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Thyroid Drug Levoxyl May Prompt Choking

Levoxyl Users Advised to Drink a Full Glass of Water With Pill

WebMD Health News

Oct. 6, 2004 -- People who take the thyroid hormone replacement drug Levoxyl are advised to drink a full glass of water when taking the pill to reduce the risk of choking or gagging on the tablets.

The FDA and the Levoxyl's manufacturer, Jones Pharma International, have sent a letter to doctors warning them of reports of choking, gagging, and difficulty swallowing caused by tablets of Levoxyl that have become stuck in the throat.

Some patients who take the drug, which is used primarily to treat hypothyroidism, have reported these side effects while taking the drug. But most of these problems disappeared when they took the tablets with a full glass of water.

The manufacturer says the tablets may swell rapidly and disintegrate, which could cause them to become lodged in the throat if taken without enough water.

People with concerns about Levoxyl should speak with their doctor or call Jones Pharma at (800) 546-4905.

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