Levothyroxine Accord, 12.5 micrograms:

• In children with hypothyroidism as an initial dose to replace thyroid hormone.
• In the elderly, in people with coronary artery disease, and in patients with severe or prolonged hypothyroidism as a small initial dose, which should then be gradually increased at longer intervals (e.g., 12.5 micrograms per day every 2 weeks), often controlling thyroid hormone levels.
• In every patient who requires gradual increase of levothyroxine dose.

2. Important information before taking Levothyroxine Accord

When not to take Levothyroxine Accord

• During pregnancy, Levothyroxine Accord should not be used in combination with antithyroid drugs to treat hyperthyroidism.

Levothyroxine Accord should not be used in combination with antithyroid drugs if the patient is pregnant (see "Pregnancy and breastfeeding" below).

Warnings and precautions

Before starting treatment with Levothyroxine Accord, you should inform your doctor about the presence of any of the following heart diseases:

• insufficient blood flow in the coronary arteries (angina pectoris),
• heart failure,
• rapid and irregular heart rhythm,
• high blood pressure,
• fatty deposits in the arteries (arteriosclerosis),
• if the adrenal glands do not function properly (adrenal insufficiency), and the treatment supplementing the lack of adrenal hormones is insufficient,

Treatment of these disorders is necessary before starting treatment with Levothyroxine Accord and before performing a thyroid suppression test. During treatment with Levothyroxine Accord, it is necessary to frequently monitor thyroid hormone levels. In case of doubts about the presence of any of the above diseases or if they are not treated, you should consult a doctor. The doctor will perform the necessary tests to determine if the patient has adrenal or pituitary disorders or a certain type of thyroid disorder with uncontrolled excessive production of thyroid hormones (autonomous thyroid function), as in such cases, appropriate treatment may be necessary before starting treatment with Levothyroxine Accord and before performing a thyroid suppression test. After starting levothyroxine treatment in premature infants with very low birth weight, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood pressure, as a sudden drop in blood pressure (called circulatory collapse) may occur. If it is necessary to change the medicine to another levothyroxine-containing medicine, a disruption of thyroid hormone balance may occur. You should consult a doctor if you have any questions about changing medicines. During the transition period, close monitoring of clinical and biochemical parameters is necessary. You should tell your doctor if you experience any side effects, as it may be necessary to increase or decrease the dose.

• in case of changing one levothyroxine-containing medicine to another levothyroxine-containing medicine. The effects of these medicines may differ slightly, and therefore more frequent monitoring and appropriate dose adjustment may be necessary;
• in case of starting or stopping orlistat treatment or changing orlistat treatment (a medicine used to treat obesity); more frequent monitoring and appropriate dose adjustment may be necessary;
• in case of psychotic disorders, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring and appropriate dose adjustment;

Disruption of thyroid hormone balance may occur when changing the levothyroxine-containing medicine to another levothyroxine-containing medicine. If you have any questions about changing the medicine to another one, you should consult a doctor. Close monitoring of the patient (clinical and biological assessment) is necessary during the transition period. If you experience any side effects, you should consult a doctor, as it may be necessary to increase or decrease the dose.

Levothyroxine Accord and other medicines

You should tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines you plan to take, as Levothyroxine Accord may affect the action of these medicines:

• antidiabetic medicines (medicines that lower blood sugar levels): Levothyroxine Accord may weaken the action of antidiabetic medicines, so additional monitoring of blood sugar levels may be necessary, especially at the beginning of treatment with Levothyroxine Accord. During treatment with Levothyroxine Accord, it may be necessary to change the dose of antidiabetic medicine;
• anticoagulant medicines (coumarin derivatives): Levothyroxine Accord may enhance the action of these medicines, which may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in the elderly. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood coagulation parameters may be necessary at the beginning and during treatment with Levothyroxine Accord. During treatment with Levothyroxine Accord, it may be necessary to change the dose of anticoagulant medicine from the coumarin derivative group.

