In this article, we consider the drug "Eutiroks" (instructions, side effects and reviews).
This medication is a synthetic hormone, similar to the hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland, i.e. thyroxine. The active ingredient of the drug is sodium levothyroxine. In the human body, Eutirox affects the metabolic process, and, in addition, to growth with the development of tissues. A medicine is used to fill the thyroid hormone deficiency. Next, we consider in detail the instructions for Eutiroks.
Description of the drug
Small doses of the drug act in such a way that they accelerate the synthesis of fats with proteins. Medium doses of the drug can enhance tissue development and growth along with their oxygen demand. In addition, the drug enhances the metabolism (i.e. proteins, carbohydrates and fats). In parallel, stimulation of the nervous, cardiac and vascular systems is carried out. Large doses of the drug inhibit the work of the endocrine glands, that is, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. According to the instructions to Eutiroks, side effects are not limited to this.
The therapeutic effect, as a rule, occurs after twelve days of taking the medicine. In the event that the patient has lowered thyroid hormone levels, then the effect of the drug occurs much faster after five days of treatment. As part of the treatment of diffuse goiter, the therapeutic effect is noted only after a five-month course. From the human body, the metabolic products of the drug are excreted together with bile directly through the intestine, a certain proportion leaves with urine. At the end of treatment, the drug exerts its effect for another two weeks.
Forms of drug release
According to the instructions, Eutirox is produced in tablets that contain 25, 75, 125, as well as 150 micrograms of the main active ingredient of sodium levothyroxine. Tablets are packaged in twenty-five pieces in a blister. Fifty or one hundred tablets are sold in one pack. Next, consider in which cases a drug is prescribed.
Indications for use
According to the instructions, the drug "Eutiroks" is prescribed to patients in the following cases:
- The development of hypothyroidism - a condition that is formed with a deficiency of thyroid hormone. The drug is prescribed to patients in the presence of a primary or secondary form of pathology. The medicine is prescribed for substitutional purposes.
- The formation of euthyroid goiter - an enlarged thyroid gland with a deficiency of thyroid hormones. In this case, the medicine is used to make up for the deficiency of this hormone.
- The development of diffuse toxic goiter. The tool is used to achieve an euthyroid state in which there are no dysfunctions of the thyroid gland. This is confirmed by the instructions for use attached to "Eutiroks" 50 mcg.
- Conducting replacement therapy after surgical interventions on the thyroid gland, including regarding its oncological disease.
- Against the background of treatment with thyreostatic drugs that block the function of the thyroid gland.
- In cases of partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland. In this case, the drug is prescribed in order to prevent relapse of the disease.
- The development of autoimmune thyroiditis - a chronic disease caused by exposure to the thyroid gland of antibodies that are produced directly in the patient’s body. This drug is used as part of a comprehensive treatment according to the instructions for use with Eutirox (50 mcg, etc.).
- The appearance of a base disease or toxic goiter. In addition, when mixed goiter occurs. In these cases, Eutirox is used as part of a comprehensive treatment.
- The presence of cretinism is a congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones. This disease is accompanied by a delay in mental, and, in addition, physical development. In this case, the drug is prescribed for substitution.
- Conducting a thyroid suppression test. In this case, Eutirox is used as a diagnostic tool.
The drug "Eutiroks" according to the instructions has many different contraindications, we will consider them further.
Contraindications
There are a number of contraindications regarding the use of this medicine:
- The presence of insufficiency of the pituitary gland, in respect of which treatment was not performed
- The presence of insufficiency of hormones of the adrenal cortex, for which treatment was not carried out.
- The presence of thyrotoxicosis, in respect of which treatment was not carried out. In this case, the excessive production of thyroid hormone occurs.
- The development of acute myocardial infarction. The appearance of acute myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscle.
- The appearance of acute pancreatitis - inflammation of all the heart membranes.
- The presence of individual intolerance to any of the components of the drug.
As indicated by the instructions for use, Eutirox should be used with caution in the presence of ischemic heart disease, for example, it cannot be taken in the case of the development of pathologies such as atherosclerosis, previous myocardial infarction and angina pectoris. Also, it is not suitable for use in case of heart rhythm disturbance, the development of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and malabsorption syndrome (malabsorption of nutrient ingredients).
