"Euthyrox" or "L-thyroxine" - which is better? The difference between "Eutirox" and "L-thyroxine". What are the differences between L-thyroxine and Euthyrox? What is better than Eutirox?
![](https://i2.wp.com/tiensmed.ru/news/uimg/cb/eutirox-ab3.jpg)
Thank you
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
The drug Eutirox
![](https://i2.wp.com/tiensmed.ru/news/uimg/cb/eutirox-ab3.jpg)
Small doses of Eutirox accelerate the synthesis of fats and proteins. Medium doses of the drug enhance the development and growth of tissues and their need for oxygen; increase metabolism (fats, proteins and carbohydrates); stimulate the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Large doses of Eutirox inhibit the functioning of the endocrine glands (pituitary gland and hypothalamus).
The therapeutic effect occurs after 7-12 days of taking the medicine. If the patient has a decreased level of thyroid hormones, the effect of the drug occurs faster (after 3-5 days of treatment). When treating diffuse goiter, the therapeutic effect is observed only after a 3-5 month course.
Eutirox's metabolic products are excreted from the body with bile through the intestines and urine. After stopping treatment, the drug has an effect for up to 2 weeks.
Release forms
Eutyrox is available in tablets containing 25, 50, 75,100, 125 and 150 mcg of levothyroxine sodium (the main active ingredient).The tablets are packaged in 25 pieces in a blister, 50 and 100 tablets in a package.
Instructions for use of Eutirox
Indications for use
![](https://i1.wp.com/tiensmed.ru/news/uimg/62/eutirox-ab5.jpg)
- Hypothyroidism (a condition that develops with a deficiency of thyroid hormones) primary or secondary; the drug is prescribed for replacement purposes.
- Euthyroid goiter (enlarged thyroid gland with a lack of thyroid hormones); the drug is used to compensate for hormone deficiency.
- Diffuse toxic goiter (Eutirox is used to obtain a euthyroid state, i.e. a state in which there is no dysfunction of the thyroid gland).
- Replacement therapy after surgery on the thyroid gland (including for thyroid cancer).
- Treatment with thyreostatic drugs (blocking thyroid function).
- Removal of the thyroid gland, partial or complete (prescribed to prevent relapse of the disease).
- Autoimmune thyroiditis (a chronic disease caused by the action of antibodies produced in the patient’s body on the thyroid gland); the drug is used as part of complex therapy.
- Graves' disease (or toxic goiter), mixed goiter; Eutirox is used in complex treatment.
- Cretinism (congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones, a disease with delayed mental and physical development); the drug is prescribed for replacement purposes.
- Thyroid suppression test (Eutirox is used as a diagnostic tool).
Contraindications
- Untreated pituitary dysfunction;
- untreated adrenal hormone deficiency;
- untreated thyrotoxicosis (excessive production of thyroid hormones);
- acute myocardial infarction;
- acute myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle);
- acute pancarditis (inflammation of all the membranes of the heart);
- individual intolerance to any of the components of the drug.
Eutirox should be used with caution in case of coronary heart disease (atherosclerosis, previous myocardial infarction, angina), cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, malabsorption syndrome (impaired absorption of nutrients).
Caution should also be exercised during prolonged periods of severe hypothyroidism, in the absence of proper treatment in patients with adrenal insufficiency, and when treated with thyreostatics (drugs that suppress thyroid function). In all such cases, careful dose adjustment is required.
Side effects
If you are hypersensitive to one or more components of the drug, allergic reactions may occur.Eutirox does not cause any other side effects if the dose is selected correctly.
If the dosage is incorrect (underestimated), manifestations of hypothyroidism may occur: decreased ability to work, slowness, facial puffiness and edema, increased body weight, constipation, decreased memory, drowsiness.
If the dosage is too high, symptoms of thyrotoxicosis appear: heart pain, arrhythmia, palpitations, anxiety, sleep disturbance, body tremors, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, increased sweating, convulsions, menstrual irregularities.
Eutirox dosage
The daily dose of Eutirox is selected strictly individually depending on the purpose of the prescription, the nature of the disease, concomitant pathology, and the age of the patient.
