Tirosint

Description

Tirosint, L-thyroxine (T4), is available by prescription only as a treatment for hypothyroidism and pituitary thyrotropin suppression.

The generic name for Tirosint is levothyroxine sodium.

Tirosint is available in 13 mcg, 25 mcg, 50 mcg, 75 mcg, 88 mcg, 100 mcg, 112 mcg, 125 mcg, 137 mcg, 150 mcg, 175 mcg, and 200 mcg capsules for administration by mouth.

Directions

Follow your doctor’s instructions on taking Tirosint. Any questions or concerns should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist.

Tirosint doses are based on age, weight, and medical conditions. Patients are recommended to take one tablet by mouth once daily on an empty stomach; take 30 minutes to one hour before the first meal of the day. Do not crush, cut, or chew the capsules; swallow them whole.

It is also recommended that patients wait at least four hours between taking Tirosint and other medications that impact its absorption such as calcium carbonate, ferrous sulfate, and bile acid sequestrants.

Ingredients

Levothyroxine sodium is the active ingredient in Tirosint. Gelatin, glycerin, and water are the inactive ingredients included.

Contraindications

Tirosint administration should be avoided in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.

Cautions

Tirosint (levothyroxine sodium) contains an FDA Boxed Warning against its use for treating obesity or for weight loss. Taking doses that are more than the daily hormonal requirements can cause serious or life-threatening toxicity.

• Before you begin treatment with Tirosint, tell your doctor about:
• All the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications
• Your allergies.
• Your medical history and health problems.
• Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
• The risk of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac events is increased with Tirosint treatment. Older patients and patients with cardiovascular disease may require a lower dose.
• Myxedema coma should not be treated with Tirosint.
• The administration of Tirosint should be avoided in patients with adrenal crisis with adrenal insufficiency until they receive replacement glucocorticoids.
• Proper dosing titration and monitoring should be initiated in order to prevent further thyroid problems.
• Blood sugar levels can be affected by Tirosint. Some patients may need additional blood sugar treatment. Patients should monitor their blood sugars during treatment and after stopping treatment with Tirosint.
• Bone mineral density can decrease by taking too much Tirosint.

Side Effects

Abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, shortness of breath, muscle spasms, headache, nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, tremors, muscle weakness, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, irregular menstruation, and skin rash are some side effects associated with Tirosint; however, patients may experience other side effects. If you have side effects that concern you or won’t go away, contact your doctor.

Reference:

1. Tirosint (levothyroxine sodium). Parsippany, NJ: IBSA Pharma Inc.; 2018.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....