Thyro Leventa Oral Suspension (Brand)

What is Leventa?
Leventa is used to treat the thyroid disease condition, hypothyroidism. It is used in dogs to provide thyroid replacement therapy when the animal is not producing enough thyroid hormone. It is the synthetic hormone levothyroxine. Hypothyroidism is caused by lack of thyroid hormone and is characterized by lack of energy and weight gain. It is a disease commonly seen in middle age and older dogs.

Who is it for?
Leventa is labeled for use in dogs.

What are the benefits?

How does Leventa work?
Leventa contains levothyroxine, which acts similar to the hormone thyroxine, which is produced naturally by the thyroid gland. Thyroxine normally regulates many body processes. When the body is not producing enough of this hormone on its own, the condition is called hypothyroidism. Leventa works like thyroxine to maintain normal metabolism in the body.

Is there a generic equivalent available?
Not in an oral suspension.

How is it given?
Leventa is given by mouth. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Differences exist between brands. Do not change brands if possible. If there is a need to change brands, your veterinarian may need to recheck thyroid hormone levels and adjust the dose if indicated.

This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was prescribed.

What results can I expect?
Leventa helps to replace the hormone that the body should normally produce. It will not cure the thyroid condition, but will relieve the symptoms. Because every pet reacts differently to this medication, your veterinarian may monitor thyroid hormone levels in the blood every 2-4 weeks while adjusting the dose. Periodic testing is also necessary while the pet is taking Leventa.

It generally takes several weeks of therapy to see an effect. In almost all cases, the pet will need to be on a thyroid supplement such as Leventa for life.

What form(s) does it come in?
Liquid oral suspension.

Please click on "More Information" for possible drug and food interactions with this medication.

Brand Name
Leventa

Pronunciation
Le-ven-ta

Common Drug Name
Levothyroxine (L-Thyroxine)

What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Leventa?
Be sure to understand the dosing schedule that is prescribed by your veterinarian. Also, discuss the exams and laboratory tests that may be necessary while your pet is on Leventa.

Tell your veterinarian if your pet could be pregnant, has been diagnosed with Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) or has any heart problems.

Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking, and also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.

What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give two doses at once.

What is the most important information I should know?
Because every pet reacts differently to this medication, your veterinarian may monitor thyroid hormone levels in the blood every 2-4 weeks while adjusting the dose. Periodic testing is also necessary while the pet is taking Leventa.

It generally takes several weeks of therapy to see an effect. In almost all cases, the pet will need to be on a thyroid supplement such as Leventa for life.

Who should not take it?
This medication should only be given to the pet for which it was prescribed. Not for use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to it. Use with extreme caution in older or debilitated animals, those with heart disease, high blood pressure, Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) or diabetes. Do not use in animals with hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the body produces too much thyroid hormone.

What side effects may be seen when taking Leventa?
You should see no side effects if given at the correct dosage. If your pet has any abnormal signs, consult your veterinarian.

If your pet experiences an allergic reaction to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden onset of diarrhea, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How is it stored?
Store at room temperature in a tight, light-resistant, childproof container. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
With chronic overdosing (taking a higher dose over a long period of time), expect to see signs of hyperthyroidism such as an increase in drinking, urinating, eating, and activity; weight loss; seeking cool areas; increased heart rate; restlessness; and behavior changes. If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What should I avoid when giving my pet Leventa?
Consult with your veterinarian before using Leventa with any other medications, including vitamins and supplements, epinephrine, norepinephrine, insulin, estrogens, warfarin, or digoxin, since interactions may occur.

Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the Patient Information Sheet on this medication.