Is Tirosint or Euthyrox Better for Hypothyroidism Treatment?
This article covers a comparison between EUTHYROX and TIROSINT. Key points of discussion include:
- Dosages: Both EUTHYROX and TIROSINT come in a variety of dosages ranging from 12.5 to 200 mcg.
- Administration: EUTHYROX can be crushed or scored, while TIROSINT cannot.
- Additives: Both EUTHYROX and TIROSINT are gluten-free, dye-free, and lactose-free.
- Cost: EUTHYROX is 90% less expensive than TIROSINT.
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your body has insufficient levels of thyroid hormones. This is typically due to an underactive thyroid, leading to decreased hormone production. Thyroid hormones are essential for regulating your body’s energy use and has an impact on many bodily functions. When thyroid hormone levels are low, your metabolism can be slowed down, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Tiredness
- Weight gain
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Feeling depressed
- Frequent and/or heavy menstrual periods
Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is a first-line treatment option for hypothyroidism and is available as an affordable generic medication. However, some patients may prefer the brand-name version of levothyroxine.
Brand-name medications often have more consistent formulations, which is crucial for drugs like levothyroxine, where even minor differences in the formulation of generic versions can affect absorption and metabolism, significantly impacting hormone levels. Additionally, brand-name levothyroxine is believed to have more stable potency and efficacy, making patients and healthcare providers more confident in the reliability of the brand-name product.
In this article, we will compare two brand-name levothyroxine products, TIROSINT and EUTHYROX, focusing on their mechanisms of action, ingredients, side effects, and cost.
The Same Active Ingredient
The thyroid gland releases two main hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 is largely inactive, while T3 is the active form that impacts your cells and metabolism.
Both EUTHYROX and TIROSINT contain Levothyroxine as their active ingredient. This means they work in the same way by supplementing T4 hormones, which your body can then convert into the active T3 form as needed.
Inactive Ingredient Differences
One of the most significant advantages for both EUTHYROX and TIROSINT is that they both have reduced additives compared to generic and other branded versions of levothyroxine. Both EUTHYROX and TIROSINT are gluten-free, dye-free, and lactose-free.
- EUTHRYOX: gluten-free, dye-free, and lactose-free. Contains citric acid anhydrous, corn starch, gelatin, magnesium stearate, mannitol, sodium croscarmellose.
- TIROSINT: gluten-free, dye-free, and lactose-free. Contains gelatin, glycerin, and water.
While inactive ingredients generally do not have pharmacologic activity, differences in these ingredients can affect the stability of medications. As a result, switching between medications can lead to fluctuations in thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, even in small amounts, inactive ingredients can be important to consider for individuals with dietary restrictions.
Dose and Administration
While both medications are used to treat hypothyroidism, they differ in their dosage forms and available strengths.
EUTHYROX
- Forms: Tablets
- Strengths: 25, 50, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137, 150, 175, and 200 mcg
- Importantly, EUTHYROX tablets are scored. This allows for multiple dosing options in addition to the 11 standard dosing options. The EUTHYROX scored tablets allows for 18 total dosing options.
- While typically swallowed whole, these tablets may be crushed and suspended in small amounts of water to be administered to people who have trouble swallowing pills (such as young children).
TIROSINT
- Forms: Capsules and Oral solution (TIROSINT SOL)
- Strengths:13, 25, 37.5, 44, 50, 62.5, 75, 88, 100, 112, 125, 137, 150, 175, and 200 mcg.
- These capsules should not be cut, crushed, or chewed and should be swallowed whole.
Administration
Taking levothyroxine correctly is crucial for its effectiveness. Both medications should be taken on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast and at least 4 hours apart from other medications that may impact absorption of the medication.
It is important to take it at the same time every day and avoid consuming certain foods, supplements, or medications that can interfere with its absorption, such as calcium, iron, and high-fiber foods. Consistency in how you take levothyroxine helps maintain stable thyroid hormone levels, preventing symptoms of under- or over-treatment.
Side Effects
The side effects of EUTHYROX and TIROSINT are similar, with both medications causing side effects when the dose may be too high. These side effects can be categorized into various groups:
- General: Nervousness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, headache, feeling out of breath, feeling hot, irregular menstruation, rashes
- Heart-related: Palpitations, heart attack
- Muscle-related: Muscle spasms, tremors, weakness
When taking either medication it’s important to monitor any side effects and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure your dosage remains both safe and adequate.
Cost
Price is the most significant difference between EUTHYROX and TIROSINT. While TIROSINT averages at $170 per 30-day supply, EUTHYROX is less than 1/10 of the price at an average of $15 per 30-day supply! This makes EUTHYROX a preferred option for individuals in which price is a major deciding factor.