Caution is also recommended with prolonged presence of severe hypothyroidism, and, in addition, in the absence of proper therapy in patients with insufficient adrenal function. The medicine is also not suitable for treatment when using thyreostatics - drugs that suppress thyroid function. It is also worth noting that for any contentious issues regarding the use of this drug, medical consultation and a thorough dose adjustment are required. If the correct dosage is not observed, as well as in a number of other cases, various side effects may occur. Instructions for use, reviews of Eutiroks confirm this.
Side effects on the background of the use of medication
In the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug presented, an allergic reaction is likely to occur. Eutirox, as a rule, does not cause other side effects of Eutirox. In the case of an incorrect, for example, underestimated dosage, hypothyroidism is likely to manifest, which will be manifested in a decrease in working capacity, slowness, puffiness of the face and swelling, an increase in body weight, constipation, a decrease in memory and drowsiness. This is indicated in the instructions for use for Eutiroks. Reviews of side effects are discussed at the end of the article.
In case of an overestimated dose of the drug, symptoms of thyrotoxicosis may appear, which are manifested in the manifestation of pain in the heart, arrhythmia, palpitations, anxiety, sleep disturbance, trembling in the body, decreased appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, excessive sweating, convulsions and menstrual irregularities. If such symptoms appear during therapy, you should consult a doctor for a second consultation.
Drug treatment: how should I take Eutiroks?
In accordance with the instructions for Eutiroks, the daily dose is taken on an empty stomach, half an hour before breakfast. The tablet is swallowed whole and not chewed, but washed down with water. The daily dose is selected strictly individually, which depends on the immediate purpose of the appointment, and, in addition, on the nature of the disease, concomitant diseases and the age of the patient. Patients with the development of euthyroid goiter are prescribed therapeutic daily doses from 75 to 200 micrograms. The prophylactic dose after surgery is also 75-200 micrograms per day.
For patients who suffer from thyrotoxicosis, the daily dose of the drug is prescribed as part of complex therapy individually from 50 to 100 micrograms. Doctors select the duration of the treatment course in each case individually. After surgery associated with thyroid cancer, in order to prevent relapse, patients are prescribed from 50 to 300 micrograms of Eutirox per day. The dosage schedule for the thyroid suppression test is as follows:
- Patients begin daily use of the drug one month before the test.
- Four weeks before the day of the test, “Eutiroks” is prescribed in a daily dosage of 75 micrograms.
- Two weeks before the test, the daily dose is from 150 to 200 micrograms.
Overdose
Given that Eutirox is absolutely identical to the natural thyroid hormone, with an overestimated dose of the drug, symptoms occur that are characteristic of thyrotoxicosis. Thus, the main signs of an overdose of this drug are various manifestations of the work of the heart and blood vessels, which will be manifested in increased heart rate, disturbance of the rhythm of cardiac activity, and, in addition, some pain may occur. In addition to these side effects, reactions are also observed in the form of loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, sleep disturbance, menstrual failure, trembling of the extremities, cramps, severe sweating and anxiety.
In case of symptoms of an overdose, the doctor can reduce the daily dose of Eutirox or even cancel the drug for a certain period of time, which depends on the severity of the side effects. Resumption of therapy should begin with lower dosages.
Drug withdrawal
Eutirox is a drug that should be used and withdrawn only as directed by a doctor. After discontinuation of drug therapy, its effect lasts for another twelve days. Whether to cancel the drug at one moment or gradually reduce the dose - only the doctor decides.
What else does the instruction for use with Eutirox tell us?
Drug for children
The tool is also used in pediatrics as part of the treatment of congenital hypothyroidism. The dosage is selected depending on the body weight and age of the child. Thus, the instructions for the use of the drug for children are as follows:
- Children in the first six months of life are prescribed 15 micrograms per kilogram of weight. The daily dose is up to 50 micrograms.
- At the age of six to twelve months, 8 micrograms per kilogram of weight are prescribed. The daily dose is up to 75 micrograms.
- From the age of one to five years, 6 micrograms per kilogram of weight are prescribed. The daily dose is up to 100 micrograms.
- At the age of six to twelve years, doctors usually prescribe 5 micrograms per kilogram of weight. The daily dose is 150 micrograms.
- For children who are over twelve years old, the drug is prescribed at the rate of 3 micrograms per kilogram of weight. The daily dose at this age is 200 micrograms.
The tablet of the drug, before giving the baby, is dissolved in ordinary water until a thin suspension appears. Then, the resulting medicine is given to the baby half an hour before feeding.
