Thyroglobulin (patient information)
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Thyroglobulin is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking thyroglobulin, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.
Thyroid hormone should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. Thyroid hormone is ineffective for weight reduction in normal thyroid patients and may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, especially when taken with amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.
Why is this medication 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. When your body does not have enough thyroid hormone, it does not 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 reverses these symptoms.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used
Thyroglobulin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken as a single dose before breakfast every day. To control the symptoms of hypothyroidism, it is likely you will take thyroglobulin for the rest of your life. It may take 2 weeks before you notice any change in your symptoms. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take thyroglobulin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking thyroglobulin without talking to your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow
Before using thyroglobulin
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to thyroglobulin, thyroid hormone, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amphetamines, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), arthritis medications, aspirin, cholesterol-lowering resins such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), diabetes medications (insulin and tablets), digoxin (Lanoxin), estrogens, oral contraceptives, steroids, and vitamins.
- if you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after taking your thyroid medication.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); kidney disease; hepatitis; cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attack; or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking thyroglobulin.
What special dietary instructions should I follow
Thyroglobulin may cause an upset stomach. Take thyroglobulin with food or milk.
What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects
Minor Side Effects
Thyroglobulin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- weight loss
- tremor
- headache
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- stomach cramps
- nervousness
- irritability
- insomnia
- excessive sweating
- increased appetite
- fever
- changes in menstrual cycle
- sensitivity to heat
- temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy
Severe Side Effects
If you experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- chest pain (angina)
- rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to thyroglobulin.
Learn the brand name and generic name of your medication. Do not switch brands without talking to your doctor, as each brand of thyroid hormone contains a slightly different amount of the medication.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Proloid®