Thyrogen
Generic name:thyrotropin alfa [ THYE-roe-TROE-pin-AL-fa ]
Drug classes:In vivo diagnostic biologicals, Thyroid drugs
What is Thyrogen?
Thyrogen is a manmade form of a protein similar to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is normally produced and released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. TSH controls production of the thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, by the thyroid gland by binding to receptors located on cells in the thyroid gland This medicine keeps your TSH levels steady while you undergo thyroid tests or treatments that can reduce TSH and cause symptoms of low thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Thyrogen is used together with radioactive iodine ablation (a procedure to remove thyroid tissue that was not removed with surgery) in people with thyroid cancer.
Thyrogen is also used during medical testing to check for certain types of thyroid cancer that has returned after treatment. This medicine may not help your doctor find all signs of cancer, and there is still a chance that some of your cancer could be missed.
Thyrogen will not treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Thyrogen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about the timing of your medications, scans, and other treatments.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Thyrogen if you are allergic to it.
To make sure Thyrogen is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
heart disease or history of stroke;
if you take birth control pills; or
if you are a woman and you smoke or have migraine headaches.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not use Thyrogen together with radioactive iodine if your are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is Thyrogen given?
Thyrogen is injected into a muscle of the buttock. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Thyrogen is usually given in 2 separate injections 24 hours apart.
You may also be given radioactive iodine to take 24 hours after your last Thyrogen injection. If you need a thyroid scan, the scan should take place 48 ho...
