Tag: Levothyroxine side effects

Approximately 21 million Americans taking levothyroxine may not need it, according to a 2023 study, highlighting the importance of correct diagnosis and dosage. When prescribed appropriately, **can levothyroxine cause edema**? The answer is complex, as swelling can stem from untreated hypothyroidism, an incorrect dose, or your body's initial adjustment to the medication.

According to the British Thyroid Foundation, taking levothyroxine inconsistently is one of the main reasons people with hypothyroidism continue to feel unwell, but taking too much can cause significant harm. While a cornerstone of hypothyroidism treatment, improper dosing or misuse can lead to serious damage, primarily affecting the heart and bones.

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 100 million prescriptions were dispensed for levothyroxine in 2020, making it one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. The answer to what is the most common side effect of levothyroxine is not a single symptom, but rather a collection of symptoms that arise from an incorrect dosage, leading to a state of overmedication that mimics hyperthyroidism.