Thyroid Description

Generic Name : THYROID

Pronunciation : (thye' roid)

Trade Name(s) : Eltroxin, Roxin, Thyronorm, Thyrox

Why it is prescribed: Thyroid is a hormone produced by the body. The thyroid in medicine usually comes from pig thyroid glands 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, thyroid can reverse all of these symptoms. Thyroid is also used to treat goiter.

When it is to be taken: Thyroid usually taken as a single dose every day, before breakfasst. Since you probably will need to take thyroid 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.

How it should be taken: Thyroid comes in the form of tablets and capsules. 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 the effects of thyroid. Take the exact amount of thyroid prescribed for you. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointment with your doctor and the laboratory. You will have periodic blood tests to make sure that the thyroid 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 regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, chest pain, tumor, 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 medication 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 thyroid, tell your doctor if you have diabetes, hardening of the arteries, heart or kidney disease, high blood pressure, or an under active adrenal or pituitary gland.
2. If you have surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor that you are taking thyroid.
3. Before taking thyroid, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
4. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially Coumadin or other blood thinners and diabetes medicine.
5. 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.
6. If you take Questran, take it at least one hour after or four hours before you take thyroid.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it away from direct sunlight and moisture - not in the bathroom.