Patients with euthyroid goiter are prescribed a therapeutic daily dose of 75 to 200 mcg; The prophylactic dose after surgery is also 75-200 mcg per day.
However, the dose of Eutirox should be reviewed by the doctor and increased. This is due to the fact that during pregnancy the level of globulin (one of the fractions of blood plasma proteins) that binds thyroxine increases.
The amount of the drug that passes into breast milk is insignificant (even when taking high doses of the drug); it cannot cause disturbances in the baby’s body.
Eutirox for hypothyroidism
The initial daily dose of Eutirox for hypothyroidism for women under 55 years of age is 75-100 mcg, and for men of the same age category - 100-150 mcg. The dose is selected at the rate of 1.6-1.8 mcg/kg body weight.For patients over 55 years of age or with concomitant cardiovascular pathology, the initial daily dose is 12.5-25 mcg (based on 0.9 mcg/kg body weight).
In case of significant obesity, the dose is calculated based on the “ideal weight” - i.e. normal weight for given height.
The initial dose is gradually increased by 12.5-25 mcg/day at intervals of 2 months until a normal level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood is obtained. In the event of negative dynamics in cardiovascular disease, correction of the treatment of cardiac pathology is necessary.
For severe, long-term hypothyroidism, the initial daily dose is 12.5 mcg. The dose should be increased, taking into account the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood, by 12.5 mcg at intervals of 2 months.
Eutirox for hypothyroidism is usually taken throughout life.
Eutirox after removal of the thyroid gland
After surgical treatment for euthyroid goiter, Eutirox is usually prescribed in a daily dosage of 75 to 200 mcg to prevent relapse of the disease.In case of removal of part of the thyroid gland or its complete removal, the daily dose is usually 150-300 mcg. In such cases, patients take replacement therapy with Eutirox throughout their lives.
Eutirox for weight loss
![](https://i0.wp.com/tiensmed.ru/news/uimg/8d/eutirox-ab4.jpg)
Independent use of Eutirox for the purpose of losing weight can lead to serious consequences. Taking a hormonal drug, not supervised by a doctor, can lead to a malfunction of other endocrine glands, not just the thyroid gland.
A state of long-term hypothyroidism leads to increased metabolism and increased appetite. In this case, instead of the expected weight loss, you can increase your body weight. If the dosage is incorrect, a number of adverse reactions from the nervous system, skeletal and cardiovascular systems may occur.
Eutirox, like any other hormonal drug, must be used according to strict indications and under the supervision of a physician. It is not recommended to take it for the purpose of losing weight!
Drug interactions with Eutirox
- Eutirox may enhance the effect of indirect anticoagulants (drugs that reduce blood clotting), so the dose of the anticoagulant should be adjusted by the doctor.
- The drug may also enhance the effect of some antidepressants, so doctors should tell you which medications you are taking regularly.
- Eutirox may reduce the effectiveness of insulin and tablets of glucose-lowering drugs.
- Cardiac glycosides, when used simultaneously with Eutirox, reduce their effectiveness.
- Cholestipol, Cholestyramine, aluminum hydroxide inhibit the absorption of Eutirox in the intestine, thereby reducing the concentration of the drug in the blood plasma. For this reason, Eutirox should be taken 4-5 hours before the above drugs.
- The level of levothyroxine not bound to blood proteins increases with the simultaneous administration of high doses of Dicumarol, Clofibrate, Phenytoin, Furosemide, and salicylates.
- Preparations containing estrogens (female sex hormones) may increase the level of thyroxine-binding globulin, so it may be necessary to increase the dose of Eutirox when used simultaneously.
- Increasing the dose of the drug may become necessary when used simultaneously with Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, because These drugs increase the rate at which levothyroxine is eliminated from the body.
- Anabolic hormones, Tamoxifen and Asparaginase can affect the activity of levothyroxine.
- Simultaneous treatment with Eutirox and Somatotropin can lead to accelerated closure of the epiphyseal growth zone in the bones.
