Introduction and mode of action
The active ingredient in drug Euthyrox® from Merck Pharma GmbH is called levothyroxine. Euthyrox® contains the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (L-thyroxine). This is used in thyroid diseases (e.g. hypothyroidism).
In healthy people, the thyroid gland produces various hormones, including thyroxine. These hormones are needed for many metabolic processes and thus control, among other things, body growth, protein and fat metabolism. If hypothyroidism is present, the body produces too little or no thyroid hormones.
These must therefore be replaced artificially. In this case, the synthetic levothyroxine is often prescribed. This synthetic hormone has the same effect as thyroxine (T4) and is then partially converted by the body into the thyroid hormone (T3).
Euthyrox® is available in the form of tablets in dosage strengths 25 – 200 μg It is used for benign enlargement of the thyroid gland (so-called goiter), provided that organ function is normal. It is also commonly used after the operation of a goiter to prevent further goitre formation. Euthyrox® is also used in cases of hypothyroidism and malignant thyroid tumors. Euthyrox® is also known to treat hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism) if patients are given thyrostatic drugs (thyroid-inhibiting drugs). The use of Euthyrox® is also common as part of the so-called thyroid suppression test, in which certain amounts of levothyroxine are administered over a period of several days in order to detect an autonomous hormone metabolism of the thyroid gland that is detached from control by the pituitary gland.
Dosage
The dose of the drug Euthyrox® is individually adapted to the needs of each patient. The entire daily dose prescribed by the doctor is taken in the morning with a glass of water on an empty stomach. Afterwards, no food should be eaten for at least half an hour.
In most cases, Euthyrox® must be taken for the rest of the patient’s life, as hypothyroidism or a lack of thyroid (e.g. after surgery) cannot be compensated for in any other way than by substituting the hormones synthetically. In the case of benign enlargement of the thyroid gland, but normal organ function, Euthyrox® is actually only taken temporarily. The tablets are provided with a notch for dividing. This makes it easy to halve the tablet if the dose of a whole tablet is too high. Euthyrox® is available in tablets from 25 to 200 micrograms.
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