L-thyroxine 150 berlin-chemi

INSTRUCTION FOR MEDICAL USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT L-THYROXIN 150 BERLIN-CHEMIE (L-THYROXIN 150 BERLIN-CHEMIE)

Composition:

Active substance: levothyroxine sodium;

1 tablet contains 150 mcg of sodium levothyroxine;

Excipients: cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate (partially present in tablets as cystine); microcrystalline cellulose; pregelatinized starch; maize starch; light magnesium oxide; talc.

Pharmaceutical form. Tablets.

Main physicochemical properties: round, slightly convex tablets ranging from white to beige in colour, with a score line on one side.

The tablet can be divided into equal doses.

Pharmacotherapeutic group. Thyroid therapy, thyroid hormones. ATC code H03A A01.

Pharmacological properties.

Pharmacodynamics.

Mechanism of action.

The synthetic levothyroxine contained in the medicinal product L-Thyroxine 150 Berlin-Chemie is identical in action to the natural thyroid hormone primarily produced by the thyroid gland. There are no differences between endogenously produced and exogenous levothyroxine for the organism.

Pharmacodynamic effects.

Following partial conversion to liothyronine (T3), primarily in the liver and kidneys, and entry into body cells, the characteristic effects of thyroid hormones on development, growth, and metabolism are observed via activation of T3 receptors.

Clinical efficacy and safety.

Replacement therapy with thyroid hormones leads to normalization of metabolic processes. For example, levothyroxine administration results in a significant reduction of elevated cholesterol levels caused by hypothyroidism.

Pharmacokinetics.

Absorption.

Oral absorption of levothyroxine occurs predominantly in the upper segment of the small intestine. The extent of absorption depends primarily on the pharmaceutical formulation and may reach up to 80% when administered on an empty stomach. Absorption is significantly reduced when the drug is taken with food.

Maximum plasma concentration is reached approximately 2–3 hours after administration.

The effect of the drug becomes apparent 3–5 days after initiation of oral therapy.

Distribution.

The volume of distribution is approximately 10–12 L. Levothyroxine is approximately 99.97% bound to specific plasma transport proteins. The binding of hormones to proteins is non-covalent, thus allowing for continuous and very rapid exchange between free and bound hormone.

Elimination.

Metabolic clearance of levothyroxine is approximately 1.2 L of plasma per day. Degradation occurs primarily in the liver, kidneys, brain, and muscles. Metabolites are excreted in urine and feces. The elimination half-life of the drug is approximately 7 days; in hyperthyroidism, this period is shortened (to 3–4 days), whereas in hypothyroidism, it is prolonged (approximately 9–10 days).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Levothyroxine crosses the placenta only in negligible amounts. When administered at usual doses, levothyroxine is excreted into breast milk only in negligible quantities.

Renal impairment.

Due to the high degree of protein binding, neither hemodialysis nor hemoperfusion affects levothyroxine levels.

Clinical characteristics.

Indications.

• Replacement therapy in hypothyroidism of various etiologies;
• prevention of goiter recurrence after thyroid resection in patients with euthyroid thyroid function;
• benign goiter with euthyroid thyroid function;
• suppressive and replacement therapy in malignant thyroid tumors, primarily after thyroidectomy;
• as a diagnostic agent in performing the thyroid suppression test.

Contraindications.

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Untreated hyperthyroidism of any origin. Untreated adrenal insufficiency. Untreated pituitary insufficiency (which leads to adrenal insufficiency requiring treatment). Acute myocardial infarction. Acute myocarditis. Acute pericarditis.

During pregnancy, concomitant use of levothyroxine and any antithyroid agent is contraindicated (more detailed information on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is provided in the section «Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding»).

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction.

Antidiabetic agents

Levothyroxine may reduce the blood glucose-lowering effect of antidiabetic drugs (e.g., metformin, glimepiride, glyburide, and insulin). More frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended in diabetic patients, especially at the beginning and end of thyroid hormone therapy. If necessary, adjust the dose of the antidiabetic drug.

Coumarin derivatives

Levothyroxine may potentiate the effect of coumarin derivatives by displacing them from plasma protein binding sites. Therefore, when used concomitantly, regular monitoring of coagulation parameters is required, and the dose of anticoagulant agents may need to be adjusted (reduced) if necessary.