Eutirox's analogs
Synonyms of Eutirox: Levothyroxine sodium, L-thyroxine.Structural analogues (based on active substance): Bagotirox, L-Tirok, Tiro-4, Novotiral, Tireotom.
Drugs with similar effects: Thyroidin, Triiodothyronine hydrochloride.
Eutiroks or Thyroxine?
Despite the fact that both Eutirox and Thyroxine have the same active ingredient - levothyroxine, each of these drugs still has its own characteristics. The auxiliary substances included in their composition are different.There is also a difference in the action of the drugs: Thyroxine has a therapeutic effect after 3-5 days, and Eutirox – after 1-2 weeks, but a cure for goiter or a decrease in its manifestations occurs after a 3-6-month course of treatment with both Thyroxine and Eutirox.
Eutirox, when used correctly, has no adverse reactions. Thyroxine, in rare cases, can lead to such adverse reactions as increased appetite and weight gain; in rare cases - allergic dermatitis; kidney dysfunction; hair loss . Undesirable effects can occur even with minor changes in the dosage of Thyroxine.
In a child with seizures or epilepsy, the use of Thyroxine may cause a worsening of the condition. No such deterioration was observed during treatment with Eutirox.
The doctor, depending on the patient’s individual health indicators, selects both the drug and the dose. Under no circumstances should you change the drug or the prescribed dose yourself, because Hormonal medications have a powerful effect on the body and its hormonal levels.
Collapse
Eutirox or L-thyroxine, which is better for patients suffering from thyroid pathologies. Read how one drug differs from another.
Brief description of Eutirox
Eutirox is a German drug produced in tablets, which contains levothyroxine sodium as a therapeutic component in dosages of 25, 50, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137, 150 mcg.
In addition to this, the medication contains indifferent ingredients:
- milk sugar;
- E 572;
- E 468;
- E 441;
- corn starch.
The active substance is an artificial S-isomer of thyroxine. Once in the body, part of it is converted into triiodothyronine.
In small dosages it exhibits anabolic properties in relation to the metabolism of proteins and lipids.
In medium dosages, it triggers the growth and differentiation of tissues, increases their need for oxygen, activates all types of metabolism, the function of the central nervous system and myocardium.
In high dosages, it inhibits the biosynthesis of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Symptoms of thyroid hypofunction disappear after 3-5 days. Signs of Graves' disease decrease or disappear completely within 3-6 months.
After oral administration, the active substance is adsorbed mainly in the upper part of the small intestine. Up to 80% of the consumed dosage is absorbed, adsorption decreases after taking it after a meal.
Most of the medication is detected 5-6 hours after administration. Up to 99% of the dose taken is protein bound. The drug is metabolized in the liver, kidneys, central nervous system and muscle tissue. The medication is excreted in urine and feces. The half-life period can vary from 6 to 7 days, with hyperfunction of the thyroid gland it is reduced to 3-4 days, with hypofunction it is extended to 9-10 days.
Eutirox is prescribed for the following pathologies:
- hypofunction of the thyroid gland;
- euthyroid goiter;
- malignant neoplasm of the thyroid gland (after surgical removal);
- diffuse toxic goiter (after the patient has completed a course of thyreostatics and a euthyroid state has been achieved).
The medication is prescribed as HRT and to prevent the appearance of goiter after surgical treatment of the thyroid gland, it is prescribed as a diagnostic substance when performing a thyrotropin stimulation test.
Eutirox should not be taken if one of the listed conditions is observed.
- intolerance to the composition of the drug;
- untreated hyperthyroidism, pituitary and adrenal insufficiency;
- myocardial infarction and inflammation of the heart muscle in the acute phase;
- galactose intolerance, lactose deficiency, impaired absorption of monosaccharides.
During gestation, Eutirox should not be taken in combination with thyreostatic drugs.
The drug should be taken with caution if the following pathologies are diagnosed:
- pathologies of the cardiovascular system: angina pectoris, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, heart rhythm disturbances, myocardial infarction in the past;
- diabetes;
- severe, long-term hypofunction of the thyroid gland;
- malabsorption;
- predisposition to mental reactions.