Eutirox during pregnancy
In the event that a woman received Eutirox before pregnancy in order to treat hypothyroidism, it is required to continue taking this drug during the period of gestation, and, in addition, when breastfeeding a baby. But the dose of Eutirox should be reviewed by a doctor. This is important, because during pregnancy, the level of globulin increases, which is one of the protein fractions of blood plasma, it binds thyroxine.
The amount of drug that passes into breast milk is insignificant even in the case of taking high doses of the drug, so the drug will not be able to cause any disturbances in the baby's body.
This is confirmed by the instructions for use attached to Eutiroks.
Medication against hypothyroidism
The initial daily dose in the presence of hypothyroidism for women under the age of fifty-five years is 100 micrograms, and for men of the same age group - 150 micrograms. The dose is selected at the rate of 1.8 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. For patients after fifty-five with concomitant heart pathologies, the initial daily dose should be 25 micrograms.
In the presence of significant obesity, the dosage calculation is carried out on the so-called "ideal weight", that is, normal body weight for concomitant growth. The initial dose is gradually increased by 25 micrograms per day at intervals of a couple of months until the normal content of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood is obtained. In cases of negative dynamics from the activity of the heart and blood vessels, an adjustment of the therapy of cardiological pathology is required.
Against the background of a severe and prolonged course of hypothyroidism, the initial daily dose is 12.5 micrograms. Increase the dose, taking into account the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone. The drug in the presence of hypothyroidism is usually taken throughout life.
Reception after removal of the thyroid gland
Instructions for use with Eutirox also contain other information. After surgical therapy for euthyroid goiter, this drug is usually prescribed in a daily dose of up to 200 micrograms in order to prevent relapse of the disease. In cases of partial or complete removal of the thyroid gland, the daily dose will be up to 300 micrograms. In such situations, substitution therapy with Eutirox is carried out all my life.
Eutiroks and weight loss
According to the instructions for use, Eutirox in small doses can accelerate protein synthesis. If you use it in medium doses, the metabolism of carbohydrates with proteins and fats will be stimulated. This effect of the drug on metabolism will certainly lead to an early decrease in body weight. True, it is worth noting that in the instructions for the use of "Eutiroks" for weight loss is not recommended. The independent use of this medicine for weight loss can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it must be borne in mind that taking a hormonal drug that is not controlled by a doctor can certainly lead to malfunctions in the various endocrine glands. About this warns the instruction. For weight loss "Eutiroks" is even dangerous to use.
A state of prolonged hyperthyroidism leads to an acceleration of metabolism, and, in addition, to an increase in appetite. In such a situation, instead of the expected weight loss, on the contrary, you can increase your body weight. With incorrect dosages, a series of adverse reactions from the normal functioning of the nervous system are inevitable. Bone, cardiac and vascular systems may also be affected. Eutirox, like any other hormonal drug, should be used only according to strict indications, and, in addition, under the supervision of a doctor. Thus, taking it for weight loss is undesirable.
Drug interaction
In accordance with the instructions for use with Eutirox, the following nuances of its interaction with other medicines should be taken into account:
- The drug can enhance the effect of indirect anticoagulants, which are agents that reduce blood coagulation. In this regard, the dosage of the anticoagulant should be adjusted by the doctor.
- The drug is able to enhance the effects of a number of different antidepressants, therefore, patients should always be advised to the attending physicians what medicines they are constantly taking.
- Eutirox may reduce the effectiveness of insulin, and, in addition, sugar-lowering tablets.
- Cardiac glycosides in combination with Eutirox may lose their effectiveness.
- "Cholestipol" with "Cholestyramine" and aluminum hydroxide can inhibit the absorption of Eutirox in the intestine and thereby reduce the concentration of the drug in blood plasma. In this regard, Eutirox should be taken five hours earlier than the above medicines.
- The level of levothyroxine, which is not associated with blood proteins, rises when used simultaneously with Dicumarol, Clofibrate, Phenytoin, Furosemide, and salicylates.
- Drugs that contain estrogen, which are female sex hormones, can increase the thyroxin binding globulin, and therefore it may be necessary to increase the dose of Eutirox as part of their simultaneous use.
- An increase in the dose of the drug may be necessary while using it with drugs such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital. .
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This is confirmed by the instructions for use.
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Reviews about the drug
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