Thyrotropin Alfa
About
Thyrotropin Alfa is indicated as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for serum thyroglobulin testing with or without radioiodine imaging in the follow-up of patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer who have previously undergone thyroidectomy.
Thyrotropin Alfa contains thyrotropin alfa which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. It helps to keep thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) steady while undergoing tests or treatments which can reduce TSH, leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid).
In some cases, Thyrotropin Alfa may cause nausea, headache, fatigue, vomiting, dizziness, and asthenia (weakness) in some cases. Most of these side effects of Thyrotropin Alfa do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Thyrotropin Alfa is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Thyrotropin Alfa should be administered with caution in the elderly and people with a known history of heart disease as it may cause thyrogen-induced hyperthyroidism.
Uses of Thyrotropin Alfa
Medicinal Benefits
Thyrotropin Alfa is indicated as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for serum thyroglobulin testing with or without radioiodine imaging in the follow-up of patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer who have previously undergone thyroidectomy. Thyrotropin Alfa contains thyrotropin alfa which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. It helps to keep thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) steady while undergoing tests or treatments which can reduce TSH, leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Thyrotropin Alfa
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Asthenia (weakness)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If Thyrotropin Alfa is administered with radioiodine, the contraindications to radioiodine also apply to this combination regimen. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Thyrotropin Alfa is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Thyrotropin Alfa should be administered with caution in the elderly and people with a known history of heart disease as it may cause thyrogen-induced hyperthyroidism. Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of allergic reactions to medicines and kidney, liver or heart diseases before taking Thyrotropin Alfa.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Thyrotropin Alfa to avoid unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Thyrotropin Alfa.
Breast Feeding
cautionPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Thyrotropin Alfa.
Driving
cautionThyrotropin Alfa may cause dizziness and headache. Therefore, drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Thyrotropin Alfa.
Kidney
cautionThyrotropin Alfa should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. Elimination of Thyrotropin Alfa is significantly slower in dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease patients, resulting in prolonged elevation of TSH levels.
Children
unsafeThyrotropin Alfa is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs in your diet.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs, and added sugars.
- Rest well. Get optimum sleep.
Special Advise
- Frequent blood tests are necessary to monitor liver function, electrolyte levels, and blood cell count.
- Patients should be sufficiently hydrated prior to treatment with Thyrotropin Alfa.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Thyroglobulin test: The thyroglobulin test measures the thyroglobulin level in the blood. A thyroglobulin test is mostly used as a tumour marker test to help guide thyroid cancer treatment. Thyroid cancer develops from the tissues of the thyroid gland. It is a disease in which cells grow abnormally and can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include swelling or a lump in the neck.
FAQs
Thyrotropin Alfa stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. It helps to keep thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) steady while undergoing tests or treatments which can reduce TSH, leading to symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid).
The thyroglobulin test is primarily used as a tumour marker test to aid thyroid cancer treatment. This test calculates how much thyroglobulin is in the blood.
The effect of Thyrotropin Alfa on long term thyroid cancer outcomes has not been determined. When Thyrotropin Alfa is used to help detect thyroid cancer, there is still a chance all or parts of the cancer could be missed.
If Thyrotropin Alfa is administered with radioiodine, the contraindications to radioiodine also apply to this combination regimen. If Thyrotropin Alfa is used in combination with radioiodine, it is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.
