Dosage & Administration
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Tirosint SOL Prescribing Information
- Thyroid hormones, including TIROSINT-SOL, either alone or with other therapeutic agents, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss.
- In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction.
- Larger doses may produce serious or even life threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects [see Adverse Reactions (6), Drug Interactions (7.7), and Overdosage (10)].
Hypothyroidism
TIROSINT-SOL is indicated in adult and pediatric patients, including neonates, as a replacement therapy in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism.
Pituitary Thyrotropin (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, TSH) Suppression
TIROSINT-SOL is indicated in adult and pediatric patients, including neonates, as an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer.
Limitations of Use
- Tirosint-SOL 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-SOL may induce hyperthyroidism [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] .
- Tirosint-SOL is not indicated for treatment of transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.
General Administration Information
Administer TIROSINT-SOL as a single daily oral dose, on an empty stomach,15 minutes before breakfast.
Administer TIROSINT-SOL at least 4 hours before or after drugs known to interfere with TIROSINT-SOL absorption [see Drug Interactions (7.1)] .
Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within an hour of certain foods that may affect TIROSINT-SOL absorption [see Dosage and Administration (2.2 and 2.3) , Drug Interactions (7.9) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
TIROSINT-SOL may be administered in water or directly into the mouth:
- To administer TIROSINT-SOL in water, squeeze the contents of one single unit-dose ampule into a glass or cup containing water. Stir the diluted TIROSINT-SOL and drink all of it immediately. Rinse the glass or cup with additional water and drink the contents to ensure that the total dose is taken. Do not dilute TIROSINT-SOL in a medium other than water. Open the ampule and prepare the solution immediately before intake.
- To administer TIROSINT-SOL directly (without water), either squeeze it into the mouth OR onto a spoon and immediately consume.
Important Considerations for Dosing
The dosage of TIROSINT-SOL 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 [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Warnings and Precautions (5), and Drug Interactions (7)] . Dosing must be individualized to account for these factors and dosage adjustments made based on periodic assessment of the patient's clinical response and laboratory parameters [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] .
For adult patients with primary hypothyroidism, titrate until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum TSH returns to normal [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
For secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism, serum TSH is not a reliable measure of TIROSINT-SOL dosage adequacy and should not be used to monitor therapy. Use the serum free-T4 level to titrate TIROSINT-SOL dosing until the patient is clinically euthyroid and the serum free-T4 level is restored to the upper half of the normal range [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
The peak therapeutic effect of a given dose of TIROSINT-SOL may not be attained for 4 to 6 weeks.
Recommended Dosage and Titration
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Hypothyroidism in Adults
The recommended starting daily dosage of TIROSINT-SOL in adults with primary, secondary, or tertiary hypothyroidism is based on age and comorbid cardiac conditions, as described in Table 1. For patients at risk of atrial fibrillation or patients with underlying cardiac disease, start with a lower dosage and titrate the dosage more slowly to avoid exacerbation of cardiac symptoms. Dosage titration is based on serum TSH or free-T4 [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Table 1. TIROSINT-SOL Dosing Guidelines for Hypothyroidism in Adults*
Patient Population | Starting Dosage | Dosage Titration Based on Serum TSH or Free-T4 |
Adults diagnosed with hypothyroidism | Full replacement dose is 1.6 mcg/kg/day. Some patients require a lower starting dose. | Titrate dosage by 12.5 to 25 mcg increments every 4 to 6 weeks, as needed until the patient is euthyroid. |
Adults at risk for atrial fibrillation or with underlying cardiac disease | Lower starting dose (less than 1.6 mcg/kg/day) | Titrate dosage every 6 to 8 weeks, as needed until the patient is euthyroid. |
Geriatric patients | Lower starting dose (less than 1.6 mcg/kg/day) |
*Dosages greater than 200 mcg/day are seldom required. An inadequate response to daily dosages greater than 300 mcg/day is rare and may indicate poor compliance, malabsorption, drug interactions, or a combination of these factors [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)and Drug Interactions (7)].
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Hypothyroidism in Pediatric Patients
The recommended starting daily dosage of TIROSINT-SOL in pediatric patients with primary, secondary, or tertiary hypothyroidism is based on body weight and changes with age as described in Table 2. Titrate the dosage (every 2 weeks) as needed based on serum TSH or free-T4 until the patient is euthyroid [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Table 2. TIROSINT-SOL Dosing Guidelines for Hypothyroidism in Pediatric Patients
Age | Starting Daily Dosage Per Kg Body Weight * |
0-3 months | 10-15 mcg/kg/day |
3-6 months | 8-10 mcg/kg/day |
6-12 months | 6-8 mcg/kg/day |
1-5 years | 5-6 mcg/kg/day |
6-12 years | 4-5 mcg/kg/day |
Greater than 12 years but growth and puberty incomplete | 2-3 mcg/kg/day |
Growth and puberty complete | 1.6 mcg/kg/day |
*Adjust dosage based on clinical response and laboratory parameters [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
Pediatric Patients from Birth to 3 Months of Age at Risk for Cardiac Failure
Start at a lower starting dosage and increase the dosage every 4 to 6 weeks as needed based on clinical and laboratory response.
Pediatric Patients at Risk for Hyperactivity
To minimize the risk of hyperactivity, start at one-fourth the recommended full replacement dosage, and increase on a weekly basis by one-fourth the full recommended replacement dosage until the full recommended replacement dosage is reached.
