Tirosint

Dosage Forms And Strengths

TIROSINT capsules are amber-colored, round/biconvex capsules, imprinted with a dosage strength specific letter on one side and containing a viscous amber-colored liquid and are available as follows:

TIROSINT (levothyroxine sodium) capsules are amber-colored, round/biconvex capsules, imprinted with a dosage strength specific letter on one side and containing a viscous amber-colored liquid. They are supplied as follows:

Table 7: TIROSINT Packaging Description - Boxes of 30 capsules, consisting of 3 blisters with 10 capsules each

The dosage strength on each box is clearly identified in several locations, and is associated with a distinct color. The color of the circles on the blister is the same color as on the box. Each blister pack contains 10 capsules placed in individual cavities labeled with the dosage strength and the product name (TIROSINT).

Storage And Handling

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59-86°F). TIROSINT capsules should be protected from heat, light and moisture.

Do not separate the individual cavities containing the drug from the intact blister as important information may be lost (i.e., manufacturer/distributor names, distributor contact phone number, lot number, and expiration date), and do not remove the individual capsules from blister packaging until ready to use.

Manufactured for Akrimax Pharmaceuticals, LLC by: IBSA Institut Biochimique SA, 6915 Pambio-Noranco, Switzerland. Distributed by: Akrimax Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Cranford, NJ07016, USA. Revised : Dec 2017

Hypothyroidism

TIROSINT is indicated as a replacement therapy in adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older with primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism.

Pituitary Thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, TSH) Suppression

TIROSINT is indicated as an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of adults and pediatric patients 6 years and older with thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer.

Limitations Of Use

• TIROSINT is not indicated for suppression of benign thyroid nodules and nontoxic diffuse goiter in iodine-sufficient patients as there are no clinical benefits and overtreatment with TIROSINT may induce hyperthyroidism.
• TIROSINT is not indicated for treatment of transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.

General Administration Information

Administer TIROSINT as a single daily oral dose, on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before breakfast.

Administer TIROSINT at least 4 hours before or after drugs known to interfere with TIROSINT absorption

Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within an hour of certain foods that may affect TIROSINT absorption .

Swallow TIROSINT capsules whole, do not cut, crush, or chew.

General Principles Of Dosing

The dose of TIROSINT for hypothyroidism or pituitary TSH suppression depends on a variety of factors including the patient's age, body weight, cardiovascular status, concomitant medical conditions (including pregnancy), concomitant medications, co-administered food, and the specific nature of the condition being treated. Dosing must be individualized to account for these factors and dose adjustments made based on periodic assessment of the patient's clinical response and laboratory parameters.

The peak therapeutic effect of a given dose of TIROSINT may not be attained for 4 to 6 weeks.

Dosing In Specific Patient Populations

Primary Hypothyroidism In Adults And In Adolescents In Whom Growth And Puberty Are Complete

Start TIROSINT at the full replacement dose in otherwise healthy, non-elderly individuals who have been hypothyroid for only a short time (such as a few months).The average full replacement dose of TIROSINT is approximately 1.6 mcg per kg per day (for example: 100-125 mcg per day for a 70 kg adult).

Adjust the dose by 12.5 to 25 mcg increments every 4 to 6 weeks until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH returns to normal. Doses greater than 200 mcg per day are seldom required. An inadequate response to daily doses greater than 300 mcg per day is rare and may indicate poor compliance, malabsorption, drug interactions, or a combination of these factors.

For elderly patients or patients with underlying cardiovascular disease, start with a dose of 12.5 to 25 mcg per day. Increase the dose every 6 to 8 weeks, as needed, until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH returns to normal. The full replacement dose of TIROSINT may be less than 1 mcg per kg per day in elderly patients.

In patients with severe longstanding hypothyroidism, start with a dose of 12.5 to 25 mcg per day. Adjust the dose in 12.5 to 25 mcg increments every 2 to 4 weeks until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH level is normalized.

Secondary Or Tertiary Hypothyroidism

Start TIROSINT at the full replacement dose in otherwise healthy, non-elderly individuals. Start with a lower dose in elderly patients with underlying cardiovascular disease or patients with severe longstanding hypothyroidism as described above. Serum TSH is not a reliable measure of TIROSINT dose adequacy in patients with secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism, and should not be used to monitor therapy. Use the serum free-T4 level to monitor adequacy of therapy in this patient population. Titrate TIROSINT dosing per above instructions until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free-T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.

