Benefits of Thyroid Hormones

Type of Drug:

Thyroid hormones.

How the Thyroid Hormones Works:

The natural thyroid hormone products (eg, desiccated thyroid and ) are obtained from beef and pork. They are economical, but standardization of iodine content is difficult. The synthetic products, including love thyroxin, Lithuanian and liotrix are generally preferred due to more uniform potency.

Thyroid hormones increase the metabolic rate of body tissues. This involves many varied functions such as oxygen use, respiratory rate, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism of foods, enzyme activity and growth and development of the skeletal and nervous system. Thyroid hormones influence every organ system of the body.

Uses of The Thyroid Hormones:

To treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone Production).

To treat thyroid nodules, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto disease), multinodular goiter and thyroid cancer.

To treat thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid hormone production). Used with an antithyroid drug to prevent hypothyroidism.

Precautions:

Do not use in the following situations: allergy to thyroid hormones heart attack, recent obesity, treatment thyroid deficiency (hypothyroidism) and hypoadrenalism (Addison disease) together thyroid gland, overactive (thyrotoxicosis)

Use with caution in the following situations: Addison disease heart disease angina (chest pain) infertility diabetes insipid us kidney disease diabetes mellitus myxedema (swelling due to elderly hypothroidism)

Pregnancy: This drug appears to be safe for use during pregnancy. Do not discontinue thyroid replacement therapy in hypothyroid (decreased thyroid activity) women during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: Very small amounts of thyroid hormones appear in breast milk. Use with caution during breastfeeding. The mother and nursing infant should be checked periodically.

Children: Thyroid replacement therapy in children may lead to partial hair loss in the first few months of therapy. This is a temporary condition. Normal hair growth and distribution returns.

Lab Tests: Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No.5) which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary Supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with 'his medicine:

Side Effects of Thyroid Hormones:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility.

Side effects other than those indicating too much thyroid due to excessive dosage or too rapid dosage increase are rare. Symptoms of too much thyroid include:

Digestive Tract: Diarrhea; vomiting.

Nervous System: Tremors; headache; nervousness; sleeplessness. Circulatory System: Increased heart rate; palpitations (pounding in the chest); irregular heartbeat; angina (chest pain); cardiac arrest.

Other: Weight loss; menstrual irregularities; sweating; heat intolerance; fever.

Guidelines for Use:

Use exactly as prescribed.

Take as a single daily dose on an empty stomach, preferably before breakfast.

Brand interchange - Do not change from one brand of this drug to another without consulting your pharmacist or doctor. Products manufactured by different companies may not be equally effective.

Replacement therapy is usually taken for life.

Do not discontinue medication except on advice of your doctor.

Notify your doctor if headache, nervousness, sleeplessness diarrhea, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, chest pain, increased heart rate, irregular heartbeat or any unusual event occurs.

Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of thyroid therapy, but this is usually only temporary.

Do not use this medication to treat obesity. Thyroid hormones are not effective for weight reduction. Large doses of thyroid medications may produce serious or even life-threatening conditions, especially when taken with appetite suppressants.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose In order to "catch up" (unless advised to do so by your doctor). If more than one dose is missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage is individualized to approximate the deficit in thyroid secretion. Your response is evaluated by your doctor with lab tests. Store at room temperature away from moisture and light.