Tirosint

(Levothyroxine Sodium)

Levothyroxine sodium, also known as Tirosint, is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine or T4, which is produced by your thyroid gland. Your metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and other vital processes are all regulated by thyroid hormones. Thyroid replacement hormones can help restore normal thyroid levels when they are too low.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Tirosint. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Tirosint:

• On an empty stomach, take Tirosint 30 to 1 hour before breakfast. This facilitates your body's absorption of the entire dosage of the drug.
• Tirosint capsules should be swallowed whole. The medication's absorption and effectiveness may be impacted if it is sliced, crushed, or chewed.
• Until you're ready to consume them, keep the Tirosint capsules in their blister packaging. Avoid taking them out of the original blister pack beforehand.
• When using Tirosint, make sure to attend all of your follow-up lab testing visits. Based on the findings of your blood test, your doctor will modify your dosage to account for your thyroid hormone levels.
• Tirosint should be taken at least four hours apart from drugs and supplements that include calcium or iron, such as antacids like calcium carbonate (Tums) or bile acid sequestrants. These drugs may interfere with your body's ability to absorb levothyroxine (Tirosint).
• Certain foods, including soybean flour, cottonseed meal, walnuts, and dietary fiber, can affect your treatment and dose of Tirosint. Talk to your doctor if you eat or drink these foods.

The most common side effects of Tirosint are similar to having high thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism), including:

• Shortness of breath.
• Irregular heartbeat or heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation).
• Chest pain.
• Hives or a skin rash.
• Muscle weakness.
• Tiredness.
• Anxiety.
• Endocrine problems, like decreased bone mineral density.
• Hair loss.
• Changes in your menstrual period.
• Worsening blood sugar control.
• Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Tirosint. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:
• Breathing difficulties, weakness, fatigue, and edema in the hands, ankles, and feet are all signs of heart failure or heart problems.
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, anxiety, dyspnoea, rapid heartbeat, nausea, cold sweats, clammy skin, and tightness or pain in the chest are all signs of a heart attack.
• Serious and possibly life-threatening allergic reaction to levothyroxine sodium or any of the inactive ingredients in the formulation (gluten, lactose, sugars, dyes, and talc).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Tirosint. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Tirosint, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Have heart issues or have had them.
• Possess or have previously had thyroid nodules.
• A heat intolerance.
• Have issues with the pituitary or adrenal glands.
• Have any dietary or medication allergies?
• Have anemia or a low red blood cell count.
• Have diabetes.
• Have osteoporosis or weak bones.
• Or have previously experienced issues with blood coagulation.
• Have recently undergone iodine-based radiation therapy.
• Adrenal gland problems.

• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.

Before you fully benefit from Tirosint, it may take up to four or six weeks after you start taking it. However, some individuals may get symptom relief before then. If you're starting Tirosint for the first time, it can take months before your prescriber can find a dose that works best for you. To ensure that your thyroid hormone levels are within the desired range, they will order blood tests at this time.

When Tirosint is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Magnesium.
• Colestipol.
• Ferrous sulfate.
• Sucralfate.
• Cholestyramine.
• Orlistat.
• Rifampin.
• Sevelamer.
• Grapefruit juice.
• Proton pump inhibitors.
• Estrogen-containing products.

Based on several variables, including your age, health, other drugs you are taking, and the levels of thyroid hormone in your blood, your doctor will determine how much Tirosint you need to take.

Tirosint is usually taken orally once a day on an empty stomach in doses such as 13 mcg, 25 mcg, 37.5 mcg, 44 mcg, 50 mcg, 62.5 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, and 200 mcg.

Store Tirosint at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

IBSA Pharma is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Tirosint.

There are lower-cost generics available for Tirosint.

Thyroid medication should never be stopped suddenly. Your hypothyroid symptoms can return, and in severe cases, stopping Tirosint can lead to a myxedema coma, a life-threatening condition, can result.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.