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What is Tertroxin?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

The human thyroid gland produces two major hormones: triiodothyronine and thyroxine. In patients with hypothyroidism, where the function of the thyroid is low, synthetic versions may be needed to replace missing hormones in the body. Replacement of triiodothyronine is done using liothyronine sodium, which is marketed under the brand name Tertroxin.

Thyroid hormones are critical for the body to function correctly, affecting the body's metabolism, temperature, and brain function; therefore, those with hormone deficiencies generally need to be on these drugs their entire lives. Dosage of the drug varies from patient to patient, as many factors can play a role in how much is needed. Some of these variables include the patient's age, weight, and how much hormone their body already produces naturally. A doctor will start with an initial dose and then adjust it depending on how the patient responds. Tertroxin may be prescribed in conjunction with levothyroxine, the synthetic form of thyroxine.

Patients with hypothyroidism may take Tertroxin.
Patients with hypothyroidism may take Tertroxin.

Side effects from Tertroxin can be severe and unpleasant, though they happen most frequently when the dosage of the drug is too high and its presence in the body mimics hyperthyroidism. Some patients may experience an elevated heart rate and chest pains. They may feel nervous and have tremors or excessive sweating. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur. Menstruation may be affected in some women, with periods becoming irregular.

Individuals who are taking Tertroxin may experience chest pain.
Individuals who are taking Tertroxin may experience chest pain.

Another effect that many people experience on Tertroxin is weight loss. This is due to the drug's tendency to increase one's metabolism. In some cases, the drug is prescribed to treat obesity for this reason. This effect also makes it attractive to bodybuilders interested in eliminating any extra body fat to emphasize their muscles; it is therefore sometimes used in conjunction with steroids to produce a more sculpted body.

Side effects of Tertroxin may include excessive sweating.
Side effects of Tertroxin may include excessive sweating.

People taking this drug need to use caution when combining it with certain other drugs, as the interaction can impact the effectiveness of one or the other. Some blood thinners may become more active when combined with it, which can put the patient at risk of excessive bleeding. The bronchodilator Theophylline, used to treat asthma, may not work as well when combined with the thyroid medication, and doses may need to be monitored and adjusted. Digoxin, which helps strengthen heart rate, can also become less effective as thyroid hormone levels increase in the body. Certain cholesterol-lowering medications may make Tertroxin less effective when they are taken together.

Discussion Comments

allenJo

@miriam98- I haven’t had the same thing but I would definitely get that checked out to determine if it’s a disease of the thyroid. A lot of lumps are benign but a doctor can run tests to be certain. They’ll also take blood samples and check your hormone levels to see if there is an imbalance of some kind.

ladyjane

@Sierra02 - The thyroid is a gland in the neck that is shaped like a butterfly. It is the main gland for our metabolism and when it's not working properly, our health, weight, energy and depression levels are all affected.

There are a few common signs to watch for that might help you determine if you have a thyroid disorder. Pain in the joints, aching muscles and weak arms are all symptoms as well as having a swollen neck and hoarse throat.

Other things to look for are hair loss and dry scaly skin or changes in the bowel and menstrual irregularities could also be a sign. Fatigue, changes in your weight, depression and anxiety also contribute to thyroid issues.

miriam98

I’ve had lymph nodes under my armpit for some time and I’ve often wondered if it was a thyroid disorder or even cancer. I suppose I should check in with a doctor to be certain but they haven’t been bothering me. I was wondering if anyone else had the same thing?

everetra

My sister suffered from thyroid problems for quite some time. Some of the thyroid symptoms she experienced were pain in her neck and intense fatigue upon waking up. She didn’t know what it was at first.

She went to a chiropractor who did some neck massages but these were only moderately helpful. Then she went on a diet-she wasn’t that overweight but could stand to lose a few pounds. The thing about it was that she didn’t lose much weight, even when she was on the diet.

It turns out that this is another symptom of thyroid problems, as the thyroid affects the body’s metabolism. Finally the doctor diagnosed it as a thyroid issue and she was put on the Tertroxin.

She said she feels much better now and has also lost a little weight, although the drug may be responsible for the weight loss.

Sierra02

Could someone please explain to me what is the thyroid used for exactly and what are the symptoms of thyroid problems I should be on the look out for?

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    • Patients with hypothyroidism may take Tertroxin.
      By: stockshoppe
      Patients with hypothyroidism may take Tertroxin.
    • Individuals who are taking Tertroxin may experience chest pain.
      By: michaeljung
      Individuals who are taking Tertroxin may experience chest pain.
    • Side effects of Tertroxin may include excessive sweating.
      By: camrocker
      Side effects of Tertroxin may include excessive sweating.
    • Nausea and vomiting may be side effects of Tertroxin.
      By: inesbazdar
      Nausea and vomiting may be side effects of Tertroxin.
    • People who are taking Tertroxin may experience weight loss.
      By: s_l
      People who are taking Tertroxin may experience weight loss.
    • Bodybuilders may take Tertroxin to eliminate extra body fat.
      By: Csák István
      Bodybuilders may take Tertroxin to eliminate extra body fat.