Ion-exchange resins

Ion-exchange resins such as cholestyramine, colestipol, or calcium and sodium salts of polystyrene sulfonate inhibit the absorption of levothyroxine by binding thyroid hormones in the gastrointestinal tract; therefore, they should be administered 4–5 hours after taking the medicinal product L-Thyroxine 150 Berlin-Chemie.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs):

Concomitant use with PPIs may lead to reduced absorption of thyroid hormones due to increased gastric pH caused by PPIs. During concomitant therapy, regular monitoring of thyroid function and clinical observation are recommended. An increase in the dose of thyroid hormones may be required. Caution should also be exercised when PPI therapy is discontinued.

Drugs binding bile acids

Colesevelam binds levothyroxine and thereby reduces its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. No interaction was observed when levothyroxine was administered at least 4 hours before colesevelam. Therefore, L-Thyroxine 150 Berlin-Chemie should be administered at least 4 hours before colesevelam.

Aluminum-containing antacids, as well as iron- and calcium-containing drugs

Absorption of levothyroxine may be reduced when used concomitantly with aluminum-containing antacids (antacids, sucralfate), iron- and calcium-containing medicinal products. L-Thyroxine 150 Berlin-Chemie should be administered at least 2 hours before these products.

Sevelamer and lanthanum carbonate

Sevelamer and lanthanum carbonate may reduce the bioavailability of levothyroxine (see also section «Special precautions for use»).

Propylthiouracil, glucocorticoids, and beta-blockers (especially propranolol)

These substances inhibit the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to T3 and may lead to decreased T3 plasma concentration.

Amiodarone and iodinated contrast agents

Due to their high iodine content, amiodarone and iodinated contrast agents may cause both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Particular caution is required in nodular goiter with possible undefined autonomy. Amiodarone inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3, resulting in decreased T3 concentration and increased levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in plasma. Due to the effect of amiodarone on thyroid function, dose adjustment of L-Thyroxine 150 Berlin-Chemie may be necessary.

Salicylates, dicoumarol, furosemide, clofibrate

Salicylates (especially at doses above 2 g daily), dicoumarol, high-dose furosemide (250 mg), clofibrate, and other substances may displace levothyroxine from plasma protein binding sites. This may lead to an initial transient increase in free thyroid hormone levels, resulting in a decrease in total thyroid hormone levels.

Estrogen-containing contraceptives, medicinal products for hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal period

The requirement for levothyroxine may increase during use of estrogen-containing contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy in the postmenopausal period. Increased binding of levothyroxine may occur, which may lead to diagnostic and therapeutic errors.

Sertraline, chloroquine/proguanil

These substances reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine and increase serum TSH levels.

Cytochrome P450 inducers

Medicinal products that induce enzymes, such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, barbiturates, and products containing St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.), may increase hepatic clearance of levothyroxine, leading to decreased serum thyroid hormone concentration. Thus, patients receiving thyroid replacement therapy may require an increased dose of thyroid hormones when these drugs are administered concomitantly.

Protease inhibitors

There have been reports of loss of therapeutic effect of levothyroxine when co-administered with lopinavir/ritonavir. Therefore, patients receiving levothyroxine concomitantly with protease inhibitors require careful monitoring of clinical symptoms and thyroid function. In patients taking levothyroxine, TSH levels should be monitored at least during the first month after initiation and/or discontinuation of ritonavir therapy.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., imatinib, sunitinib, sorafenib, motesanib) may reduce the effectiveness of levothyroxine. Therefore, careful monitoring of clinical symptoms and thyroid function parameters is required in patients receiving concomitant levothyroxine and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The levothyroxine dose may need to be adjusted if necessary.

Products containing soy

Products containing soy may inhibit intestinal absorption of levothyroxine. Reports have described increased serum TSH levels in children on a soy-based diet who were treated with levothyroxine for congenital hypothyroidism. High doses of levothyroxine are recommended to achieve normal serum T4 and TSH levels. Careful monitoring of serum T4 and TSH levels is required during and after discontinuation of a soy-based diet; dose adjustment of levothyroxine may be necessary.

Orlistat

Hypothyroidism and/or reduced control of hypothyroidism may occur when levothyroxine and orlistat are used concomitantly. This may be due to reduced absorption of levothyroxine.

Coffee

Concomitant intake of levothyroxine with coffee should be avoided, as it may reduce absorption of levothyroxine from the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, an interval of 30 minutes to one hour between levothyroxine intake and coffee consumption is recommended to minimize the risk of interaction. Patients already receiving levothyroxine therapy are advised not to change their coffee consumption habits without checking and monitoring levothyroxine levels by a physician.