The treatment regimen is selected individually depending on the diagnosis. The daily dosage can vary from 25 mg to 200 mg.
Swallow the tablet whole with 100 ml of water at least half an hour before breakfast.
Important! When taken according to the regimen prescribed by the doctor, unwanted reactions do not occur. If you are intolerant to the composition of the medicine, allergies, including Quincke's edema, are possible.
In case of an overdose of the drug, symptoms characteristic of hyperthyroidism may occur, such as:
- heartbeat;
- arrhythmia;
- pain in the heart area;
- trembling of individual parts of the body;
- anxiety;
- sleep problems;
- increased sweating;
- increased appetite;
- weight loss;
- weight loss;
- stomach upset.
Brief description of L-thyroxine
L-thyroxine is a domestic medicine. The drug is available in tablets containing levothyroxine sodium as the main component in dosages of 50 and 100 mcg.
In addition to this, the medication contains inactive ingredients:
- milk sugar;
- E 572;
- pregelatinized starch;
- E 1201.
L-thyroxine has the same effect on the body as Eutirox; it has similar indications, contraindications, dosage regimen, and undesirable effects.
The main difference between the drugs
Eutirox and L-thyroxine are complete analogues. The main difference between medications is in the composition of excipients, which should be taken into account by people prone to allergies.
What is better to take
Both drugs have the same indications for use, but Eutirox has more dosages, which allows you to immediately select the right dose, rather than dividing the tablet.
The differences between Eutirox and L-thyroxine are minimal and if there is no allergy to the composition of the medication, then you can choose any drug.
Some diseases of the thyroid gland (endemic goiter, autoimmune thyroiditis) require the patient to take replacement therapy, since the organ is not able to fully perform its endocrinological function and cannot provide the body with a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones.
The same problem is faced by patients who have undergone thyroidectomy for diffuse toxic goiter or thyroid cancer.
For the purpose of hormonal correction, doctors prescribe drugs the main components of which are thyroid hormones. The main drugs in this group include L-thyroxine and eutirox. Here patients have a question: which of these drugs is better? In this article we will try to help understand this problem.
Indications for prescribing the medication
These medications are prescribed in the following cases:
- with goiter with normal thyroid function and hypothyroidism, regardless of the causes of the disease;
- as replacement therapy after complete or partial removal of the gland;
- for the treatment of the consequences of hypothyroidism, such as myxedema and cretinism;
- in case of malignant diseases, these drugs are used for the purpose of suppression: an increase in the level of thyroid hormones in the blood reduces the activity of the pituitary gland, as a result of which there is no excessive stimulation of the gland by thyroid-stimulating hormone and the risk of tumor growth is reduced;
- together with other drugs to improve the effect of treating diffuse toxic goiter and autoimmune thyroiditis;
- for the treatment of congenital hypothyroidism;
- for carrying out tests of thyroid suppression in differential diagnosis.
Similarities between L-thyroxine and euthyrox
L-thyroxine and eutyrox have several common characteristics:
- Composition: the main component of these medications is levothyroxine, a synthetic analogue of human thyroid hormone. During metabolism, levothyroxine is converted into liothyronine and has an effect similar to the endogenous hormone. It also contains various excipients. For example, lactose.
- The action corresponds to the pharmacological effect of levothyroxine, and is therefore common to both drugs. They affect the metabolism, growth and development of body cells. The cardiovascular and central nervous systems are stimulated, oxidative processes are activated, tissue demand for oxygen increases, and the breakdown of various substances is accelerated. Due to the feedback mechanism, the pituitary gland releases less thyroid-stimulating hormone into the blood.
- Directions for use: Doctors recommend taking both drugs on an empty stomach, thirty minutes before meals. The dose depends on the severity of the disease, the age of the patient, the results of laboratory tests and indicators of the activity of the thyroid gland.
- Both L-thyroxine and eutyrox can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Overdose symptoms are also general and correspond to the picture of an acute thyrotoxic crisis: patients complain of tachycardia, tremors of the extremities, sensations of interruptions in the heart, diarrhea, anxiety, sleep disturbances, increased sweating. There is no specific antidote to eliminate the effect of levothyroxine; for treatment, the drug is discontinued and detoxification therapy is prescribed, sometimes the use of beta blockers is possible.
