Euthroid
Generic Name:
Liotrix
Brand Names:
Euthroid-1/2, Euthroid-1, Euthroid-2, Euthroid-3
Euthroid Description:
Euthroid has been discontinued, but the medication was a synthetic form of the natural L-triiodothyronine (T3) and levothyroxine sodium (T4) thyroid hormones found in the body. The combination medication was prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, a condition characterized by low thyroid function. Euthroid was also be used in the treatment of goiter and thyroid cancer, and in certain diagnostic tests to detect thyroid problems.
Euthroid Side Effects:
Side effects of Euthroid resemble those of hyperthyroidism and include:
- Anxiety
- Dry or itchy skin
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Increase in blood pressure
- Increased sweating
- Insomnia
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea
- Temporary hair loss
- Tremor
- Weight gain
For more information, see our Euthroid side effects page.
Euthroid Uses:
Euthroid is most commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to regulate metabolic processes. Euthroid is typically taken for life by patients with hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Dry skin
- Extreme fatigue
- Hair loss
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Poor growth
- Slow speech
- Weight gain
Euthroid may also be used to prevent and treat enlarged thyroid glands in a condition known as goiter.
Euthroid Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you may be taking along with Euthroid, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following drugs may interact with this medication:
- Acenocoumarol
- Amphetamines
- Anisindione
- Antacids
- Anticancer medications
- Arthritis medications
- Cholestyramine (Questran)
- Colestipol (Colestid)
- Dicumarol
- Digitalis
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Estrogen hormones (Divigel, Estrogel, etc.)
- Insulin
- Iron
- Ketamine
- Methadone
- Oral contraceptives containing estrogen
- Oral diabetes medications
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Steroids
- Sucralfate (Carafate)
- Theophylline (TheoDur)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Vasopressors such as norepinephrine
Warfarin and other blood thinners
Euthroid Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Euthroid dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your condition. It is important to follow the guidelines established by your doctor.
Euthroid is available in five strengths, including Euthroid-1/2, Euthroid-1, Euthroid-2, and Euthroid-3.
For the treatment of hypothyroidism, treatment generally begins with an initial starting dose of one tablet of Euthroid-1/2 per day. Dosage can be gradually increased every 2 to 3 weeks to a maintenance dose of one tablet of Euthroid-1 or one tablet of Euthroid-2 per day to regain normal T3 and T4 levels.
Missing a Dose of Euthroid
If you miss a dose of Euthroid, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule.
Euthroid Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medication.
Euthroid Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Black Box Warning
There is a Black Box warning on Euthroid and other thyroid hormone medications alerting consumers that thyroid hormones should never be used for weight loss. In patients with normal thyroid function, doses of thyroid hormones are ineffective for weight loss, and larger doses may lead to serious or potentially fatal cases of toxicity, especially if given in conjunction with amphetamines such as benzphetamine (Didrex), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), and methamphetamine (Desoxyn), that are frequently used for weight loss.
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September 9, 2010, 3:38 pm
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September 8, 2010, 3:39 pm
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