Semaglutide

Concomitant use of semaglutide may affect levothyroxine exposure. The area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of levothyroxine (adjusted for endogenous levels) increased by 33% after a single oral dose of semaglutide, while the maximum concentration (Cmax) remained unchanged. When treating patients with levothyroxine concomitantly with semaglutide, consideration should be given to monitoring thyroid parameters and adjusting the dose.

Effect on laboratory test results

Biotin may interfere with immunoassays of thyroid function based on biotin/streptavidin interaction, leading to falsely decreased or falsely increased test results (see section «Special precautions for use»).

Special precautions for use.

Before initiating thyroid hormone therapy, the presence of, or treatment for, the following diseases or conditions must be ruled out or addressed:

• Ischemic heart disease
• Angina pectoris
• Hypertension
• Pituitary insufficiency and/or adrenal cortical insufficiency
• Thyroid autonomy.

Prior to performing a thyroid suppression test, the presence of, or treatment for, the above-mentioned conditions must be ruled out, except for thyroid autonomy, which may be an indication for conducting the thyroid suppression test.

In patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, tachyarrhythmia, myocarditis outside an acute phase, chronic hypothyroidism, or those who have had a myocardial infarction, pharmacologically induced hyperthyroidism—even mild—must be strictly avoided. When treating such patients with thyroid hormones, more frequent monitoring of thyroid hormone levels is required (see section "Dosage and administration").

In cases of secondary hypothyroidism, adrenal cortical insufficiency must be evaluated. If present, replacement therapy (e.g., hydrocortisone) should be initiated first. In patients with adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, thyroid hormone therapy without adequate corticosteroid replacement may precipitate an Addisonian crisis.

Hemodynamic parameters should be monitored carefully when initiating levothyroxine therapy in preterm infants with very low birth weight, due to the risk of circulatory disturbances arising from adrenal immaturity.

In suspected autonomous thyroiditis, TSH levels should be measured or thyroid scintigraphy performed before initiating treatment.

Postmenopausal women are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis; therefore, levothyroxine sodium dosage should be carefully titrated to achieve the lowest effective dose. To avoid exceeding physiological levothyroxine concentrations in blood, thyroid function should be monitored more frequently in these patients (see section "Adverse reactions").

Thyroid hormones must not be used for weight reduction. Administration of physiological doses does not lead to weight loss in euthyroid patients. Higher doses may cause serious or even life-threatening adverse reactions, particularly when combined with other weight-loss agents.

Serious hypersensitivity reactions (including angioedema) have been reported with levothyroxine use. If signs or symptoms of allergic reactions occur, levothyroxine therapy must be discontinued and appropriate symptomatic treatment initiated (see sections "Contraindications" and "Adverse reactions").

Once a levothyroxine treatment regimen is established, switching to another thyroid hormone-containing medicinal product should only be done under laboratory and clinical monitoring.

Patients receiving levothyroxine concomitantly with other medicinal products that may affect thyroid function (e.g., amiodarone, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, salicylates, and high-dose furosemide) require monitoring of thyroid function (see also section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").

Caution should be exercised when prescribing levothyroxine to patients with a history of epilepsy, as these patients may be at increased risk of seizures.

For patients with diabetes mellitus or those receiving anticoagulants, see section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction".

Cases of hypothyroidism have been reported in patients receiving both sevelamer and levothyroxine. Therefore, TSH levels should be closely monitored in patients receiving both agents (see also section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").

Effect on laboratory test results:

Biotin may interfere with thyroid function tests based on the biotin-streptavidin principle, leading to falsely low or falsely high test results. The risk of interference increases with higher biotin doses. When interpreting laboratory test results, potential biotin interference should be considered, especially if results are inconsistent with the clinical picture. Laboratory staff should be informed about biotin use in patients taking biotin-containing products to determine the optimal timing for thyroid function testing. Alternative assays not susceptible to biotin interference should be used if available (see section "Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction").

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per tablet, i.e., essentially "sodium-free".

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Thyroid hormone therapy should be continued throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Thyroid suppression testing should not be performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy

Maintaining thyroid hormone levels within the normal range is critically important during pregnancy to ensure optimal maternal and fetal health. To date, despite widespread use during pregnancy, no adverse effects of levothyroxine on pregnancy or fetal/neonatal health have been observed.

