Euthyrox 25

EUTHYROX 25

Name:

• Brand Name: Euthyrox 25
• Common Name: Levothyroxine sodium (a synthetic thyroid hormone)

Composition: Each Euthyrox 25 mcg tablet contains 25 micrograms of Levothyroxine sodium. Inactive ingredients include mannitol, maize starch, gelatin, croscarmellose sodium, citric acid, and magnesium stearate.

Uses: Euthyrox 25 is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It works by replacing the missing thyroid hormone, helping to restore normal body metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being. It is also prescribed for:

• Treatment of benign euthyroid goitre.
• Prevention of goitre recurrence after surgery.
• Suppression of tumor growth in patients with thyroid cancer.
• Balancing thyroid hormone levels when hyperthyroidism is treated with antithyroid medicines.

Dosage and Administration: Euthyrox 25 is administered orally as a single daily dose on an empty stomach, typically 30 minutes to one hour before breakfast, with a full glass of water. Dosage varies based on the patient's age, weight, medical condition, and laboratory test results. For adults, the average full replacement dose is approximately 1.6 mcg per kg per day. In elderly patients or those with cardiac disease, treatment usually begins with a lower dose (12.5 mcg to 25 mcg per day), which is gradually increased every 6 to 8 weeks. Infants and children who cannot swallow whole tablets can have the tablet crushed and mixed with a small amount of water, administered immediately.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include headache, nervousness, irritability, tremors, muscle weakness, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, insomnia, and irregular menstrual cycles. More serious, though less common, side effects can include chest pain, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, and allergic reactions such as hives or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Precautions: Euthyrox should not be used in individuals with untreated adrenal or pituitary gland dysfunction, untreated thyrotoxicosis (excessive overproduction of thyroid hormones), or acute heart conditions like myocardial infarction or myocarditis. Patients with heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes require careful monitoring. Pregnancy may necessitate dose adjustments, and serum TSH should be monitored. Certain foods and supplements, such as calcium, iron, soy products, grapefruit juice, and antacids, can interfere with absorption and should be taken several hours apart from Euthyrox. Euthyrox should not be used for weight reduction. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially antidiabetic drugs, blood thinners (coumarin derivatives), protease inhibitors, and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, as dose adjustments may be needed.

Storage: Store Euthyrox tablets at temperatures not exceeding 30°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light and moisture, avoid heat, and keep out of reach of children. Do not separate individual tablets from the blister packaging until use.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Euthyrox 25 by MERCK LIMITED, along with their concise answers.

What is Euthyrox 25 used for?

Euthyrox 25 is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It is also prescribed to treat benign goiter, prevent its recurrence after surgery, and in some cases, to suppress tumor growth in patients with thyroid cancer. Additionally, it may be used to balance thyroid hormone levels during treatment for an overactive thyroid or for diagnostic testing of thyroid function.

How does Euthyrox 25 work?

Euthyrox 25 contains levothyroxine sodium, which is a synthetic hormone identical to thyroxine (T4), a natural thyroid hormone produced by your thyroid gland. It works by replacing these missing hormones in the body, helping to regulate metabolism, energy levels, protein synthesis, and overall bodily functions.

What is the usual dosage for Euthyrox 25?

The dosage of Euthyrox 25 is highly individualized and determined by your doctor based on your specific needs, age, body weight, medical conditions, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. For adults with hypothyroidism, a common starting dose is 25-50 mcg daily, with a typical maintenance dose ranging from 100-200 mcg daily. Doses are usually taken once daily, on an empty stomach, 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, with a full glass of water. Dosage adjustments, usually in increments of 12.5-25 mcg, may occur every 4-6 weeks until optimal hormone levels are achieved.

What are the possible side effects of Euthyrox 25?

Most side effects associated with Euthyrox 25 occur due to a dosage that is too high, leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid). Common side effects can include headache, nervousness, irritability, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), tremors, muscle weakness or cramps, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, skin rash, irregular menstrual cycles, and irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia). Serious, though less common, side effects might include chest pain, shortness of breath, or a heart attack.

Is Euthyrox 25 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Euthyrox 25 is generally considered safe for use during both pregnancy and breastfeeding when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. It is crucial to continue taking the medication throughout pregnancy, as insufficient thyroid hormone levels can be detrimental to both the mother and the developing baby. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose during pregnancy, requiring regular TSH monitoring. During breastfeeding, levothyroxine passes into breast milk in tiny amounts that are not expected to harm the baby.

Can Euthyrox 25 be taken with other medications?

Euthyrox 25 can interact with numerous medications, supplements, and certain foods. It is vital to inform your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, and supplements you are taking. Medications such as calcium and iron supplements, antacids, sucralfate, bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine), and proton pump inhibitors can decrease the absorption of Euthyrox. It is recommended to take Euthyrox at least 2 to 4 hours before or after these substances. Additionally, foods like soybean flour, cottonseed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, and grapefruit juice may interfere with absorption. Euthyrox can also affect the effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs, potentially requiring dose adjustments, and can intensify the effects of anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding.

What precautions should be taken while taking Euthyrox 25?

Euthyrox 25 should not be used for weight reduction. Do not take it if you have untreated adrenal or pituitary gland dysfunction, uncontrolled overactive thyroid (thyrotoxicosis), or certain acute heart conditions (such as a recent heart attack or acute heart inflammation) without strict medical guidance. Patients with pre-existing heart conditions, diabetes, or osteoporosis require careful monitoring. Regular blood tests are essential to ensure the correct dosage and to monitor thyroid hormone levels.

What happens if a dose of Euthyrox 25 is missed?

If you miss a dose of Euthyrox 25, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one, as this can lead to an excess of thyroid hormone in your body. Consistently missing doses can result in fluctuating hormone levels and may diminish the effectiveness of your treatment.

How should Euthyrox 25 be stored?

Euthyrox 25 tablets should be stored at room temperature, typically not exceeding 25°C or 30°C. It is important to keep the medication protected from light and moisture, and it should be stored in its original outer carton. Always ensure that Euthyrox 25, like all medications, is kept out of the reach and sight of children and pets.