You should ensure that the recommended time intervals are observed when taking any of the following medicines:

• bile acid sequestrants and cholesterol-lowering medicines (cholestyramine or colestipol): Levothyroxine Accord should be taken 4 to 5 hours before taking these medicines, as they may inhibit the absorption of Levothyroxine Accord from the gut;

These medicines may weaken the action of Levothyroxine Accord, so you should tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines you plan to take:

• propylthiouracil (an antithyroid medicine),
• glucocorticoids (anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory medicines),
• beta-adrenergic blockers (medicines that lower blood pressure, also used to treat heart diseases),
• sertraline (an antidepressant),
• chloroquine or proguanil (medicines used to treat or prevent malaria),
• medicines that stimulate certain liver enzymes, such as barbiturates (sedatives, sleeping pills) or carbamazepine (an antiepileptic medicine, also used to treat certain types of pain and mood disorders),
• medicines containing estrogens, used in hormone replacement therapy during menopause and postmenopause or to prevent pregnancy,
• sevelamer (a medicine that lowers phosphate levels, used in patients with chronic kidney failure),
• tyrosine kinase inhibitors (medicines used to treat cancer),
• orlistat (a medicine used to treat obesity).

These medicines may enhance the action of Levothyroxine Accord, so you should tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines you plan to take:

• salicylates (medicines used to relieve pain and reduce fever),
• dicumarol (a medicine that lowers blood coagulation),
• high doses of furosemide, above 250 mg (a diuretic),
• clofibrate (a medicine that lowers lipid levels in the blood).

These medicines may affect the action of Levothyroxine Accord, so you should tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines you plan to take:

• ritonavir, indinavir, lopinavir (protease inhibitors, medicines used to treat HIV infections),
• phenytoin (an antiepileptic medicine),
• medicines containing St. John's wort (some herbal medicines),
• proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, and lansoprazole) used to reduce stomach acid production, which may weaken the absorption of levothyroxine from the intestine and make it less effective. If you are taking levothyroxine while being treated with proton pump inhibitors, your doctor should monitor your thyroid function and modify the dose of Levothyroxine Accord if necessary.

In this situation, regular thyroid hormone testing and dose adjustment may be necessary. If you are taking amiodarone (a medicine used to treat heart rhythm disorders), you should tell your doctor, as this medicine may affect thyroid function. You should tell your doctor about taking Levothyroxine Accord if you need to undergo a diagnostic or imaging test with a contrast agent containing iodine, as this test involves the administration of an injection that affects thyroid function. You should tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking or have recently taken, including those that are available without a prescription. Thyroid hormones should not be used to reduce weight. Taking them will not reduce weight if thyroid hormones are at the proper level. Increasing the dose without consulting a doctor may lead to severe and life-threatening side effects, especially when taking other weight-loss medicines. If you are currently taking or have recently taken biotin, you must inform your doctor or laboratory staff if you are to undergo thyroid hormone laboratory tests. Biotin may affect the results of laboratory tests (see "Warnings and precautions").

Levothyroxine Accord with food and drink

If your diet includes soy products, you should tell your doctor, especially if you change the amount of these products you consume. Soy products may reduce the absorption of Levothyroxine Accord from the small intestine, and therefore, it may be necessary to modify the dose of Levothyroxine Accord.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or plan to have a baby, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. The right amount of thyroid hormone is necessary for a normal pregnancy. Therefore, during pregnancy, you should continue taking Levothyroxine Accord. During pregnancy, you should not take Levothyroxine Accord if you are taking antithyroid drugs (thyreostatics) to treat hyperthyroidism. If necessary, your doctor may adjust the dose. If you become pregnant, you should contact your doctor. There is no evidence that taking Levothyroxine Accord during breastfeeding harms the baby with normal thyroid function. You should not take Levothyroxine Accord if you are breastfeeding and taking antithyroid drugs (thyreostatics) to treat hyperthyroidism.

Driving and using machines

Levothyroxine sodium should not affect your ability to drive or use machines.

Important information about some ingredients of Levothyroxine Accord

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet, which means it is essentially "sodium-free". The 25 microgram tablet contains orange yellow S (E 110), which may cause allergic reactions. The 75 microgram tablet contains Allura Red AC (E 129), which may cause allergic reactions. The 88 microgram tablet contains tartrazine (E 102), which may cause allergic reactions. The 100 microgram tablet contains tartrazine (E 102) and orange yellow S (E 110), which may cause allergic reactions. The 125 microgram tablet contains orange yellow S (E 110) and Allura Red AC (E 129), which may cause allergic reactions.