Pediatric Dosage - Congenital Or Acquired Hypothyroidism

Only administer TIROSINT to pediatric patients 6 years and older who are able to swallow an intact capsule. The recommended daily dose of TIROSINT in pediatric patients with hypothyroidism is based on body weight and changes with age as described in Table 1. Start TIROSINT at the full daily dose in most pediatric patients. Start at a lower dose in children at risk for hyperactivity (see below). Monitor for clinical and laboratory response.

Table 1: TIROSINT Dosing Guidelines for Pediatric Hypothyroidism

Children At Risk For Hyperactivity

To minimize the risk of hyperactivity in children, start at one-fourth the recommended full replacement dose, and increase on a weekly basis by one-fourth the full-recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

Pregnancy

Preexisting Hypothyroidism

TIROSINT dose requirements may increase during pregnancy. Measure serum TSH and free-T4 as soon as pregnancy is confirmed and, at a minimum, during each trimester of pregnancy. In patients with primary hypothyroidism, maintain serum TSH in the trimester-specific reference range. For patients with serum TSH above the normal trimester specific range, increase the dose of TIROSINT by 12.5 to 25 mcg per day and measure TSH every four weeks until a stable TIROSINT dose is reached and serum TSH is within the normal trimester specific range. Reduce TIROSINT dosage to pre-pregnancy levels immediately after delivery and measure serum TSH levels 4 to 8 weeks postpartum to ensure the TIROSINT dose is appropriate.

New Onset Hypothyroidism

Normalize thyroid function as rapidly as possible. In patients with moderate to severe signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, start TIROSINT at the full replacement dose (1.6 mcg per kg body weight per day). In patients with mild hypothyroidism (TSH < 10 mIU per Liter), start TIROSINT at 1.0 mcg per kg body weight per day. Evaluate serum TSH every 4 weeks and adjust TIROSINT dosage until serum TSH is within the normal trimester specific range.

TSH Suppression In Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Generally, TSH is suppressed to below 0.1 mIU per Liter, and this usually requires a TIROSINT dose of greater than 2 mcg per kg per day. However, in patients with high-risk tumors, the target level for TSH suppression may be lower.

Monitoring TSH And/Or Thyroxine (T4) Levels

Assess the adequacy of therapy by periodic assessment of laboratory tests and clinical evaluation. Persistent clinical and laboratory evidence of hypothyroidism despite an apparent adequate replacement dose of TIROSINT may be evidence of inadequate absorption, poor compliance, drug interactions, or a combination of these factors.

Adults

In adult patients with primary hypothyroidism, monitor serum TSH levels after an interval of 6 to 8 weeks after any change in dose. In patients on a stable and appropriate replacement dose, evaluate clinical and biochemical response every 6 to 12 months and whenever there is a change in the patient's clinical status.

Pediatrics

In patients with congenital hypothyroidism, assess the adequacy of replacement therapy by measuring both serum TSH and total or free-T4. Monitor TSH and total or free-T4 in children is as follows: at 2 and 4 weeks after the initiation of treatment 2 weeks after any change in dosage, and then every 3 to 12 months thereafter following dose stabilization until growth is completed. Poor compliance or abnormal values may necessitate more frequent monitoring. Perform routine clinical examination, including assessment of mental and physical growth and development, and bone maturation at regular intervals.

While the general aim of therapy is to normalize the serum TSH level, TSH may not normalize in some patients due to in utero hypothyroidism causing a resetting of the pituitary-thyroid feedback. Failure of the serum T4 to increase into the upper half of the normal range within 2 weeks of initiation of TIROSINT therapy and/or of the serum TSH to decrease below 20 mIU per Liter within 4 weeks may indicate the child is not receiving adequate therapy. Assess compliance, dose of medication administered, and method of administration prior to increasing the dose of TIROSINT.

Secondary (Pituitary) And Tertiary (Hypothalamic) Hypothyroidism

Monitor serum free-T4 levels maintain in the upper half of the normal range in these patients.

TIROSINT is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.

WARNINGS

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

PRECAUTIONS

Cardiac Adverse Reactions In The Elderly And In Patients With Underlying Cardiovascular Disease

Overtreatment with levothyroxine may cause an increase in heart rate, cardiac wall thickness, and cardiac contractility and may precipitate angina or arrhythmias, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease and in elderly patients. Initiate TIROSINT therapy in this population at lower doses than those recommended in younger individuals or in patients without cardiac disease.

Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias during surgical procedures in patients with coronary artery disease receiving suppressive TIROSINT therapy. Monitor patients receiving concomitant TIROSINT and sympathomimetic agents for signs and symptoms of coronary insufficiency. If cardiac symptoms develop or worsen, reduce the TIROSINT dose or withhold it for one week and restart at a lower dose.

Myxedema Coma

Myxedema coma is a life-threatening emergency characterized by poor circulation and hypometabolism, and may result in unpredictable absorption of levothyroxine sodium from the gastrointestinal tract. Use of oral thyroid hormone drug products is not recommended to treat myxedema coma. Administer thyroid hormone products formulated for intravenous administration to treat myxedema coma.

Acute Adrenal Crisis In Patients With Concomitant Adrenal Insufficiency

Thyroid hormone increases metabolic clearance of glucocorticoids. Initiation of thyroid hormone therapy prior to initiating glucocorticoid therapy precipitate an acute adrenal crisis in patient with adrenal insufficiency. Treat patients with adrenal insufficiency with replacement glucocorticoids prior to initiating treatment with TIROSINT.

Prevention Of Hyperthyroidism Or Incomplete Treatment Of Hypothyroidism

TIROSINT has a narrow therapeutic index. Over- or under-treatment with TIROSINT may have negative effects on growth and development, cardiovascular function, bone metabolism, reproductive function, cognitive function, emotional state, gastrointestinal function, and on glucose and lipid metabolism. Titrate the dose of TIROSINT carefully and monitor response to titration to avoid these effects. Monitor for the presence of drug or food interactions when using TIROSINT and adjust the dose as necessary.

Worsening Of Diabetic Control

Addition of levothyroxine therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Carefully monitor glycemic control after starting, changing, or discontinuing thyroid hormone therapy.

Decreased Bone Mineral Density Associated With Thyroid Hormone Over-Replacement

Increased bone resorption and decreased bone mineral density may occur as a result of levothyroxine over-replacement, particularly in post-menopausal women. The increased bone resorption may be associated with increased serum levels and urinary excretion of calcium and phosphorous, elevations in bone alkaline phosphatase, and suppressed serum parathyroid hormone levels. Administer the minimum dose of TIROSINT that achieves the desired clinical and biochemical response to mitigate against this risk.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient and/or the caregiver to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION Sheet).

Dosing And Administration

• Instruct patients to take TIROSINT only as directed by their healthcare provider.
• Instruct patients to take TIROSINT one-half to one hour before breakfast.
• Inform patients that agents such as iron and calcium supplements and antacids can decrease the absorption of levothyroxine. Instruct patients not to take TIROSINT within 4 hours of these agents.
• Instruct patients that TIROSINT capsules should be swallowed whole and never be cut, crushed, or chewed.
• To assist with identifying the name and strength of each TIROSINT capsule, instruct patients not to remove capsules from the blisters in advance, particularly if they are taking multiple strengths.
• Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider should they become pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant while taking TIROSINT.

Important Information

• Inform patients that it may take several weeks before they notice an improvement in symptoms.
• Inform patients that the levothyroxine in TIROSINT is intended to replace a hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Generally, replacement therapy is to be taken for life.
• Inform patients that TIROSINT should not be used as a primary or adjunctive therapy in a weight control program.
• Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider if they are taking any other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter preparations.
• Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider of any other medical conditions, particularly heart disease, diabetes, clotting disorders, and adrenal or pituitary gland problems, as the dose of medications used to control these other conditions may need to be adjusted while taking TIROSINT. If they have diabetes, instruct patients to monitor their blood and/or urinary glucose levels as directed by their physician and immediately report any changes to their physician. If patients are taking anticoagulants, their clotting status should be checked frequently.
• Instruct patients to notify their physician or dentist that they are taking TIROSINT prior to any surgery.

Adverse Reactions

• Instruct patients to notify their healthcare provider if they experience any of the following symptoms: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg cramps, headache, nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, tremors, change in appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, fever, changes in menstrual periods, hives or skin rash, or any other unusual medical event.
• Inform patients that partial hair loss may occur rarely during the first few months of TIROSINT therapy, but this is usually temporary.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential, mutagenic potential or effects on fertility of levothyroxine sodium.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Experience with levothyroxine use in pregnant women, including data from post-marketing studies, have not reported increased rates of major birth defects or miscarriages. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Since thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels may increase during pregnancy, TSH should be monitored and TIROSINT dosage adjusted during pregnancy. There are no animal studies conducted with levothyroxine during pregnancy. TIROSINT should not be discontinued during pregnancy and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryo/Fetal Risk

Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with a higher rate of complications, including spontaneous abortion, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and premature delivery. Untreated maternal hypothyroidism may have an adverse effect on fetal neurocognitive development.