- Interaction with other medications also the same. Levothyroxine enhances the effect of taking anticoagulants and antidepressants. After taking the medicine, you need to reconsider the dose of insulin and other antidiabetic drugs, as the need for them may increase. The effectiveness of cardiac glycosides also decreases. The simultaneous use of estrogens and levothyroxine increases the need for the latter. It is advisable to take a break between taking this medicine and coating agents for at least 4 hours.
- Both medications can be stored for a long time - up to 3 years.
Differences
- Side effects. When using L-thyroxine, undesirable effects occur only in case of incorrect dosage or violation of the rules of administration. Possible increased appetite (as a result - weight gain), hair loss, exacerbation of neurological diseases (especially epilepsy). Symptoms of hyperthyroidism appear (rapid heartbeat, insomnia, arrhythmias, tremors, increased anxiety), allergic reactions in the form of dermatitis. Eutirox has much fewer possible side effects: in rare cases, only an allergy to its individual components is noted.
- Contraindications. Both drugs should not be prescribed to people with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. You also need to be careful in case of thyrotoxicosis, adrenal gland diseases and heart diseases (arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris, myocarditis and pericarditis). Unlike eutirox, L-thyroxine cannot be prescribed to patients over 65 years of age. In turn, eutirox should be prescribed with caution to patients with diabetes mellitus and malabsorption syndrome.
- Speed of appearance of results. Although both drugs show their effectiveness quite quickly, it is generally accepted that L-thyroxine still acts faster. Clinical reduction of symptoms in patients with hypothyroidism is observed already 4-5 days after administration, while it will take 7-12 days to achieve the same effect from using eutyrox. One way or another, a significant reduction in goiter in patients is observed in the same periods regardless of the type of drug, usually after 3-6 months.
- Release form. The drugs are available in the form of tablets for oral use and are sold in cardboard packs. The difference is that one blister of L-thyroxine contains 50 tablets, and one blister of eutirox contains 25.
- Manufacturer country: Euthyrox and L-thyroxine are produced in Germany, but the latter also has Russian analogues.
Price comparison
Prices for these drugs may vary depending on:
- the region where they are sold;
- release forms;
- country of origin;
- number of tablets in the pack.
It is also important which pharmacy you buy the medicine from. In any case, the cost of L-thyroxine and eutirox is not much different and can range from 100 to 200 rubles. The cheapest way is to order them through online pharmacies, where you can compare prices and choose the most acceptable option.
Which drug is better?
No one can give a definite answer to the question of which drug is better. L-thyroxine is more popular among patients due to its faster action and lower cost. Doctors often prefer it. However, eutirox is better tolerated by patients and has different dosages. Moreover, the effect of its action lasts for several days, so skipping one dose will not greatly affect the condition of the body.
Quite often, patients, when communicating with each other, praise one or another drug. This should not be a guide to action in view of the individuality of each person’s body. You cannot combine these medications or take them alternately. Replacing one medicine with another should be agreed with your doctor to avoid side effects.
It should be noted that both medicines are good. Produced in Europe and Russia. Patients for the most part opt for medications from domestic manufacturers due to their low cost. However, it is always better to leave the selection of medication to the doctor, since only a specialist can determine the more effective drug in each specific case.
Patients taking hormonal drugs for the thyroid gland often ask: Eutirox or L thyroxine - which is better to choose?
To decide, you need to read the instructions for these drugs and consider their similarities and differences.
Eutirox and its analogue L thyroxine are drugs that compensate for the deficiency and belong to the category of thyroid drugs.
Indications for their use of Eutirox and its analogue are the following main pathologies:
- hypothyroidism;
- thyroid cancer after surgery;
Medicines are often prescribed to exclude new goiter formations after surgery on the organ. In similar cases, they are also used as part of replacement treatment.
In individual or combination therapy for a toxic type of goiter, drugs are used when the desired condition has already been achieved with the help of thyreostatic drugs.
For reference!
Eutirox can also be used in tests as a diagnostic tool.
Composition and release form
The main substance of these drugs is sodium levothyroxine, an analogue of the thyroid hormone thyroxine.
The auxiliary components in Eutirox are the following:
- starch;
- magnesium stearate;
- croscarmellose sodium;
- lactose monohydrate;
- gelatin.
Additional components in the l thyroxine content are the following:
- calcium hydrogen phosphate;
- dextrin;
- partial glycerides;
- sodium salt of carboxymethyl starch.
Eutirox is produced in the form of round and flat white tablets with a separation on both sides.
Since the medicine can be counterfeited, in order to recognize the original, it is important to pay attention to the branded engraving on one side, which represents the dosage.
Eutirox is available in the following dosages of the main substance (in mcg):
25; | 50; | 75; | 88; | 100; | 112; | 125. |
---|
There are also tablets with maximum doses of 137 and 150 mcg.
L thyroxine is produced in the form of flat tablets of 50 (light blue) or 100 mcg (yellow-green) of the active component.
They are produced in blisters of 25 pieces. One cardboard package contains 2 or 4 blisters.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
The active substance of medications is absorbed directly in the small intestine in the amount of up to 80%, and food intake affects this figure and reduces it.
Such drugs are metabolized primarily in the following sites:
- brain;
- liver;
- muscles;
- kidneys
A good therapeutic effect of the products, if it is not a fake, is observed after a week or two.
It lasts the same amount of time after stopping the medication.
For reference!
When treating hypothyroidism, the effect takes approximately 5 days to develop. A decrease in goiter is observed over three months or six months.
Dosages, regimens and methods of application
The daily dose is calculated based on the indications in a particular case. It is recommended to take the tablets on an empty stomach in the morning.
The medications should be taken at least half an hour before meals and washed down with ½ glass of water without chewing.
In case of severe hypofunction of the thyroid gland, the use of Eutirox and l thyroxine has the following features:
- Therapy begins carefully and with small doses. The dose per day is 12.5 mcg.
- Every 14 days it doubles to maintenance.
- In this case, the patient's thyroid-stimulating hormone level should be assessed more often.
For a disease such as hypothyroidism, these medications generally need to be used throughout the rest of your life.
When consuming l thyroxine, you can focus on the average daily doses in mcg, presented in the following table:
The congenital form of thyroid hypofunction in childhood is treated based on age.
The dose per day (in mcg) of the active substance is calculated according to the following scheme:
- From birth to six months – 25 – 50.
- From six months to 1 year – 50 – 75.
- From one year to 4 - 5 years - 75 - 100.
- From 5 years to 12 - 13 years - 100 - 150.
- After 13 years – 100 – 200.
For a child under 3 years of age, the dose of medication per day is prescribed in 1 dose and half an hour before meals.
However, it must first be dissolved in water before use.
Replacement treatment of thyroid hypofunction has the following features:
- The daily dose of Euthyrox or l thyroxine for people under 55 years of age and without cardiovascular diseases is determined at 1.8 mcg per 1 kg of weight.
- In the presence of such deviations or age after 55 years, the dose per day is calculated according to the scheme 0.9 mcg of the drug per 1 kg of weight.
- For females under 55 years of age and without diseases of the cardiovascular system, the initial amount of the active substance per day ranges from 75 to 100 mcg, and for males - from 100 to 150 mcg.
- In cases of the presence of these pathologies and for people over 55 years of age, it is reduced to 25 mcg.
The dose of Eutirox or l thyroxine during this treatment is increased every 60 days by 25 mcg until the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone is normalized.
If there is an increase in the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, it is necessary to reconsider the methods of their treatment.
For other diseases, the following dosages of medications are used (in mcg):
- The dose per day for euthyroid goiter or after intervention for such a diagnosis ranges from 75 to 200.
- As part of a mixed treatment of thyrotoxicosis, it is in the range of 50-100.
- After surgery for thyroid cancer, the dose of the drug per day is from 150 to 300.
The duration of the course of therapy is determined by the doctor individually.
If treatment with drugs is aimed at suppressing hypothyroidism, then pregnant and lactating women should continue it.
During pregnancy, the need for thyroxine increases, so the dosage of medications is often increased as prescribed by a specialist.
Their use in combination with thyreostatics during pregnancy/lactation prohibited to avoid the development of hypothyroidism in the unborn child.
Contraindications
Untreated forms of the following pathologies are contraindications to the use of drugs:
- thyrotoxicosis;
- insufficiency of pituitary hormones.
You should also not use medications if you are hypersensitive to some of their components.
For l thyroxine, restrictions are added in the form of myocarditis and myocardial infarction in acute forms.
Medicines are used with great caution for the following conditions:
- high blood pressure;
- diabetes;
- angina pectoris;
- arrhythmia;
- ischemic heart diseases.
With such a pathology as malabsorption syndrome, dosage revision may often be necessary.
Eutirox is prescribed with extreme caution to people prone to psychotic reactions. It is also not recommended for certain genetic diseases, including lactase deficiency and galactose intolerance.
Side effects
When using l thyroxine, the following manifestations are possible:
- skin itching;
- rash;
- other allergic reactions.
When using this thyroxine analogue in high doses, hyperthyroidism may develop. It is characterized by the following symptoms:
- headache;
- muscle cramps;
- chest pain;
- sweating and fever;
- sleep disturbances and irritability;
- loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss;
- arrhythmia/tachycardia.
An allergy to Eutirox can occur if the patient is highly sensitive to the drug.
If you follow the instructions, the doctor's instructions and exclude counterfeit drugs, there are no other side effects of the drugs.
Comparison of drugs
To choose which is better - the drug Eutirox or L thyroxine, you need to pay attention to their similarities and differences.
The main similarities between the data of Eutirox and its analogue are the following parameters:
- Thyroid hormone preparations with the same pharmacological action.
- Indications, dosages and regimen of use are the same.
- Both are available from pharmacies with a prescription and have the same shelf life.
- Allowed for use by children, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.
Many experts still prefer Eutirox, since it is produced in Germany, and the drug l thyroxine and its analogue l thyroxine-Akri are produced in Russia.
For reference!
How to distinguish Russian-made drugs from Western drugs? It should be noted that there is also a product - thyroxine Berlin-Chemie, which is the most common and is manufactured in Europe.
In this regard, if the country of origin is important, it is possible to choose an imported drug or its domestic analogue.
The differences between Euthyrox and l thyroxine include the following points:
- The first drug has significantly more release forms, which simplifies the selection of the desired type at different dosages.
- Eutirox practically does not cause, with the exception of allergic reactions in rare cases, while its analogue has a number of possible undesirable manifestations.
- On average, the effect of Eutirox is observed after a couple of weeks, and the effect of l thyroxine is noticeable after a few days.
- The effect of the latter lasts for a couple of days, so accidentally skipping the drug does not cause serious complications.
In addition, experts under no circumstances recommend combining or alternating these agents.
To some extent, this is due to the various excipients that are included in their composition, although the latter are generally unable to have a serious effect on the human body.
However, replacing one remedy with another can cause complications in some cases.
In any case, the choice must be entrusted to a specialist and not deviate from the treatment regimen prescribed by him.
Modern medicine has several million drugs. At the same time, more and more diverse analogues and generics have been produced recently. Patients often ask their doctor: “Eutyrox” or “L-thyroxine” - which is better? The answer to this question cannot be given immediately. After all, both medications contain the same active ingredient - sodium levothyroxine. However, there are still differences between medications. This is exactly what you will learn about from the article.
Similarities of drugs
If you have been prescribed Eutirox or L-thyroxine, then you have a thyroid disease. Indications for the use of medications are any pathologies associated with the appearance of goiter. Both formulations are recommended for use in cases of thyroid cancer or after surgery in this area.
The first and second medicines are taken orally before meals. It is advisable to take the tablets on an empty stomach with water. In this case, you should not pre-grind the drug (except for the treatment of small children). For children, you can dissolve the medicine in a small amount of liquid. Both formulations are taken once a day. The dosage of drugs is selected based on the patient’s complaints and after laboratory diagnostics. Self-prescription of both types of tablets is strictly prohibited. Otherwise, disastrous consequences may occur.
Dosage and packaging
"Euthirox" or "L-thyroxine" - which is better? The first medication is available in a wide variety of dosages. The medicine may contain 25, 50, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137 and 150 mcg of levothyroxine. The medicine is available in 25 capsules in a blister pack. The drug "L-thyroxine" contains 50 and 100 mcg of the active substance. The medicine is sold in 10 and 50 capsules per package.
As you can see, there is a difference between these medications. It is worth noting that Eutirox tablets are more convenient to use. After all, you can choose an individual dosage that suits you.
Price category of tablets
"L-thyroxine" and "Euthirox" - which is better in price? The cost of drugs varies. It depends on the dosage and number of tablets in the package. The medicine "Eutirox" will cost you from 100 to 200 rubles. The drug "L-thyroxine" costs about the same (100-140 rubles). When choosing a medicine, it is worth comparing the price of the same dosage of medicines.
The drug "Eutirox" in a dose of 50 mcg (100 pcs) costs 130 rubles. The same amount of L-thyroxine medication will cost you 240 rubles. As you can see, Eutirox tablets have a more favorable price category.
Side effects
“Eutirox” or “L-thyroxine” - which is better in terms of side effects of drugs? The instructions for use for both medications say that they do not cause negative reactions. However, consumers and doctors express a different point of view.
The drug "Eutirox" is usually well tolerated even by the most sensitive patients. Only if the dose is exceeded can the medicine cause an allergy. The drug "L-thyroxine" is much more likely to develop side effects. Pills often cause weight problems and deterioration in overall health. Baldness often occurs or
Contraindications for use
Tablets "Thyroxine" or "Euthirox"? How to choose exactly the medication that is right for you? A doctor should give a recommendation for the use of the product. Also, before starting therapy, be sure to familiarize yourself with the contraindications. What is the difference between these medications?
Eutirox should not be used during pregnancy without appropriate recommendations. Also during the period of breastfeeding, the issue of treatment is decided exclusively by a specialist. The drug "L-thyroxine" is contraindicated in case of myocardial infarction. Whereas its analogue can be used in this case.
"Euthirox" or "L-thyroxine" - which is better?
Summarizing all of the above, we can draw the following conclusions. The drug "Eutirox" is cheaper. It is better tolerated by patients of all ages. It is convenient to take, since the drug is produced in different dosages.
The medication "L-thyroxine" is a more popular remedy. It is most often prescribed by doctors. The doctor decides which medicine to choose. However, the specialist relies on the patient’s condition and his complaints.
Patients' opinions
What do consumers say about the drugs described? The majority of patients' opinion is that both medications are the same. However, it is not. As you can see, there is still a difference. Please note that you cannot replace one medication with another on your own. Before this you need to see an endocrinologist.
Consumers are usually satisfied with the product that was prescribed to them. Some people say that the drug L-thyroxine caused a lot of unpleasant reactions in them. Whereas after replacing the drug with Eutirox tablets, the condition returned to normal.
An important point worth mentioning is the effect of therapy. Patients say that the results from using Eutirox are noticeable only after a few weeks. While its analogue “L-thyroxine” manifests itself positively already on the third day of treatment. The results become noticeable in general health, laboratory tests and ultrasound diagnostics. After discontinuation of both drugs, the effect continues for some time.
Expectant mothers who have taken medication of either trade name say that during pregnancy the dose of the medication needs to be increased. This is necessary for the normal development of the embryo. The selection of the appropriate portion of tablets is made by the doctor after a certain diagnosis.
Brief summary of the article: conclusion
If you are interested in knowing the difference between Eutirox and L-thyroxine, be sure to ask your doctor about it. It is worth recalling that both formulations are prescribed exclusively after laboratory tests. Based on the data obtained, an individual dose of the medication is selected. If necessary, during treatment the dose of the drug can be adjusted. I wish you good health and well-being!