Definition
Graves-Basedow's disease (or diffuse toxic goiter) is a disorder of the immune system in which there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones, a consequence of the hyperactivity of the thyroid gland. Not surprisingly, Graves-Basedow's disease is placed between the very first places among the triggering causes of hyperthyroidism.
Causes
Graves-Basedow's disease originates from an "alteration of the immune system; more specifically, the syndrome is caused by the presence of an antibody within the bloodstream, which stimulates the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones in an uncontrolled and exaggerated manner.
Symptoms
Graves-Basedow's disease does not begin with a precise symptomatology; in fact the typical prodromes of the initial stage are blurred and have a psychological origin (mood alteration, difficulty falling asleep, irritability, etc.). Among the other signs we remember: alopecia, arrhythmia, decreased sexual desire, weakness, diarrhea, weight loss, goiter (typical sign), osteoporosis, intense thirst, sweating, tachycardia, tremor.
The information on Graves 'Disease - Basedow - Drugs for the Treatment of Graves' Disease is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Graves 'Disease - Basedow - Drugs to Treat Graves' Disease.
Medicines
Although vague and nonspecific, the symptoms accompanying the onset of Graves-Basedow's disease are generally of psychic origin: difficulty falling asleep, restlessness, irritability, anxiety syndrome, etc. and it is precisely for this reason that the disease is often diagnosed late.
As soon as the disease is ascertained, the patient must undergo a precise treatment, of a pharmacological or surgical type; the choice of following a therapeutic path rather than another clearly depends on the severity of the disease and the degree of progress thereof.
First of all, the goal of therapy is to regulate and control the activity of the thyroid gland with specific drugs such as radioactive iodine and antithyroid substances. Furthermore, we have seen that Graves-Basedow's disease is often accompanied by psychic disturbances; consequently the patient can also be treated with drugs capable of controlling these prodromes: for this purpose propanolol is generally prescribed, indicated to treat tachycardia, anxiety and sweating.
In any case, the primary objective is to control the activity of the thyroid gland; treatment for other symptoms is secondary.
- Radioactive iodine (Iodine 131): the drug must be taken orally and represents a valid aid to reduce the size of the thyroid, causing irreversible damage to the thyroid cells; consequently, the picture deriving from hyperthyroidism (as well as from Graves-Basedow's disease) tends to stabilize after a few months of treatment. administration in the event of pre-existing eye disorders (eg glaucoma). Excessive doses of iodine 131 can cause the opposite effect, hypothyroidism: in the latter case, the hormonal alteration can be easily controlled by taking a drug, Levothyroxine sodium (eg Euthyrox), daily (and throughout life). ).
Treatment with radioactive iodine can have serious side effects such as ophthalmopathy. To treat this likely side effect, your doctor may prescribe artificial tears to be applied during the day and lubricating gel to be applied to the eye during a night's rest. In case of severity, corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) can reduce swelling. Should the disturbance persist, the last resort is surgery, which consists of orbital decompression. Consult your doctor.
- Methimazole or Thiamazole (eg Tapazole) class: thionamide, immunosuppressive action. Do not use in pregnancy; the drug could cause problems for the unborn child. 5 mg tablets of active are available: the recommended posology for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in the context of Graves-Basedow's disease varies from 15 to 60 mg per day, according to the severity of the disease. It is recommended to take the drug in three doses fractionated.
- Propylthiouracil (eg Propycil): the drug belongs to the class of thionamides, and carries out its therapeutic action as an immunosuppressant. This drug can also be taken before or after radioactive iodine therapy, as a parallel or complementary therapy. The chances of a relapse tend to increase when the drug is used alone; however, studies show that the prolonged intake of this active (12 months) can improve the therapeutic results in the long term. This drug can also be taken during pregnancy, unlike the previous one. The drug is not marketed in Italy. Consult the doctor.
Typical side effects of antithyroid drugs: joint pain, rash, liver failure
- Potassium perchlorate (Peritroid): another antithyroid drug indicated for the treatment of Graves-Basedow's disease, to be administered by mouth in the form of 200 mg tablets. It is recommended to take a drug dose of 600-800 mg, equivalent to 3-4 tablets per day, preferably divided into three doses over 24 hours. The effect of the drug is generally observed after at least 4 weeks of treatment.
- Lithium carbonate (eg Carbolithium, Lithium CA FN): indicated in particular to reduce the symptoms accompanying Graves-Basedow's disease. The dosage, always established precisely by the doctor, varies from 900 to 1800 mg per day.
- Propanolol (eg Inderal): belongs to the class of beta blockers and is used as a supplementation drug to treat secondary symptoms caused by Graves-Basedow's disease; in particular, its use is recommended to treat anxiety and cardiac disorders. The drug is available in the form of tablets of 40 mg of propanolol or 80 mg of slow-release propanolol. Consult your doctor: only a specialist can determine with precision the most suitable dosage for the treatment of Graves-Basedow's disease.