Dose Adjustments During Pregnancy And The Postpartum Period

Pregnancy may increase TIROSINT requirements. Serum TSH level should be monitored and the TIROSINT dosage adjusted during pregnancy. Since postpartum TSH levels are similar to preconception values, the TIROSINT dosage should return to the prepregnancy dose immediately after delivery.

Data

Human Data

Levothyroxine is approved for use as a replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. There is a long experience of levothyroxine use in pregnant women, including data from post-marketing studies that have not reported increased rates of fetal malformations, miscarriages or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes associated with levothyroxine use in pregnant women.

Lactation

Risk Summary

Limited published studies report that levothyroxine is present in human milk. However, there is insufficient information to determine the effects of levothyroxine on the breastfed infant and no available information on the effects of levothyroxine on milk production.

Adequate levothyroxine treatment during lactation may normalize milk production in hypothyroid lactating mothers. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for TIROSINT and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from TIROSINT or from the underlying maternal condition.

Pediatric Use

TIROSINT is indicated for use in pediatric patients 6 years and older. The initial dose of TIROSINT varies with age and body weight. Dosing adjustments are based on an assessment of the individual patient's clinical and laboratory parameters

In children in whom a diagnosis of permanent hypothyroidism has not been established, discontinue TIROSINT administration for a trial period. Obtain serum T4 and TSH levels at the end of the trial period, and use laboratory test results and clinical assessments to guide diagnosis and treatment, if warranted.

Congenital Hypothyroidism

Rapid restoration of normal serum T4 concentrations is essential for preventing the adverse effects of congenital hypothyroidism on intellectual development as well as on overall physical growth and maturation. Therefore, initiate levothyroxine therapy immediately upon diagnosis. Levothyroxine is generally continued for life in these patients.

Closely monitor children during the first two weeks of TIROSINT therapy for cardiac overload and arrhythmias.

Closely monitor patients to avoid undertreatment and overtreatment. Undertreatment may have deleterious effects on intellectual development and linear growth. Overtreatment may adversely affect the tempo of brain maturation and accelerate the bone age with resultant premature closure of the epiphyses and compromised adult stature.

Acquired Hypothyroidism In Pediatric Patients

Closely monitor patients to avoid undertreatment and overtreatment. Undertreatment may result in poor school performance due to impaired concentration and slowed mentation and in reduced adult height. Overtreatment may accelerate the bone age and result in premature epiphyseal closure and compromised adult stature.

Treated children may manifest a period of catch-up growth, which may be adequate in some cases to normalize adult height. In children with severe or prolonged hypothyroidism, catch-up growth may not be adequate to normalize adult height.

Geriatric Use

Because of the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease among the elderly, initiate TIROSINT therapy at less than the full replacement dose. Atrial arrhythmias can occur in elderly patients. Atrial fibrillation is the most common of the arrhythmias observed with levothyroxine overtreatment in the elderly.

For elderly patients or patients with underlying cardiovascular disease, start with a dose of 12.5 to 25 mcg per day. Increase the dose every 6 to 8 weeks, as needed, until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH returns to normal. The full replacement dose of TIROSINT may be less than 1 mcg per kg per day in elderly patients.

In patients with severe longstanding hypothyroidism, start with a dose of 12.5 to 25 mcg per day. Adjust the dose in 12.5 to 25 mcg increments every 2 to 4 weeks until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH level is normalized.

Secondary Or Tertiary Hypothyroidism

Start TIROSINT at the full replacement dose in otherwise healthy, non-elderly individuals. Start with a lower dose in elderly patients with underlying cardiovascular disease or patients with severe longstanding hypothyroidism as described above. Serum TSH is not a reliable measure of TIROSINT dose adequacy in patients with secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism, and should not be used to monitor therapy. Use the serum free-T4 level to monitor adequacy of therapy in this patient population. Titrate TIROSINT dosing per above instructions until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free-T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range.

