The main ingredient of euthyroxine is levothyroxine sodium, which is the same thing as thyroxine naturally secreted by the thyroid gland of the human body. Therefore, euthyroxine is a relatively safe drug. Similar drugs include Retix, Jiaheng, etc.
However, thyroxine drugs are not so safe for some patients with special circumstances, especially when the dosage is large or too fast.
The following 5 groups of people should be extra careful when taking thyroxine drugs such as euthyroxine or when adjusting the dosage of drugs.
1. Patients with heart disease
Heart disease here refers to coronary heart disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, tachycardia, etc.
When the dose of thyroxine drugs is too large, it will lead to faster heartbeat and higher blood pressure, thus increasing the burden on the heart and blood vessels.
Therefore, patients with heart disease should pay more attention to regular reexamination of thyroid function during taking medicine to prevent drug overdose.
2. Older persons
The elderly and people with hypothyroidism who have not been treated for a long time are especially sensitive to thyroxine. A smaller dose of drugs will produce more obvious drug effects.
Therefore, when taking thyroxine drugs, this group of people should start to take small doses and slowly increase the amount. For example, ordinary people can take it from 50 g/day, while the elderly can take it from 25 g/day or even 12.5 g/day.
3. Postmenopausal women
Postmenopausal women are prone to osteoporosis, and large doses of thyroxine are even worse. Therefore, postmenopausal women should regularly review thyroid function during taking medicine to prevent drug overdose.
Some thyroid cancer patients have to take large doses of thyroxine drugs after surgery to prevent recurrence and metastasis of thyroid cancer.
In this case, it is suggested to evaluate whether there are abnormalities in blood calcium and bone mineral density before taking the medicine, and take calcium tablets and vitamin D under the guidance of doctors to prevent the occurrence and aggravation of osteoporosis.
4. Diabetes
Thyroxine drugs may reduce the efficacy of hypoglycemic drugs.
Therefore, if diabetic patients need to take thyroxine, at the beginning of taking the medicine or adjusting the dose, they should increase the frequency of blood sugar measurement to observe whether the blood sugar has increased. When necessary, under the guidance of doctors, increase the dose of hypoglycemic drugs.
5. Patients taking anticoagulants
People with atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs may use anticoagulants.
If this group of people need to use thyroxine drugs at the same time, they must closely monitor the changes of coagulation indexes. Because thyroxine can enhance the efficacy of anticoagulants and cause bleeding.
Once the coagulation index is found to be abnormal, the dosage of anticoagulants should be adjusted in time.
Although there are certain risks for the above-mentioned people to take thyroxine drugs such as Youjiale, don’t worry too much. Under the guidance of doctors, medication, adjustment of dosage, and regular review according to doctor’s advice are generally safe and reassuring.
Finally, I would like to remind you that when the following symptoms occur, it is suggested that the dosage of Youjiale may be too large, and you should go to the hospital for reexamination and adjust the dosage in time:
- Palpitation, rapid heartbeat, fear of heat, hyperhidrosis, insomnia, anxiety for no reason, excessive excitement, shaking hands, diarrhea and sharp weight loss