Indications
Hypothyroidism UNITHROID is indicated in pediatric and adult patients as a replacement therapy in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism. Pituitary Thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, TSH) Suppression UNITHROID is indicated in pediatric and adult patients as an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer.
Limitations of Use: UNITHROID is not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients as there are no clinical benefits and overtreatment with UNITHROID may induce hyperthyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . UNITHROID is not indicated for treatment of hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis. UNITHROID is L-thyroxine (T4) indicated in pediatric and adult patients for: Hypothyroidism: As replacement in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism.
( 1 ) Pituitary Thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, TSH) Suppression: As an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer. ( 1 ) Limitations of Use: Not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients. ( 1 ) Not indicated for treatment of hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.
( 1 )
Contraindications
UNITHROID is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Cardiac adverse reactions in the elderly and in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease: Initiate UNITHROID at less than the full replacement dose because of the increased risk of cardiac adverse reactions, including atrial fibrillation ( 2.3 , 5.1 , 8.5 ) Myxedema coma: Do not use oral thyroid hormone drug products to treat myxedema coma. ( 5.2 ) Acute adrenal crisis in patients with concomitant adrenal insufficiency: Treat with replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiation of UNITHROID treatment ( 5.3 ) Prevention of hyperthyroidism or incomplete treatment of hypothyroidism: Proper dose titration and careful monitoring is critical to prevent the persistence of hypothyroidism or the development of hyperthyroidism.
At a glance
- Brand name
- Unithroid
- Active substance
- levothyroxine sodium
- Route
- Oral
- Dosage form
- Tablet
- Applicant
- Stevens J
- Status
- Prescription
- FDA approval
- 21 Aug 2000
- Application
- NDA021210-004



