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Medication
Oroxine & Eutroxsig (synthetic T4/Thyroxine)
Thyroxine (Oroxine/Eutroxsig) is prescribed for patients who have had a total thyroidectomy, or who suffer from an underactive thyroid gland, either as a result of hemi-thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine or due to hypothyroidism.
Oroxine/Eutroxsig is a synthetic form of the hormone, thyroxine. It is the closest form of thyroxine to what your body produces.
If your thyroid is underactive, your doctor will prescribe a small dose to start your treatment and increase the dose as your thyroid gland becomes progressively inactive. If this medication is prescribed as a result of a total thyroidectomy, your treating doctor will determine the initial dose. It is unusual for patients to cease these medications once it is begun.
The ATF strongly recommend taking Oroxine/Eutroxsig first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with water. Wait at least 30–60 minutes before breakfast. Take other medications well away from your Oroxine/Eutroxsig.It is recommended to wait at least 3–4 hours before taking other medications after taking Oroxine/Eutroxsig. Be aware of the interactions with vitamins/minerals and herbal extracts.
Unopened bottles of Oroxine and Eutroxsig should be kept refrigerated between 2–8ºC.
Opened bottles of Oroxine and Eutroxsig should not be allowed to reach 25ºC, therefore should be kept refrigerated between 2–8ºC at all times. If you live in areas where the temperature can reach 25ºC or you are travelling to warmer climates. keep refrigerated. Also be aware room heating and seasonal changes can effect Oroxine and Eutroxsig, therefore to be sure, keep refrigerated at all times.
Whilst travelling you should not let your medication be exposed to heat or light. Therefore it is recommended to keep your medication in a cooler bag or esky.
Ensure that the bottle cap is tightly closed after each use. Storage of an opened bottle in the refrigerator may result in tablets becoming soft and/or discoloured. Do not take Oroxine or Eutroxsig tablets that have become soft and /or the colour has changed.
Opened bottles of Oroxine or Eutroxsig can be stored below 25ºC for a maximum of 40 days. After 40 days of storage below 25ºC, discard any remaining tablets in the bottle.
Laboratory tests have shown that if not stored correctly, there is a reduction in potency of the active ingredient thyroxine sodium.
If tablets become soft and/or discoloured, contact Sigma's Medical Affairs Department: (03) 9839 2800.
Do not store Oroxine or Eutroxsig, or any other medicines in a bathroom or near a sink.
Do not leave it in the car or on windowsills.
Your treating doctor will regularly test your thyroxine (T4) level by blood test.
T3/T4 combination therapy (Oroxine/Tertroxine)
T4/T3 combination therapy is not recommended for hypothyroid replacement drug therapy. In rare cases, doctors may prescribe a combination therapy if patients are having problems with their absorption of thyroxine alone.
This therapy would be done with close monitoring by pathology testing under the supervision of your treating doctor.
Tertroxine (synthetic T3 therapy)
Tertroxine or triiodothyronine is a hormone produced in small amounts by the thyroid gland. It is also produced after thyroxine is absorbed and it acts on every cell of the body. It is not usually prescribed by doctors, as it can have a negative effect on the patient's heart and bones.
Neomercazole (Carbimazole)
Neomercazole is an anti-thyroid drug treatment used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Some patients will experience some side effects from this medication. The treatment is used to stop the thyroid gland over-producing thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
The initial dose of this medication is usually between two and six tablets per day. Your dose is usually reduced, once the medication takes effect. The length of time of this treatment is determined by the severity of the condition.
The treatment is usually effective in controlling hyperthyroidism. If this treatment produces side effects or the hyperthyroidism does not go into remission within one to two years of treatment then your doctor may recommend definitive treatment by way of thyroidectomy or radioactive Iodine.
Propylthiouracil – PTU (Carbimazole)
PTU, as it is referred, is an alternative to Neomercazole. PTU works in the same way as Neomercazole. Your treating doctor will monitor you closely whilst undertaking either treatment. The length of time for treatment is usually the same. Both these drugs have side effects, however most patients will find one will suit them better.
Calcium supplementation
Calcium Supplementation is used when the parathyroid glands under-produce the hormone which controls the absorption of calcium, or because one or more of these glands have been surgically removed due to hyperparathyroidism.
Calcium may also be prescribed for a period of time after thyroid surgery due to bruising or repositioning of the parathyroid glands.
As calcium can cause interactions with Oroxine/Eutroxsig, your thyroxine level (T4) should be monitored closely when calcium replacement begins. You should not take calcium tablets at the same time as you take your thyroxine.