Thyrotropin alfa
Generic name: thyrotropin alfa [ THYE-roe-TROE-pin-AL-fa ]
Brand name: Thyrogen
Dosage form: intramuscular powder for injection (0.9 mg)
Drug classes:In vivo diagnostic biologicals, Thyroid drugs
What is thyrotropin alfa?
Thyrotropin alfa is a manmade form of a protein similar to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is normally produced by your thyroid. Thyrotropin alfa keeps your TSH levels steady while you undergo thyroid tests or treatments that can reduce TSH and cause symptoms of low thyroid (hypothyroidism).
Thyrotropin alfa is used together with radioactive iodine ablation (a procedure to remove thyroid tissue that was not removed with surgery) in people with thyroid cancer.
Thyrotropin alfa is also used during medical testing to check for certain types of thyroid cancer that has returned after treatment. Thyrotropin alfa may not help your doctor find all signs of cancer, and there is still a chance that some of your cancer could be missed.
Thyrotropin alfa will not treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
Thyrotropin alfa 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 thyrotropin alfa if you are allergic to it.
To make sure thyrotropin alfa 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 thyrotropin alfa together with radioactive iodine if your are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is thyrotropin alfa given?
Thyrotropin alfa is injected into a muscle of the buttock. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Thyrotropin alfa is usually given in 2 separate injections 24 hours apart.
You may also be given radioactive iodine to take 24 hours after your last thyrotropin alfa injection. If you need a thyroid scan, the scan should take place 48 hours after you take the radioactive iodine.
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