Euthyrox 88 Mcg (100 Tab)

EUTHYROX 88 MCG (100 TAB) by MERCK LIMITED

Name

• Common Name: Levothyroxine Sodium
• Brand Name: Euthyrox 88 mcg

Composition

• Active Ingredient: Each tablet contains 88 micrograms (mcg) of Levothyroxine Sodium.

Uses Euthyrox is a synthetic thyroid hormone primarily used for the treatment of:

• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland that does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It replaces or supplements the deficient hormone, alleviating symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, and sensitivity to cold.
• Thyroid Disorders: Including thyroid cancer (as suppressive therapy for TSH-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer) and benign goiter. It can also prevent the recurrence of goiter after surgery.
• Hormone Balance: Used to balance thyroid hormone levels when overproduction is treated with antithyroid medicines.

Dosage and Administration

• Take orally, usually once daily on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast, with a full glass of water.
• The dosage is individualized based on age, weight, medical condition, and laboratory test results.
• For infants and children unable to swallow tablets, crush the tablet and mix immediately with 1-2 teaspoons of water. Do not prepare in advance or mix with soy infant formula.
• Do not take iron products, antacids containing aluminum or magnesium, or calcium carbonate within 4 hours before or after taking Euthyrox.

Side Effects Most side effects occur if the dose is too high, mimicking symptoms of an overactive thyroid.

• Common: Increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, nervousness, mood swings, headache, diarrhea, shaking (tremor), increased heart rate, anxiety, trouble sleeping, temporary hair loss, changes in appetite or weight.
• Serious (seek medical attention): Severe chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, seizures, swelling of the face/tongue/legs, bone pain, or easily broken bones.

Precautions

• Not for weight loss: This medication should not be used for obesity or weight reduction, as high doses can lead to serious, life-threatening side effects.
• Inform your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, adrenal gland issues, or other medical conditions.
• Regular monitoring of thyroid function and blood sugar (for diabetic patients) is essential.
• Drug interactions: Euthyrox can interact with various medications and some foods (e.g., soy products, certain dietary fibers, calcium-rich foods), requiring dose adjustments or separate administration times.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Continue treatment as advised by your doctor; dose adjustments may be necessary during pregnancy.

Storage

• Store at room temperature in a dry place.
• Protect from heat and light.
• Keep the medication in its original blister packaging until use to protect it from light and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Euthyrox 88 mcg is a medication containing levothyroxine sodium, a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat conditions caused by an underactive thyroid gland. It is chemically identical to the thyroxine (T4) naturally produced by the thyroid.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Euthyrox 88 mcg:

What is Euthyrox 88 mcg used for?

Euthyrox 88 mcg is primarily used as a replacement therapy for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. It helps to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, and sensitivity to cold by restoring normal thyroid hormone levels. It is also used as an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in managing thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer and to treat benign goiter. Euthyrox is not indicated for weight loss or for treating benign thyroid nodules in iodine-sufficient patients.

How does Euthyrox 88 mcg work?

Euthyrox 88 mcg contains levothyroxine (T4), which is a synthetic form of the natural thyroid hormone. Once in the body, T4 is converted into triiodothyronine (T3), the active form of the hormone, in peripheral organs. Thyroid hormones then bind to specific receptors in cell nuclei, controlling DNA transcription and protein synthesis, which regulates metabolism, energy levels, growth, and development throughout the body.

What is the usual dosage for Euthyrox 88 mcg?

Euthyrox should be taken orally once daily, on an empty stomach, typically 30 minutes to one hour before breakfast. The exact dosage is individualized by your doctor based on your age, body weight, medical condition, lab test results (especially TSH levels), and response to treatment. It may take several weeks to see the full effects of the medication.

What are the possible side effects of Euthyrox 88 mcg?

Most side effects occur if the dose is too high and resemble symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). These can include increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, nervousness, irritability, mood changes, headache, shaking (tremor), diarrhea, weight loss, muscle cramps, and trouble sleeping. Serious but rare side effects can include chest pain, a fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of the face or throat). If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, contact your doctor.

Is Euthyrox 88 mcg safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Yes, Euthyrox is generally safe to continue during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Untreated hypothyroidism during pregnancy can pose risks to both mother and fetus, so it's crucial to continue taking the medication. Your doctor will likely monitor your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels frequently throughout pregnancy and adjust your dosage as needed, as requirements often increase. Levothyroxine passes into breast milk in very low concentrations and is unlikely to harm a nursing infant at recommended therapeutic doses.

Can Euthyrox 88 mcg be taken with other medications?

Euthyrox can interact with several medications and certain foods. It's important to take Euthyrox at least 4 hours before or after medications like antacids, iron supplements, calcium supplements (including calcium-fortified juices), bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine), and ion exchange resins (e.g., sevelamer) as they can decrease its absorption. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may also reduce levothyroxine absorption. Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Adjustments may be needed for antidiabetic agents, coumarin derivatives (blood thinners), and certain heart medications. Consumption of foods like soybean flour, cottonseed meal, cabbage, cauliflower, and walnuts may also affect absorption, requiring dose adjustments.

What precautions should be taken while on Euthyrox 88 mcg?

It's important to have regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormone levels (especially TSH) to ensure the dosage is correct. Caution is advised if you have pre-existing heart conditions (such as angina, heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of heart attack), diabetes, or adrenal insufficiency. Starting Euthyrox too quickly or at too high a dose can exacerbate these conditions. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may need to be monitored more closely, and your antidiabetic medication adjusted. Euthyrox should not be used for weight loss.

What happens if a dose of Euthyrox 88 mcg is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., more than 3 hours have passed for a morning dose), it's generally recommended to skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. Consistency in taking your medication at the same time each day is important for maintaining stable thyroid hormone levels. If you miss multiple doses, contact your doctor for advice.

How should Euthyrox 88 mcg be stored?

Euthyrox tablets should be stored below 30°C (86°F). Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging or outer carton to protect them from light and moisture, and out of the reach of children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.