Levothyroxine requirements may increase during pregnancy due to estrogen effects. Therefore, thyroid function should be monitored both during and after pregnancy, and thyroid hormone dosage adjusted as necessary.

Since serum TSH levels may rise as early as week 4 of pregnancy, pregnant women taking levothyroxine should have TSH levels measured in each trimester to ensure serum TSH remains within the trimester-specific reference range. Elevated serum TSH should be corrected by increasing the levothyroxine dose. As postpartum TSH levels typically return to pre-pregnancy values, levothyroxine dosage should be reverted to the pre-pregnancy dose immediately after delivery. Serum TSH levels should be reassessed 6–8 weeks postpartum.

The use of sodium levothyroxine as an adjunctive treatment in hyperthyroidism managed with antithyroid drugs is contraindicated during pregnancy. Additional levothyroxine may necessitate higher antithyroid drug doses. Unlike levothyroxine, antithyroid drugs cross the placental barrier in significant amounts and may cause fetal hypothyroidism. Therefore, antithyroid drugs should always be used as monotherapy at the lowest effective dose in pregnant women with hyperthyroidism.

Breastfeeding

Levothyroxine passes into human breast milk; however, concentrations achieved with recommended therapeutic doses are not sufficient to cause hyperthyroidism or suppress TSH secretion in the infant.

Fertility

Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism may affect fertility. During levothyroxine treatment of hypothyroidism, dosage should be adjusted based on laboratory monitoring, as underdosing will not produce a beneficial effect, while overdosing may lead to hyperthyroidism.

Ability to affect reaction speed when driving or operating machinery.

No specific studies have been conducted to assess the effect of levothyroxine on the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Method of Administration and Dosage

The dosage information provided should be considered as recommendations. The individual daily dose of the drug should be determined based on laboratory test results and clinical evaluation. In cases where minimal thyroid function is preserved, the lowest replacement dose should be used.

In elderly patients, patients with ischemic heart disease, and patients with severe or chronic hypothyroidism, treatment with thyroid hormones should be initiated with particular caution—for example, it is recommended to start therapy with a low dose, gradually increasing it at long intervals, with frequent monitoring of thyroid hormone levels. According to clinical experience, lower doses of the drug are sufficient both in patients with low body weight and in patients with large nodular goiter.

Since serum T4 or free thyroxine (fT4) levels may be elevated in some patients, monitoring of serum TSH concentration is more appropriate for assessing the treatment regimen.

Adult Patients

Hypothyroidism. Initial dose: 25–50 mcg/day; maintenance dose: 100–200 mcg/day (dose increases of 25–50 mcg should be made at intervals of 2–4 weeks).

Prevention of goiter recurrence. 75–200 mcg/day.

Benign goiter with euthyroid function. 75–200 mcg/day.

After thyroidectomy due to malignant tumor. 150–300 mcg/day.

For thyroid suppression testing. 150 mcg (equivalent to 1 tablet)/day (for 14 days prior to the test).

If dose adjustment of this medication is not feasible, alternative dosage strengths are available. Consult a physician for advice.

Children with congenital and acquired hypothyroidism

The maintenance dose in congenital and acquired hypothyroidism is usually 100–150 mcg of levothyroxine per 1 m² of body surface area per day.

For infants and children with congenital hypothyroidism requiring immediate levothyroxine replacement therapy, the recommended initial dose during the first 3 months of life is 10–15 mcg of levothyroxine per kilogram of body weight per day. Subsequent dose adjustments should be individualized based on clinical findings and laboratory parameters, including thyroid hormone and TSH levels.

For children with acquired hypothyroidism, the recommended initial dose is 12.5–50 mcg/day, for which a suitable dosage formulation should be used. The dose should also be increased gradually every 2–4 weeks, based on clinical evaluation and monitoring of thyroid hormone and thyrotropin (TSH) levels, until the full replacement dose is achieved.

The full daily dose should be administered to children at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. Tablets may also be administered as a suspension. The tablets should first be dissolved in a small amount of water (10–15 mL), and the freshly prepared suspension should be given to the child, adding a small additional amount of water (5–10 mL).

Elderly Patients

In certain cases, particularly in elderly patients—for example, those with heart disease—a gradual reduction in the dose of sodium levothyroxine should be considered, with continuous monitoring of TSH levels.