Hypothyroidism in Pregnant Patients
For pregnant patients with pre-existing hypothyroidism, measure serum TSH and free-T4 as soon as pregnancy is confirmed and, at minimum, during each trimester of pregnancy. In pregnant patients with primary hypothyroidism, maintain serum TSH in the trimester-specific reference range.
The recommended daily dosage of TIROSINT-SOL in pregnant patients is described in Table 3.
Table 3. TIROSINT-SOL Dosing Guidelines for Hypothyroidism in Pregnant Patients
Patient Population | Starting Dosage | Dose Adjustment and Titration |
Pre-existing primary hypothyroidism with serum TSH above normal trimester-specific range | Pre-pregnancy dosage may increase during pregnancy | Increase TIROSINT-SOL dosage by 12.5 to 25 mcg per day. Monitor TSH every 4 weeks until a stable dose is reached and serum TSH is within normal trimester-specific range. Reduce TIROSINT-SOL dosage to pre-pregnancy levels immediately after delivery. Monitor serum TSH 4 to 8 weeks postpartum. |
New onset hypothyroidism TSH > 10 mIU per liter) | 1.6 mcg/kg/day | Monitor serum TSH every 4 weeks and adjust TIROSINT-SOL dosage until serum TSH is within normal trimester-specific range. |
New onset hypothyroidism (TSH < 10 mIU per liter) | 1.0 mcg/kg/day |
TSH Suppression in Well-differentiated Thyroid Cancer in Adults and Pediatric Patients
The TIROSINT-SOL dosage is based on the target level of TSH suppression for the stage and clinical status of thyroid cancer.
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-SOL, 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 dosage. In patients on a stable and appropriate replacement dosage, evaluate clinical and biochemical response every 6 to 12 months and whenever there is a change in the patient's clinical status.
Pediatrics Patients
In patients with 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 pediatric patients as follows: 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 dosage 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.
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 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-SOL therapy and/or of the serum TSH to decrease below 20 mIU per Liter within 4 weeks may indicate the patient is not receiving adequate therapy. Assess compliance, dose of medication administered, and method of administration prior to increasing the dose of TIROSINT-SOL [see Warning and Precautions (5.1) and Use in Specific Populations (8.4)] .
Secondary (Pituitary) and Tertiary (Hypothalamic) Hypothyroidism
Monitor serum free-T4 levels and maintain in the upper half of the normal range in these patients.
TIROSINT-SOL oral solution is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution supplied in a 1 mL white, non-transparent, unit-dose ampule. Each ampule bears a colored label with the dosage strength and the product name (TIROSINT-SOL) (Table 4).
Table 4. TIROSINT-SOL Solution Strengths and Identifying Features
| Strength (mcg/mL) | Color |
|---|---|
| 13 | Green |
| 25 | Orange |
| 37.5 | Dark Blue |
| 44 | Red |
| 50 | White |
| 75 | Purple |
| 62.5 | Grey |
| 88 | Olive |
| 100 | Yellow |
| 112 | Rose |
| 125 | Brown |
| 137 | Turquoise |
| 150 | Blue |
| 175 | Lilac |
| 200 | Pink |
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
The clinical experience, including data from published postmarketing studies, in pregnant women treated with oral levothyroxine to maintain euthyroid state have not reported increased rates of major birth defects, miscarriages, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with untreated hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Since TSH levels may increase during pregnancy, TSH should be monitored and TIROSINT‑SOL dosage adjusted during pregnancy [see Clinical Considerations] . Animal reproductive studies have not been conducted with levothyroxine sodium. TIROSINT-SOL 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. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. 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-SOL requirements. Serum TSH levels should be monitored and the TIROSINT-SOL dosage adjusted during pregnancy. Since postpartum TSH levels are similar to preconception values, the TIROSINT-SOL dosage should return to the pre-pregnancy dose immediately after delivery [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Lactation
Risk Summary
Published studies report that levothyroxine is present in human milk following the administration of oral levothyroxine. No adverse effects on the breastfed infant have been reported and this no information on the effects of levothyroxine on milk production. Adequate levothyroxine treatment during lactation may normalize milk production in hypothyroid lactating mothers with low milk supply. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for TIROSINT-SOL and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from TIROSINT-SOL or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
TIROSINT-SOL is indicated in patients from birth to less than 17 years of age:
- As a replacement therapy in primary (thyroidal), secondary (pituitary), and tertiary (hypothalamic) congenital or acquired hypothyroidism
- As an adjunct to surgery and radioiodine therapy in the management of thyrotropin-dependent well-differentiated thyroid cancer
Rapid restoration of normal serum T4 concentrations is essential for preventing the adverse effects of congenital hypothyroidism on cognitive development as well as on overall physical growth and maturation. Therefore, initiate TIROSINT-SOL therapy immediately upon diagnosis. Levothyroxine is generally continued for life in these patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Closely monitor infants during the first two weeks of TIROSINT-SOL therapy for cardiac overload and arrhythmias.
Geriatric Use
Because of the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease among the elderly, initiate TIROSINT-SOL at less than the full replacement dose [ see Dosage and Administration (2.3) and Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Atrial arrhythmias can occur in elderly patients. Atrial fibrillation is the most common of the arrhythmias observed with levothyroxine overtreatment in the elderly .
TIROSINT-SOL is contraindicated in patients with:
- Hypersensitivity to glycerol, the inactive ingredient in TIROSINT-SOL [see Adverse Events (6)].
- Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]