TIRACRIN ® a drug based on levothyroxine sodium
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Thyroid preparations
Indications TIRACRIN ® Levothyroxine
TIRACRIN ® is used in cases of hypothyroidism, diffuse non-toxic goiter, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and other inflammatory diseases affecting the thyroid.
Mechanism of action TIRACRIN ® Levothyroxine
TIRACRIN ® is a drug based on levothyroxine, a levorotatory isomer of thyroxine, an iodized amino acid incorporated in a glycoprotein known as thyroglobulin.
This hormone produced by the follicular cells of the thyroid is normally synthesized and accumulated in the thyroid follicles to be released into the circulation, when necessary, following stimulation induced by the TSH pituitary hormone.
Levothyroxine, together with triiodiothyronine, acts at the peripheral level, controlling the activity of various organs and tissues and significantly influencing body growth, thermogenesis, cardiovascular activity, nervous system activity and metabolism in general.
The conditions of hypothyroidism, characterized by a reduction in the production of these hormones, are therefore accompanied by a significant reduction in metabolic capacity and a deterioration of normal organic activities, which significantly affect the patient's state of health.
In these cases, excluding other secondary pathologies, it becomes essential for the safeguard of human health, the therapy replaced with levothyroxine.
This drug taken orally, quickly reaches the gastro-intestinal environment, where it is absorbed in extremely variable quantities from individual to individual, and bound to specific plasma proteins transported to peripheral tissues.
The metabolism, mainly of hepatic origin, allows the elimination of the active principle glucuronate through the faeces.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. LEVOTHYROXIN AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS
Endocrine. 2011 Mar 18.
Insulin sensitivity, plasma adiponectin and sICAM-1 concentrations in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism: response to levothyroxine therapy.
Kowalska I, Borawski J, Nikołajuk A, Budlewski T, Otziomek E, Górska M, Strączkowski M.
The treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism with levothyroxine has been shown to be particularly useful in reducing some risk factors associated with the onset of cardiovascular diseases. This study reaffirms the central role of thyroid hormones in the control of integrated metabolism.
2. "THYROID AND CHOLESTEROL FUNCTIONALITY
Kathmandu Univ Med J (KUMJ). 2010 Apr-Jun; 8: 265-8.
Variation of total serum cholesterol among the patient with thyroid dysfunction.
Risal P, Maharjan BR, Koju R, Makaju RK, Gautam M.
It is known how thyroid hormones can regulate lipid metabolism and in particular that of cholesterol. In this study it is observed that patients with reduced thyroid function have an increased level of LDL cholesterol in the circulation, and how this can represent a potential risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases The data obtained from this work suggest the need for screening of lipidemic concentrations in patients with overt or subclinical hypothyroidism.
3. HYPERTIROIDISM AND BONE HEALTH
Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2009 Jul; 7: 47-52.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroid hormones, and bone loss.
Zaidi M, Davies TF, Zallone A, Blair HC, Iqbal J, Moonga SS, Mechanick J, Sun L.
It is known from clinical and experimental experience that increased thyroid function or thyrotoxicosis induced by high concentrations of thyroid hormone-based drugs can be evidently associated with bone damage characterized by excessive resorption in the face of mild deposition. This aspect becomes particularly important for postmenopausal women undergoing substitution therapy and for all those who abuse these products.
Method of use and dosage
TIRACRIN ® 100 mcg tablets of levothyroxine sodium:
although application ranges have been defined, which in adults oscillate between 50 and 200 mcg per day, the specific dosage varies significantly from patient to patient depending on the physio-pathological conditions, the clinical picture and the related therapeutic objectives.
It is therefore of fundamental importance that the dosage is established by one's doctor after a careful clinical evaluation of the patient's state of health.
Warnings TIRACRIN ® Levothyroxine
Although drugs and products based on thyroid hormones are used without medical criteria in many fields, it should be remembered that the intake of levothyroxine is justified exclusively by medical needs attributable to reduced thyroid function
The abuse of these products could cause the appearance of serious side effects, such as to seriously compromise the patient's state of health.
For the same reason, medical therapy should be preceded by a careful clinical evaluation, aimed at confirming the need for pharmacological treatment, and accompanied by periodic monitoring of the blood concentrations of TSH and transaminases, to evaluate the adequacy of the therapy in progress.
Some side effects attributable to the administration of TIRACRIN ® could reduce the patient's normal perceptive and reactive abilities, making the use of machinery and driving vehicles dangerous.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Numerous studies support the good safety profile of levothyroxine, taken at therapeutic doses and under strict medical supervision, on the health of the fetus despite the fact that this active ingredient can easily pass the placental barrier and in part also be secreted in breast milk.
It is therefore of fundamental importance to manage hypothyroidism during pregnancy, given the increased demand and the crucial role of these hormones in fetal development.
Interactions
The numerous metabolic implications, which characterize the biological activity of thyroid hormones, expose TIRACRIN ® to various possible drug interactions.
In fact, levothyroxine can alter the functionality of hypoglycemic drugs and coumarin derivatives, exposing the patient to possible metabolic and haemorrhagic consequences, while cholestyramine, drugs containing aluminum, iron and calcium, salicylates, dicumarol, furosemide, clofibrate, phenytoin, glucoriticoids, beta-sympatholytics , amiodarone and iodinated contrast media, estrogens, barbiturates, proguanil, antiepileptics and compounds containing soy could alter the normal pharmacokinetic properties of TIRACRIN ® reducing its therapeutic effect.
Contraindications TIRACRIN ® Levothyroxine
TIRACRIN ® is contraindicated in untreated adrenal insufficiency, untreated pituitary insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, acute myocardial infarction, acute myocarditis and pancarditis and hypersensitivity to the active substance or its excipients.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
An extensive clinical trial and careful post-marketing monitoring define the good safety and excellent tolerability of medical therapy with levothyroxine, when properly set up.
Side effects, in some cases even of serious entity, have instead been observed following incorrect dosages or following the uncontrolled abuse of this drug.
Given the crucial role of thyroid hormones in general metabolism, the observed adverse reactions are related to the classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism characterized by arrhythmias, tachycardia, anginal pain, hypertension, cardiac insufficiency and arrest, headache, hyperexcitability, insomnia, tremors, emotional lability, epilepsy , hair loss, widespread inflammatory reactions, adrenal impairment, transaminase disturbance, nausea, vomiting, cramps, abdominal pain and osteoporosis.
Note
TIRACRIN ® can only be sold under medical prescription.
TIRACRIN ® falls within the doping class: Hormones and related substances (prohibited in and out of competition)
The information on TIRACRIN ® Levothyroxine published on this page may be out of date or incomplete. For a correct use of this information, see the Disclaimer and useful information page.