Pediatric Dosage - Congenital Or Acquired Hypothyroidism

Only administer TIROSINT to pediatric patients 6 years and older who are able to swallow an intact capsule. The recommended daily dose of TIROSINT in pediatric patients with hypothyroidism is based on body weight and changes with age as described in Table 1. Start TIROSINT at the full daily dose in most pediatric patients. Start at a lower dose in children at risk for hyperactivity (see below). Monitor for clinical and laboratory response.

Table 1: TIROSINT Dosing Guidelines for Pediatric Hypothyroidism

Children At Risk For Hyperactivity

To minimize the risk of hyperactivity in children, start at one-fourth the recommended full replacement dose, and increase on a weekly basis by one-fourth the full-recommended replacement dose until the full recommended replacement dose is reached.

Pregnancy

Preexisting Hypothyroidism

TIROSINT dose requirements may increase during pregnancy. Measure serum TSH and free-T4 as soon as pregnancy is confirmed and, at a minimum, during each trimester of pregnancy. In patients with primary hypothyroidism, maintain serum TSH in the trimester-specific reference range. For patients with serum TSH above the normal trimester specific range, increase the dose of TIROSINT by 12.5 to 25 mcg per day and measure TSH every four weeks until a stable TIROSINT dose is reached and serum TSH is within the normal trimester specific range. Reduce TIROSINT dosage to pre-pregnancy levels immediately after delivery and measure serum TSH levels 4 to 8 weeks postpartum to ensure the TIROSINT dose is appropriate.

New Onset Hypothyroidism

Normalize thyroid function as rapidly as possible. In patients with moderate to severe signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, start TIROSINT at the full replacement dose (1.6 mcg per kg body weight per day). In patients with mild hypothyroidism (TSH < 10 mIU per Liter), start TIROSINT at 1.0 mcg per kg body weight per day. Evaluate serum TSH every 4 weeks and adjust TIROSINT dosage until serum TSH is within the normal trimester specific range.

TSH Suppression In Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Generally, TSH is suppressed to below 0.1 mIU per Liter, and this usually requires a TIROSINT dose of greater than 2 mcg per kg per day. However, in patients with high-risk tumors, the target level for TSH suppression may be lower.

Monitoring TSH And/Or Thyroxine (T4) Levels

Assess the adequacy of therapy by periodic assessment of laboratory tests and clinical evaluation. Persistent clinical and laboratory evidence of hypothyroidism despite an apparent adequate replacement dose of TIROSINT may be evidence of inadequate absorption, poor compliance, drug interactions, or a combination of these factors.

Adults

In adult patients with primary hypothyroidism, monitor serum TSH levels after an interval of 6 to 8 weeks after any change in dose. In patients on a stable and appropriate replacement dose, evaluate clinical and biochemical response every 6 to 12 months and whenever there is a change in the patient's clinical status.

Pediatrics

In patients with congenital hypothyroidism, assess the adequacy of replacement therapy by measuring both serum TSH and total or free-T4. Monitor TSH and total or free-T4 in children is as follows: at 2 and 4 weeks after the initiation of treatment 2 weeks after any change in dosage, and then every 3 to 12 months thereafter following dose stabilization until growth is completed. Poor compliance or abnormal values may necessitate more frequent monitoring. Perform routine clinical examination, including assessment of mental and physical growth and development, and bone maturation at regular intervals.

While the general aim of therapy is to normalize the serum TSH level, TSH may not normalize in some patients due to in utero hypothyroidism causing a resetting of the pituitary-thyroid feedback. Failure of the serum T4 to increase into the upper half of the normal range within 2 weeks of initiation of TIROSINT therapy and/or of the serum TSH to decrease below 20 mIU per Liter within 4 weeks may indicate the child is not receiving adequate therapy. Assess compliance, dose of medication administered, and method of administration prior to increasing the dose of TIROSINT.

Secondary (Pituitary) And Tertiary (Hypothalamic) Hypothyroidism

Monitor serum free-T4 levels maintain in the upper half of the normal range in these patients.

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

TIROSINT capsules are amber-colored, round/biconvex capsules, imprinted with a dosage strength specific letter on one side and containing a viscous amber-colored liquid and are available as follows:

TIROSINT (levothyroxine sodium) capsules are amber-colored, round/biconvex capsules, imprinted with a dosage strength specific letter on one side and containing a viscous amber-colored liquid. They are supplied as follows:

Table 7: TIROSINT Packaging Description - Boxes of 30 capsules, consisting of 3 blisters with 10 capsules each

The dosage strength on each box is clearly identified in several locations, and is associated with a distinct color. The color of the circles on the blister is the same color as on the box. Each blister pack contains 10 capsules placed in individual cavities labeled with the dosage strength and the product name (TIROSINT).

