Thyroglobulin Description

Generic Name : THYROGLOBULIN

Pronunciation : (thye roe glob' yoo lin)

Trade Name(s) : Proloid

Why it is prescribed: Thyroglobulin supplies the body with thyroid hormone and is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without this hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, thyroglobulin can reverse all of these symptoms.

When it is to be taken: Thyroglobulin is usually taken as a single dose every day. Since you probably will need to take thyroglobulin for the rest of your life, make a habit of taking it at the same time each day. It may take about two weeks before you notice any change in your symptoms. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand.

How it should be taken: Thyroglobuin comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Your doctor may change this amount, especially when you first start treatment, because your body has to adjust to this drug. Take the exact amount prescribed for you. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You will have periodic blood tests to make sure that the thyroglobulin is working properly.
2. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time you are to take the next one, take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, chest pain, tremor, headache, diarrhea, nervousness, insomnia, sweating, increased appetite, stomach cramps, fever, changes in menstrual cycle, sensitivity to heat. Contact your doctor at once, but do not stop taking your dose without consulting your
doctor.
2. Hair loss in children. This can happen in the first months of treatment, but hair usually grows back.

Other Precautions :
1. Before taking thyroglobulin, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.
2. If you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you take thyroglobulin.
3. Before taking thyroglobulin, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially warfarin or other anticoagulants and diabetes medicine.
4. Some drugs like aspirin, arthritis medicine, estrogens, steroids, birth-control pills and conditions like pregnancy and hepatitis may cause false results in laboratory tests for thyroid function.
5. If you take cholestyramine, take it at least one hour after or four hours before you take thyroglobulin.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature.