Eutirox is a hormonal drug with thyroxine, prescribed to replace the function of the thyroid gland. Hormone levels affect body weight and appearance. If a person has a metabolic disorder, obesity is often observed. Eutirox and weight have a direct connection, so some patients are afraid that if they take the drug, they will gain weight. But there are those who, on the contrary, want to lose weight thanks to the medicine. Eutirox must be taken strictly according to the instructions so that your weight remains within the normal range.
Why is the drug prescribed?
Thyroid hormonal drugs are used to support the level of iodine-containing thyroid hormones in the body when the gland cannot cope with its functions. They have the following effects:
- Muscle structures and tissues are renewed faster.
- Activate the process of metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
- Normalize the function of the central nervous system.
- Stimulates the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
If you drink Eutirox in large quantities, it slows down the production of pituitary hormones.
The daily dosage is calculated individually by weight: 1.6-1.8 mcg per 1 kg of body weight. This is the case if the patient is under 55 years of age and does not have heart or vascular disease. For older people with pathologies of the cardiovascular system, the dose is 1.9 mcg per 1 kg of weight.
What kind of drug is this?
Eutirox contains components that can normalize slow metabolic processes in the body. Thanks to this property, the drug is used to lose excess weight. According to its pharmacological properties, Eutirox is considered a synthetic substitute for thyroxine. This substance belongs to the category of thyroid hormones.
The mechanism of action of the drug consists of the following properties:
- decreased appetite;
- acceleration of metabolism;
- saturation of tissues and cells with oxygen;
- stimulation of the nervous system;
- increased brain activity;
- improvement of metabolism;
- decreased rate of triiodothyronine formation;
- acceleration of the process of breakdown of fat cells;
- improved glucose absorption;
- replenishment of thyroid hormone reserves;
- increasing the rate of synthesis of proteins and fats;
- accelerating the process of calorie metabolism in the body.
Effect of eutirox on body weight
Patients are interested in whether it is possible to recover from Eutirox. Weight gain is a side effect that occurs due to the following factors:
- Body weight increases if a person completes the full course of treatment at a very low daily dose.
- A small dosage activates the production of proteins in the body, which increases muscle and bone mass. But at the same time, fat is not deposited. Therefore, the volume of the hips or other parts of the body does not increase.
- Weight may increase as a result of taking pills for direct indications. Due to malfunctions of the thyroid gland, metabolic processes slow down, and the use of Eutirox activates metabolism. As a result, the body requires more food. Weight gain is a natural process.
If Eutirox is prescribed in large dosages, the opposite effect is often observed. A person loses weight, not gains. Due to stimulation of the thyroid gland, an excess of hormones is formed, which causes thyrotoxicosis, in which body weight decreases.
Start of reception
At the beginning of treatment with Eutirox, appetite increases and fat synthesis accelerates. This is the result of the influence of the hormone. It causes an increase in metabolism and energy in the body, as a result of which food is absorbed instantly.
Due to prolonged hypothyroidism, the cells were starved, and after hormonal levels were restored, they required more food. The patient cannot control himself. As a result, a sharp weight gain occurs.
The initial effect of taking Eutirox lasts quite a long time - approximately 6-8 weeks.
Long term perspective
Many people are interested in whether Eutirox improves with long-term use. Thanks to the medicine, the basal metabolism increases, energy is lost faster, so the weight comes off.
This is a long-term effect that begins only 6 weeks after treatment with the drug was started (sometimes longer). At this time, fat synthesis is still high, but soon the rate of its breakdown becomes higher than the rate of formation, resulting in weight loss.
Appetite does not decrease with long-term use of Eutirox, but it is important to limit the consumption of carbohydrates and fats. In this case, the weight is within normal limits. Some people are able to lose weight while taking the drug, while others are not. Their weight is growing.
Hypothyroidism and weight, eutyrox dosage
Tanya
4934 views
February 6, 2021
Hello! Help me figure out what to do with the dosage of eutirox. I’m gaining weight as if out of thin air, I even sat on buckwheat, it doesn’t help. I feel bad, I have no strength, weakness, swelling, my muscles and joints have become more painful (I have questions about fibromyalgia, connective tissue dysplasia, polyarthrosis, spinal hernias. Weight before pregnancy was 67-68 kg, with a height of 172. Now I’m already 73 kg. Problems with the thyroid gland was not bothered before pregnancy; when I gained a little weight, I lost it easily. The pregnancy was difficult, mostly during pregnancy, resulting in preeclampsia, cerebral edema and an emergency cesarean section. According to tests: Hypothyroidism was detected during pregnancy, TSH was 6 while the norm was up to 2.5, was on 100 mg of euthyrox, after pregnancy I developed thyrotoxicosis, TSH went to zero (0.01 mmol/liter), T4 (33 pmol/liter) and T3 (10 pmol/liter) increased. Weight returned to pre-pregnancy 68 kg in a month, but was insomnia, palpitations, terrible anxiety. Then came the abolition of eutirox, breastfeeding was difficult, so in a couple of months the tsg rose to 85, t3 - 3.09, t4 - 5.61. On eutirox, the tsg came to an average of 3.5 (with normal up to 4.2), t4 - 16 (normal up to 22), t3 - 4.3 (normal up to 6.8). Also, according to tests 2 months ago, ferritin was 14.88 (with a normal range of 10 to 150), vitamin D 36.56 (with a normal range of 30 to 70). AT to TPO 13 (number from 0 to 36), AT to TG (109.9). Hemoglobin is 145, complete blood count is normal except for the average platelet volume of 12.1 and the content of large platelets (41.5). According to the thyroid gland, during pregnancy everything was normal, only there were multiple hypoechoic inclusions; 2 months after birth, with thyrotoxicosis, the volume of the thyroid gland was 19.53, signs of diffuse goiter, reactive lymphadenopathy, paratracheal and pretracheal and multiple nodes. After another three months on Eutyrox, the thyroid gland was 21.78, the structure is heterogeneous, the node in the left lobe is 0.9 * 06 * 0.7 cm. Now 3 months ago the thyroid gland is 15.3, heterogeneous, the contours are uneven, the blood flow is increased, in the left lobe 2 nodes 3.2mm*2 and 3.8*2.3. At a consultation with a doctor, I was prescribed iron (I am now taking 25 mg of solgar), 2000 vitamin D, also eutyrox 50, l-tyrosine. But it doesn’t get much better, there’s also no strength, anxiety, sometimes apathy, weight increases, swelling. At my last appointment, the doctor said that while I’m breastfeeding, I won’t be able to lose weight, is that true? and you don’t need to increase the dose of eutirox 50 mg. Tell me, is there any hope of getting off hormones in the future? Is it possible now to increase the dose of eutirox at least a little while I’m on breastfeeding, since I can’t do without them? I feel like I’m falling apart, please help me, what should I do?
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hypothyroidism
weight
eutirox
bad feeling
Other side effects
Eutirox has an effect not only on weight. If you take the medicine incorrectly, there is a risk of negative effects:
- If hormones are in excess, the thyroid gland simply stops producing them, which causes gland atrophy.
- The heart begins to beat faster, the load on the myocardium increases. Excessive work causes it to wear out faster, resulting in a shorter lifespan.
- Due to hyperstimulation of the central nervous system, anxiety, nervousness, and irritability appear. The person sleeps poorly, sometimes hallucinations and psychosis occur.
- Weight loss quickly. This condition is called cachexia (wasting). It is dangerous not only for health, but also for life.
Instructions for use EUTHYROX
The use of tricyclic antidepressants with levothyroxine sodium may lead to increased effects of the antidepressants.
Levothyroxine sodium reduces the effect of cardiac glycosides.
With simultaneous use of cholestyramine and colestipol (ion exchange resins), as well as aluminum hydroxide, they reduce the plasma concentration of levothyroxine sodium by inhibiting its absorption in the intestine. In this regard, levothyroxine sodium should be used 4-5 hours before taking these drugs.
When used simultaneously with anabolic steroids, asparaginase, tamoxifen, pharmacokinetic interaction is possible at the level of binding to plasma proteins.
Protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir, indinavir, lopinavir) may affect the effectiveness of levothyroxine sodium. Close monitoring of thyroid hormone concentrations is recommended. If necessary, the dose of levothyroxine sodium should be adjusted. Phenytoin may affect the effectiveness of levothyroxine sodium due to the displacement of levothyroxine sodium from plasma proteins, which can lead to increased concentrations of free T4 and T3. On the other hand, phenytoin increases the rate of metabolism of levothyroxine sodium in the liver. Close monitoring of thyroid hormone concentrations is recommended.
Levothyroxine sodium may reduce the effectiveness of hypoglycemic drugs. Therefore, frequent monitoring of blood glucose concentrations is necessary from the start of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. If necessary, the dose of the hypoglycemic drug should be adjusted.
Levothyroxine sodium may enhance the effect of anticoagulants (coumarin derivatives) by displacing them from plasma proteins, which may increase the risk of bleeding, such as hemorrhage in the central nervous system or gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in elderly patients. Therefore, regular monitoring of coagulation parameters is necessary both at the beginning and during combination therapy with these drugs. If necessary, the dose of the anticoagulant should be adjusted.
Salicylates, dicumarol, furosemide in high doses (250 mg), clofibrate and other drugs can displace levothyroxine sodium from binding to plasma proteins, which leads to an increase in the concentration of the free T4 fraction.
Sevelamer may reduce the absorption of levothyroxine sodium. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (eg, imatinib, sunitinib) may reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine sodium. Therefore, at the beginning or at the end of a course of concomitant therapy with these drugs, it is recommended to monitor changes in thyroid function in patients. If necessary, the dose of levothyroxine sodium is adjusted.
Aluminum-containing drugs (antacids, sucralfate), iron-containing drugs, calcium carbonate are described in the literature as potentially reducing the effectiveness of levothyroxine sodium. Therefore, it is recommended to take levothyroxine sodium at least 2 hours before using such medications.
Somatropin, when used simultaneously with levothyroxine sodium, can accelerate the closure of epiphyseal growth plates.
Propylthiouracil, glucocorticosteroids, beta-sympatholytics and iodinated contrast agents, amiodarone inhibit the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. Due to the high iodine content, the use of amiodarone may be accompanied by the development of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Particular attention should be paid to nodular goiter with the possible development of unrecognized functional autonomy.
Sertraline, chloroquine/proguanil reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine sodium and increase serum TSH concentrations.
Drugs that induce hepatic enzymes (eg, barbiturates, carbamazepine) may enhance the hepatic clearance of levothyroxine sodium.
In women using estrogen-containing contraceptives or in postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy, the need for levothyroxine sodium may be increased.
Consumption of soy-containing products may reduce the intestinal absorption of levothyroxine sodium. Therefore, dosage adjustments may be necessary, especially when starting or stopping consumption of soy-containing products.
How not to gain weight on Eutirox
Eutirox and excess weight are connected, so it is important to follow the recommendations of endocrinologists and nutritionists so as not to gain weight:
- Consume a minimum amount of carbohydrates (up to 200-250 g per day).
- Sports should be regular and moderate.
- Limit fat intake to 80 g per day.
Preference should be given to foods with a high content of plant fiber. This includes berries, vegetables, unsweetened fruits. With their help, it is difficult to digest carbohydrates and they make you feel full faster.
Adequate protein intake is necessary as it has a beneficial effect on metabolism. It is advisable to eat bread made from rye flour, prunes, drink kefir, and beet juice every day. Diet No. 10 can serve as a basis, and if a person is obese, diet No. 8 according to Pevzner.
If you feel worse, you should consult a doctor to adjust the dosage.
How to lose weight with the help of the drug
Eutirox for weight loss should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. He will select the dosage according to the individual characteristics of the patient’s body and the degree of the disease. Only in this case can you lose weight. You should take the pills in the morning on an empty stomach. In some cases, the drug intake is increased to 3 times a day.
Taking large doses of the drug and simultaneously engaging in heavy physical activity is not recommended, as this negatively affects the functioning of the heart. With the right dosage, exercise is even necessary for good health and weight loss.
Harmful myths about thyroid hormone treatment
There are several common opinions about taking Eutirox, because of which patients are afraid to take this drug:
- The medicine not only stimulates the production of hormones, but also accumulates them in the body. Even after the end of the treatment course, Eutirox continues to act, but the hormones quickly disintegrate, so they do not accumulate in the body.
- The drug should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation. This is wrong. While the child is pregnant, the therapeutic course continues. Moreover, sometimes it is necessary to increase the dosage. Breastfeeding is also not a contraindication to taking the medication, but the dosage is discussed with your doctor individually. They drink it only if there are direct indications. During pregnancy and lactation, Eutirox is prohibited as a means of weight loss.
- Eutirox is prescribed only if there are serious complications. A malfunction of the thyroid gland is not a serious pathology, but it is not recommended to take the drug without indications.
- This medicine affects your weight, which always increases. No, not always, but only in small dosages and when the patient does not limit himself to food and does not follow a diet.
In order for your weight to remain within normal limits when taking Eutirox, you should drink it only as indicated after consulting a doctor. Losing weight on your own by taking pills is not recommended, as there is a risk of negative reactions.
Indications for use
Eutirox belongs to the group of hormonal drugs. In medical practice, the drug is prescribed to replenish thyroid hormone reserves. The tablets combine well with medications of other categories, so in most cases they are used in complex therapy.
The process of losing weight is the effect of taking large doses of Eutirox, but this drug was not created specifically for getting rid of excess weight.
The drug is prescribed in the presence of the following conditions:
- treatment and prevention of euthyroid goiter;
- resection of the thyroid gland;
- diffuse toxic goiter;
- surgery on the thyroid gland;
- hypothyroidism