Storage And Handling

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59-86°F). TIROSINT capsules should be protected from heat, light and moisture.

Do not separate the individual cavities containing the drug from the intact blister as important information may be lost (i.e., manufacturer/distributor names, distributor contact phone number, lot number, and expiration date), and do not remove the individual capsules from blister packaging until ready to use.

Manufactured for Akrimax Pharmaceuticals, LLC by: IBSA Institut Biochimique SA, 6915 Pambio-Noranco, Switzerland. Distributed by: Akrimax Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Cranford, NJ07016, USA. Revised : Dec 2017

SIDE EFFECTS

Adverse reactions associated with TIROSINT therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage. They include the following:

• General: fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating
• Central nervous system: headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia
• Musculoskeletal: tremors, muscle weakness, muscle spasm
• Cardiovascular: palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure, heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest
• Respiratory: dyspnea
• Gastrointestinal (GI): diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, elevations in liver function tests
• Dermatologic: hair loss, flushing, rash
• Endocrine: decreased bone mineral density
• Reproductive: menstrual irregularities, impaired fertility

Seizures have been reported rarely with the institution of levothyroxine therapy.

Adverse Reactions In Children

Pseudotumor cerebri and slipped capital femoral epiphysis have been reported in children receiving levothyroxine therapy. Overtreatment may result in craniosynostosis in infants and premature closure of the epiphyses in children with resultant compromised adult height.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions to inactive ingredients have occurred in patients treated with thyroid hormone products. These include urticaria, pruritus, skin rash, flushing, angioedema, various GI symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), fever, arthralgia, serum sickness and wheezing. Hypersensitivity to levothyroxine itself is not known to occur.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Drugs Known To Affect Thyroid Hormone Pharmacokinetics

Many drugs can exert effects thyroid hormone pharmacokinetics (e.g., absorption, synthesis, secretion, catabolism, protein binding, and target tissue response) and may alter the therapeutic response to TIROSINT (see Tables 2 to 5 below).

Table 2: Drugs That May Decrease T4 Absorption (Hypothyroidism)

Table 3: Drugs That May Alter T4 and Triiodothyronine (T3) Serum Transport Without Affecting Free Thyroxine (FT4) Concentration (Euthyroidism)

Table 4: Drugs That May Alter Hepatic Metabolism of T4 (Hypothyroidism)

Table 5: Drugs That May Decrease Conversion of T4 to T3

Antidiabetic Therapy

Addition of TIROSINT therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus may worsen glycemic control and result in increased antidiabetic agent or insulin requirements. Careful monitor glycemic control, especially when thyroid therapy is started, changed, or discontinued.

Oral Anticoagulants

TIROSINT increases the response to oral anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, a decrease in the dose of anticoagulant may be warranted with correction of the hypothyroid state or when the TIROSINT dose is increased. Closely monitor coagulation tests to permit appropriate and timely dosage adjustments.

Digitalis Glycosides

TIROSINT may reduce the therapeutic effects of digitalis glycosides. Serum digitalis glycoside levels may decrease when a hypothyroid patient becomes euthyroid, necessitating an increase in the dose of digitalis glycosides.

Antidepressant Therapy

Concurrent use of tricyclic (e.g., Amitriptyline) or tetracyclic (e.g., Maprotiline) antidepressants and TIROSINT may increase the therapeutic and toxic effects of both drugs, possibly due to increased receptor sensitivity to catecholamines. Toxic effects may include increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias and central nervous system stimulation. TIROSINT may accelerate the onset of action of tricyclics. Administration of sertraline in patients stabilized on TIROSINT may result in increased TIROSINT requirements.

Ketamine

Concurrent use of ketamine and TIROSINT may produce marked hypertension and tachycardia. Closely monitor blood pressure and heart rate in these patients.

Sympathomimetics

Concurrent use of sympathomimetics and TIROSINT may increase the effects of sympathomimetics or thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones may increase the risk of coronary insufficiency when sympathomimetic agents are administered to patients with coronary artery disease.

Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitors

Concurrent use of tyrosine-kinase inhibitors such as imatinib may cause hypothyroidism. Closely monitor TSH levels in such patients.