3. How to take Levothyroxine Accord

You should always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If you are not sure, you should ask your doctor or pharmacist. The doctor will determine the appropriate dose for each patient individually based on clinical assessment and laboratory tests. Treatment usually starts with a small dose, which is increased every 2 to 4 weeks until the full dose, individually adjusted for each patient, is reached. In the first weeks of treatment, laboratory tests will be necessary to allow the doctor to adjust the appropriate dose. If a child is born with a thyroid disease that involves insufficient production of thyroid hormones, it is essential to supplement them quickly. Therefore, the doctor may recommend a higher initial dose of 10 to 15 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day for the first 3 months. Then, the doctor will adjust the dose individually. Typical dose ranges are presented in the table below. Smaller, individually adjusted doses may be sufficient for:

• the elderly,
• people with heart diseases,
• people with severe or prolonged hypothyroidism,
• people with low body weight or giant goiter.

Method of administration
Levothyroxine Accord is intended for oral use.
The single daily dose should be taken in the morning, on an empty stomach (at least half an hour before breakfast), preferably with a small amount of liquid, e.g., half a glass of water.
Infants should be given the entire daily dose of Levothyroxine Accord once a day, at least half an hour before the first meal of the day. Immediately before administration, the tablet should be crushed and mixed with a small amount of water, and the resulting suspension, which should be prepared freshly each time, should be given with a small additional amount of liquid.
Duration of treatment
The duration of treatment may vary depending on the reason for taking Levothyroxine Accord. The doctor will discuss individually with each patient how long they need to take the medicine. Most patients need to take Levothyroxine Accord for the rest of their lives.

Taking a higher dose of Levothyroxine Accord than recommended

If you take a higher dose than recommended, you may experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excitement, or involuntary movements. In patients with neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, single seizures have been observed. In patients with psychotic disorders, symptoms of acute psychosis may occur. In such cases, you should consult a doctor.

Missing a dose of Levothyroxine Accord

You should not take a double dose of the medicine to make up for a missed dose. The next day, you should take the usual dose of the medicine.
If you have any doubts about taking Levothyroxine Accord, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, Levothyroxine Accord can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. All medicines can cause allergic reactions, but severe allergic reactions are rare. If you experience sudden symptoms such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips, rash, and itching (especially all over the body), you should contact a doctor immediately. If you experience poor tolerance to the recommended dose or take a higher dose of Levothyroxine Accord than recommended, you may experience symptoms similar to hyperthyroidism, especially if the dose is increased too quickly at the beginning of treatment. The following side effects have been observed (frequency not known):

• headache, hot flashes, excessive sweating,
• weight loss,
• tremors, restlessness, excitement,
• seizures,
• insomnia,
• rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) or angina pectoris (chest pain with a feeling of pressure in the chest),
• irregular heart rhythm, palpitations,
• high blood pressure, heart failure, myocardial infarction,
• shortness of breath (dyspnea),
• increased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps,
• muscle weakness and cramps,
• fever,
• in women - menstrual disorders,
• decreased bone density, especially in postmenopausal women who take high doses of the medicine for a long time,
• hyperthyroidism,
• angioedema, rash, urticaria.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should contact a doctor. The symptoms usually disappear after changing the dose.

Reporting side effects

If you experience any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, you should tell your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Adverse Reaction Monitoring of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products, Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw, Tel: +48 22 49 21 301, Fax: +48 22 49 21 309, website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl. Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. How to store Levothyroxine Accord

The medicine should be stored out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use Levothyroxine Accord after the expiry date stated on the blister, bottle, and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month. Store in a temperature below 25°C. HDPE bottle: discard 180 days after first opening. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. You should ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer need. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the packaging and other information

