THYROXINE SODIUM
Background and Date of Approval
Thyroxine Sodium received U.S. FDA approval for the treatment of hypothyroidism on 30 November 2020.
Uses
Thyroxine Sodium has been approved to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
How is it administered?
The recommended starting dose for adults is 50- 100 micrograms every day. For patients over the age of 50, the suggested dose is 50 micrograms every day. Take Thyroxine sodium as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken orally before breakfast or the first meal of the day. Swallow the tablets as a whole with plenty of water. Do not crush, break or chew the tablets.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Thyroxine sodium are diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, heat intolerance, headache, nervousness, irregular periods, sweating, muscle weakness or cramps, tremors, etc. Report to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, Thyroid crisis (severe reaction to high levels of thyroid hormone), very high temperature, or palpitations (irregular heartbeat) to avoid severe complications.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to Thyroxine sodium and its ingredients. Let your healthcare provider know if you suffer from heart problems like angina, coronary artery disease, or high blood pressure. Inform your doctor if you have fits (epilepsy) or panhypopituitarism (hormonal disorder). When diabetes mellitus patients take this medication, their glycemic control may worsen, and they may need more insulin or antidiabetic medication. So, it is important to closely monitor blood glucose levels before starting, altering, or discontinuing thyroid hormone with Thyroxine sodium Tablet. Your physician decides the right dose of this medication after checking the body weight and thyroid function test. Regular monitoring of thyroid function is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the medication.
Precautions
Consult your doctor before using Thyroxine sodium if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Your physician will decide if you should continue taking this medicine during pregnancy, particularly during the first three months. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment, as it is unknown whether Thyroxine sodium passes into the breastmilk.
Word of Advice
Patients taking thyroxine sodium require regular thyroid function tests, including T3, T4, and TSH measurements. This medication is not indicated for obesity or weight loss. Blood sugar monitoring is advisable, as this medicine can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Dietary intake of iodised salt is important, as the thyroid gland requires iodine to synthesise thyroid hormones.
References
Goodman & Gilmanâs, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Thyroid and Anti-thyroid drugs, 12th Edition, 2011, 1130-1150. Neolpharma, Inc; US Food & Drug Administration, [Revised on Dec 2017] [Accessed on 1 Nov 2022], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021342s023lbl.pdf Glenmark pharmaceuticals Europe Limited., Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on April 2021] [Accessed on 1 Nov 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/12779/pil#gref https://www.drugs.com/history/thyquidity.html , Accessed on 1 Nov 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I take Thyroxine sodium tablet?
Take the Thyroxine sodium tablet precisely as your doctor has prescribed. It should be taken orally, usually before breakfast or as the first meal of the day. It should be consumed whole, with plenty of water.
What occurs if I take more than the prescribed dose of Thyroxine sodium?
You are not recommended to take more than the prescribed dose of Thyroxine sodium tablets as it may cause an overdose resulting in symptoms such as fever, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, headache, restlessness, flushing, sweating, and diarrhea.
What are the uses of Thyroxine sodium?
Thyroxine sodium is indicated to treat hypothyroidism (a chronic condition where the thyroid gland fails to produce enough hormones).
Can Thyroxine sodium affect the diabetic patient?
Thyroxine sodium can increase blood sugar levels and interfere with the effectiveness of other antidiabetic medications you may be taking. Therefore, a dose adjustment may be necessary.
Can children use Thyroxine sodium?
Yes, patients of any age, from newborns to adults, could get thyroxine sodium. The dose for children must be adjusted based on weight changes. The doctor will adjust the dose if the child loses or gains weight.
Should I limit salt while taking Thyroxine sodium tablets?
Limiting salt intake to around 2300 mg daily is advisable since too much salt might raise blood pressure, especially in people with underactive thyroids.
Can I discontinue taking the sodium thyroxine tablet on my own?
No, do not discontinue taking Thyroxine sodium tablets without consulting your doctor. Stopping this medication on your own can result in a body imbalance that can seriously impact your metabolism.