Drug-Food Interactions

Consumption of certain foods may affect TIROSINT absorption thereby necessitating adjustments in dosing. Soybean flour (infant formula), cottonseed meal, walnuts, and dietary fiber may bind and decrease the absorption of TIROSINT from the GI tract. Grapefruit juice may delay the absorption of levothyroxine and reduce its bioavailability.

Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions

Consider changes in TBG concentration when interpreting T4 and T3 values. Measure and evaluate unbound (free) hormone and/or determine the free T4 index (FT4I) in this circumstance. Pregnancy, infectious hepatitis, estrogens, estrogen-containing oral contraceptives, and acute intermittent porphyria increase TBG concentrations. Nephrosis, severe hypoproteinemia, severe liver disease, acromegaly, androgens and corticosteroids decrease TBG concentration. Familial hyper- or hypo-thyroxine binding globulinemias have been described, with the incidence of TBG deficiency approximating 1 in 9000.

Risk Summary

Experience with levothyroxine use in pregnant women, including data from post-marketing studies, have not reported increased rates of major birth defects or miscarriages. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Since thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels may increase during pregnancy, TSH should be monitored and TIROSINT dosage adjusted during pregnancy. There are no animal studies conducted with levothyroxine during pregnancy. TIROSINT should not be discontinued during pregnancy and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryo/Fetal Risk

Maternal hypothyroidism during pregnancy is associated with a higher rate of complications, including spontaneous abortion, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and premature delivery. Untreated maternal hypothyroidism may have an adverse effect on fetal neurocognitive development.

Dose Adjustments During Pregnancy And The Postpartum Period

Pregnancy may increase TIROSINT requirements. Serum TSH level should be monitored and the TIROSINT dosage adjusted during pregnancy. Since postpartum TSH levels are similar to preconception values, the TIROSINT dosage should return to the prepregnancy dose immediately after delivery.

Adverse reactions associated with TIROSINT therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage. They include the following:

• General: fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, heat intolerance, fever, excessive sweating
• Central nervous system: headache, hyperactivity, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, insomnia
• Musculoskeletal: tremors, muscle weakness, muscle spasm
• Cardiovascular: palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmias, increased pulse and blood pressure, heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest
• Respiratory: dyspnea
• Gastrointestinal (GI): diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, elevations in liver function tests
• Dermatologic: hair loss, flushing, rash
• Endocrine: decreased bone mineral density
• Reproductive: menstrual irregularities, impaired fertility

Seizures have been reported rarely with the institution of levothyroxine therapy.

Adverse Reactions In Children

Pseudotumor cerebri and slipped capital femoral epiphysis have been reported in children receiving levothyroxine therapy. Overtreatment may result in craniosynostosis in infants and premature closure of the epiphyses in children with resultant compromised adult height.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions to inactive ingredients have occurred in patients treated with thyroid hormone products. These include urticaria, pruritus, skin rash, flushing, angioedema, various GI symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), fever, arthralgia, serum sickness and wheezing. Hypersensitivity to levothyroxine itself is not known to occur.

The signs and symptoms of overdosage are those of hyperthyroidism. In addition, confusion and disorientation may occur. Cerebral embolism, shock, coma, and death have been reported. Seizures occurred in a 3-year-old child ingesting 3.6 mg of levothyroxine. Symptoms may not necessarily be evident or may not appear until several days after ingestion of levothyroxine sodium.

Reduce the TIROSINT dose or discontinue temporarily if signs or symptoms of overdosage occur. Initiate appropriate supportive treatment as dictated by the patient's medical status.

For current information on the management of poisoning or overdosage, contact the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org.

Oral levothyroxine sodium is a synthetic T4 hormone that exerts the same physiologic effect as endogenous T4, thereby maintaining normal T4 levels when a deficiency is present.

Many drugs can exert effects thyroid hormone pharmacokinetics (e.g., absorption, synthesis, secretion, catabolism, protein binding, and target tissue response) and may alter the therapeutic response to TIROSINT (see Tables 2 to 5 below).

Table 2: Drugs That May Decrease T4 Absorption (Hypothyroidism)

Table 3: Drugs That May Alter T4 and Triiodothyronine (T3) Serum Transport Without Affecting Free Thyroxine (FT4) Concentration (Euthyroidism)

Table 4: Drugs That May Alter Hepatic Metabolism of T4 (Hypothyroidism)

Table 5: Drugs That May Decrease Conversion of T4 to T3