Thyroid dried out

Thyroid dried out

Thyroid dried out

What is a desiccated thyroid?

A desiccated thyroid treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). Desiccated thyroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid) and is also given as part of medical testing for thyroid disease.

A desiccated thyroid should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

Desiccated thyroid glands may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side effects of a desiccated thyroid

If necessary, get emergency medical helpSigns of an allergic reaction:hives; difficult breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include temporary hair loss (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You may not be able to use thyroid desiccants if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis or an adrenal gland disorder that cannot be controlled with treatment.

Call your doctor if you notice signs of thyroid toxicity, such as chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat, feeling hot or nervous, or sweating more than usual.

Before you take this medicine

Since thyroid hormones occur naturally in the body, almost anyone can take thyroid hormones. However, you may not be able to use this medication if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis or an adrenal gland disorder that cannot be controlled with treatment.

To make sure desiccated thyroid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, angina (chest pain);

• coronary heart disease;

• heart failure;

• any type of diabetes; or

• Problems with your adrenal gland.

A desiccated thyroid is not expected to be harmful to the unborn baby, but your dosage needs may vary during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medication.

Small amounts of desiccated thyroid may pass into breast milk, but this is not expected to harm a breastfed baby. However, if you are breastfeeding a baby, you should not take this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I take desiccated thyroid?

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to ensure you get the best results. Do not use thyroid extract in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may need frequent blood tests while you are using antithyroid medication.

Continue to use this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to take thyroid medication for the rest of your life.

Call your doctor if you notice signs of thyroid toxicity, such as chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeat, feeling hot or nervous, or sweating more than usual.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon in advance that you are using desiccated thyroid. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat.

Thyroid hormone dosage information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypothyroidism:

Starting dose: 30 mg orally per day
Maintenance dose: Increase in increments of 15 mg per day every 2 to 3 weeks to a usual maintenance dose of 60 to 120 mg/day

Comments:
-This product has not been found to be safe or effective by the US FDA and the product labeling has not been approved.
- In patients with long-standing myxedema, a lower dose of 15 mg/day is recommended, especially if cardiovascular impairment is suspected.
-The occurrence of angina pectoris is reason for a dose reduction.
-Therapy is usually initiated with low doses, the increases of which depend on the cardiovascular status of the patient.
-No response to doses of 180 mg/day may indicate lack of compliance or malabsorption.

Use: For use as replacement or adjunctive therapy in patients with hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery period of subacute thyroiditis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypothyroidism:

0 to 6 months: 4.8 to 6 mg/kg/day orally
6 to 12 months: 3.6 to 4.8 mg/kg/day orally
1 to 5 years: 3 to 3.6 mg/kg/day orally
6 to 12 years: 2.4 to 3 mg/kg/day orally
Over 12 years: 1.2 to 1.8 mg/kg/day orally

Comments: This product has not been found to be safe or effective by the US FDA and the product labeling has not been approved.

Uses: For the treatment of congenital hypothyroidism

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid when taking desiccated thyroid?

Additionally, if you are taking cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), avoid taking these medications within 4 hours before or after taking thyroid tablets.

Avoid taking an antacid within 4 hours before or after taking desiccated thyroid tablets. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb desiccated thyroid hormones.

What other medications affect a desiccated thyroid?

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take and the medicines you start or stop during your treatment for hypothyroidism, especially:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;

• insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;

• medications containing iodine (such as I-131);

• Salicylates such as Aspirin, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate; or

• Steroids such as prednisone and others.

This list is not complete. Other medications can interact with a desiccated thyroid, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medicine only for the prescribed indication.