Oroxine, Eutroxsig & Eltroxin (synthetic T4/Levothyroxine)

Levothyroxine (Oroxine/Eutroxsig/Eltroxin) is prescribed for patients who have had surgical removal of their thyroid, either a total or hemi thyroidectomy or who suffer from hypothyroidism/underactive thyroid gland. Levothyroxine can also be prescribed for patients after RAI Treatment.

Oroxine/Eutroxsig/Eltroxin are synthetic forms of the hormone Levothyroxine (T4). These Australian brands are the closest synthetic form of thyroxine hormone to what a healthy thyroid gland produces.

If the thyroid gland is underactive, your doctor will prescribe a small dose to start your treatment, usually 50 mcgs. and increase the dose as the thyroid gland becomes progressively inactive.

If this medication is prescribed as a result of a total/hemi thyroidectomy, your treating doctor will determine the initial dose following surgery and after pathology tests. It is unusual for patients to cease this medication once it has begun, as thyroxine hormone is an essential hormone to regulate body function.

PLEASE NOTE: Eltroxin is not the same formula as Oroxine and Eutroxsig. Levothyroxine brands are not interchangeable and it is not recommended to take two different brands to make up a daily prescribed dose.

Time to Take Levothyroxine Medication

Recent research supports The ATF’s Recommendation to take Oroxine/Eutroxsig/Eltroxin first thing in the morning (as soon as your eyes are open) with a glass of water only, on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 – 60 minutes after taking the dose before breakfast. Other medications, vitamins/minerals herbal medicines and supplements should not be taken at the same time to avoid interactions with Oroxine/Eutroxsig/Eltroxin. An interval of at least 4 hours after taking Oroxine/Eutroxsig/Eltroxin is recommended by Prof. Jim Stockigt before taking other medications. (Thyroid News No 7 Sept/Oct 2001). This is due to possible interactions and lower absorption. The longer you can leave taking other medications the better, as many medications, vitamins and supplements intact with Oroxine/Eutroxsig/Eltroxin.

Storage of Oroxine and Eutroxsig

It is essential to refrigerate blister strips not yet in use of Oroxine and Eutroxsig between 2 – 8 Degrees Celcius (refrigerated temperature). The ATF recommend all blister strips be kept refrigerated at all times. Remove your blister(s) from the refrigerator in the morning to retrieve your dose. This is to safeguard against spoilage from room temperatures rising throughout the day, due to seasonal change, or room heating during colder months.

Laboratory tests have shown that if not stored correctly, there is a reduction in potency of the active ingredient, thyroxine sodium.

Storage of Eltroxin

Eltroxin does not need to be refrigerated. Eltroxin should be kept at room temperature below 25 degrees celsius. Please note Eltroxin is not the same formula as Oroxine/Eutroxsig.

Tertroxin (Liothyronine sodium) - information

Tertroxin is a synthetic form of "liothyronine" (T3), which is a naturally occurring thyroid hormone, produced by the thyroid gland.

Levothyroxine – thyroid hormone replacement (T4) medication breaks down into Liothyronine (T3) once it absorbs after ingesting. 

Tertroxin is usually prescribed, after very careful consideration, by a thyroid treating specialist (Endocrinologist) who will determine if it will benefit the patient.  It can be prescribed to take with Levothyroxine (T4) medication or alone.  Please seek advice from an Endocrinologist who will monitor your pathology results regularly whilst taking Tertroxin.

Interaction of Vitamins, Supplements and Herbal Extracts When Taking Levothyroxine

The ATF do not recommend taking any vitamins, supplements or herbal extracts, unless you have been diagnosed by way of pathology testing of a definite deficiency and increasing additional nutrient through your daily food intake has not improved the deficiency.

Example: If you have low iron levels and increasing your weekly intake of red meat has not improved your iron levels. Therefore your treating doctor has recommended a supplement to improve your intake.

Many vitamins, supplements and herbal extracts interact with Levothyroxine and can cause Levothyroxine levels and absorption to be affected.

If you do need to take a vitamin, supplement or herbal extract please be very cautious and leave many hours between taking your Levothyroxine dose and then the supplement to avoid any unnecessary problems.

 

MEMBERS TIP

Do not store Oroxine/Eutroxsig or any other medicines in a bathroom or near a sink.

Do not leave Oroxine/Eutroxsig in the car or on a window sill.

If tablets become soft, crumble, and/or discoloured, or you believe they are not effective, please contact:

The Australian Thyroid Foundation
e: info@thyroidfoundation.org.au 

Adverse Medicine Event Line

p: 1300 134 237