What Levothyroxine Accord contains

The active substance of Levothyroxine Accord is levothyroxine sodium. Each tablet contains 12.5 micrograms, 25 micrograms, 50 micrograms, 75 micrograms, 88 micrograms, 100 micrograms, 112 micrograms, 125 micrograms, 137 micrograms, 150 micrograms, 175 micrograms, or 200 micrograms of levothyroxine sodium. The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose (type 112), light magnesium oxide, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (type A), sodium stearyl fumarate. 25 micrograms
Lake Blend LB530006 Orange contains:
Orange yellow S (E 110), aluminum lake
75 micrograms
Lake Blend LB505008 Purple contains:
Indigo carmine (E 132), aluminum lake
Allura Red AC (E 129), aluminum lake
88 micrograms
Lake Blend LB510028 Green contains:
Tartrazine (E 102), aluminum lake
Indigo carmine (E 132), aluminum lake
100 micrograms
Lake Blend LB520044 Yellow contains:
Tartrazine (E 102), aluminum lake
Orange yellow S (E 110), aluminum lake
112 micrograms
Lake Blend LB540042 Pink contains:
Cochineal red A (E 120)
Allura Red AC (E 129), aluminum lake
125 micrograms
Lake Blend LB575003 Brown contains:
Orange yellow S (E 110), aluminum lake
Brilliant blue FCF (E 133), aluminum lake
Allura Red AC (E 129), aluminum lake
137 micrograms
Lake Blend LB505013 Blue contains:
Brilliant blue FCF (E 133), aluminum lake
150 micrograms
Lake Blend LB505010 Blue contains:
Indigo carmine (E 132), aluminum lake
175 micrograms
Lake Blend LB500017 Purple contains:
Cochineal red A (E 120)
Brilliant blue FCF (E 133), aluminum lake
200 micrograms
Lake Blend LB540010 Maroon contains:
Allura Red AC (E 129), aluminum lake

What Levothyroxine Accord looks like and contents of the pack

12.5 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, white, with "P" and "13" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm.
25 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, orange, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "1" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
50 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, white, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "2" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
75 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, purple, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "3" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
88 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, olive green, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "4" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
100 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, yellow, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "14" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
112 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, pink, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "6" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
125 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, brown, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "7" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
137 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, turquoise, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "8" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
150 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, blue, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "9" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
175 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, lilac, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "10" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
200 micrograms
Round, flat, uncoated tablets, pink, with a break line on both sides and "P" and "11" embossed on one side and smooth on the other side. Tablet diameter approximately 7 mm. The tablet can be divided into equal doses.
12.5 micrograms
Orange blister pack containing 10, 50, 100, or 200 tablets in a carton.
25/50/100 micrograms
Orange blister pack containing 10, 30, 50, 56, 90, 100, or 200 tablets in a carton.
75/88/112/125/137/150/175/200 micrograms
Orange blister pack containing 10, 30, 50, 90, 100, or 200 tablets in a carton.
25/50/75/88/100/112/125/137/150/175/200 micrograms
White HDPE bottle with a white, non-transparent polypropylene child-resistant closure with an induction seal, containing 90 tablets. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing authorization holder

Accord Healthcare Polska Sp. z o.o.
ul. Taśmowa 7
02-677 Warsaw
Tel: +48 22 577 28 00

Manufacturer

Laboratori Fundació Daú
C/C, 12-14 Pol. Ind. Zona Franca
08040 Barcelona
Spain
Accord Healthcare Polska Sp. z o.o.
ul. Lutomierska 50
96-200 Pabianice

This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:

Country Medicinal product name

Netherlands
Levothyroxine Accord 12.5/25/50/75/88/100/112/125/137/150/175/200 microgram tablets
Austria
Levothyroxin natrium Accord 12.5/25/50/75/88/100/112/125/137/150/175/200 micrograms tablets
Estonia
Levothyroxine Accord
Latvia
Levothyroxine Accord 12.5/25/50/75/88/100/112/125/137/150/175/200 micrograms tablets
Lithuania
Levothyroxine Accord 12.5/25/50/75/88/100/112/125/137/150/175/200 micrograms tablets
Poland
Levothyroxine Accord
Cyprus
Levothyroxine Accord 25/50/100 microgram tablets
Greece
Levothyroxine/Accord

• 12.5/25/50/75/88/100/112/125/137/150/175/200 μg tablets

Date of last revision of the leaflet: November 2024