The entire daily dose should be swallowed whole, without chewing the tablets, with a small amount of liquid. The drug should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before breakfast.

Due to the special design of the tablet, it can be divided as follows: place the tablet on a hard surface with the score line facing upwards and press down vertically with a finger (see Figure 1).

Figure 1

Duration of Treatment

The drug is generally used for life in cases of hypothyroidism and after thyroidectomy due to malignant thyroid tumors. For euthyroid goiter and prevention of goiter recurrence, treatment may last from several months or years to lifelong use.

The duration of treatment for euthyroid goiter should be from 6 months to 2 years. If the patient's condition does not improve after treatment with L-Thyroxine 150 Berlin-Chemie, alternative therapeutic approaches should be considered.

Thyroid Suppression Test

For the thyroid suppression test, administer 150–200 mcg of sodium levothyroxine daily for 14 days.

Children

The drug may be used in pediatric practice. Detailed information on recommended doses and methods of administration is provided in the section «Method of Administration and Dosage».

Overdose

In cases of overdose, symptoms may include tachycardia, palpitations, anxiety, heat sensation, elevated body temperature, increased sweating, arrhythmia, insomnia, tremor, increased frequency of angina attacks, restlessness, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, weakness, muscle cramps, menstrual cycle disturbances, and pseudotumor cerebri. It is recommended to discontinue the drug and perform follow-up evaluations.

Elevated T3 levels are a more reliable indicator of overdose than elevated T4 or fT4 levels.

In cases of overdose and intoxication, symptoms typical of moderate or marked metabolic acceleration may occur (see section «Adverse Reactions»). Depending on the severity of the overdose, it is recommended to discontinue the drug and undergo follow-up evaluation.

In human cases of intoxication (suicide attempts), levothyroxine doses up to 10 mg have been tolerated without complications. The development of serious complications such as life-threatening disturbances (respiration and circulation) is unlikely if there is no history of ischemic heart disease. Nevertheless, there have been reports of thyrotoxic crisis, seizures, heart failure, and coma. Isolated cases of sudden fatal outcomes associated with cardiac arrhythmias have been reported in patients who have long-term used high doses of levothyroxine.

In cases of acute overdose, gastrointestinal absorption of the drug can be reduced by administering activated charcoal. Treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive. In cases of severe beta-sympathomimetic symptoms such as tachycardia, restlessness, agitation, or hyperkinesis, these can be alleviated with beta-adrenergic receptor blockers. Antithyroid drugs should not be used, as thyroid function is already fully suppressed.

In cases of extreme overdose (suicide attempts), plasmapheresis may be beneficial.

Prolonged observation is necessary after levothyroxine overdose. Due to the gradual conversion of levothyroxine into liothyronine, symptom onset may be delayed by up to 6 days.

Side effects

If the patient does not tolerate the dose, which is very rare, or in case of overdose—particularly due to too rapid dose escalation at the beginning of treatment—typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism may occur.

In such cases, the daily dose should be reduced or administration of the drug should be discontinued for several days. After resolution of adverse effects, treatment should be resumed, with careful dose titration.

In patients hypersensitive to levothyroxine or to any of the excipients of L-Thyroxine 150 Berlin-Chemie, allergic reactions affecting the skin (e.g., angioneurotic edema, skin rash, urticaria) and respiratory tract may occur. There have been isolated reports of anaphylactic shock. In such cases, the drug must be discontinued.

Adverse reactions are classified by frequency as follows:

Very common (≥ 1/10) Common (≥ 1/100 — < 1/10) Uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 — < 1/100) Rare (≥ 1/10,000 — < 1/1,000) Very rare (< 1/10,000) Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)

Immune system

Unknown: hypersensitivity

Endocrine system

Frequent: hyperthyroidism

Cardiac

Very common: tachycardia

Frequent: tachycardia

Unknown: arrhythmia, angina pectoris

Skin and subcutaneous tissue

Unknown: angioneurotic edema, rash, urticaria, hyperhidrosis

Psychiatric disorders

Very common: insomnia

Frequent: nervousness

Unknown: feeling of inner restlessness

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue

Unknown: muscle weakness, muscle cramps, osteoporosis due to suppressive doses of levothyroxine, especially in postmenopausal women, predominantly during long-term treatment

Vascular

Unknown: hot flushes, collapse (acute circulatory failure) in premature infants with very low body weight at birth (see section "Special precautions for use")

Reproductive system and breast

Unknown: menstrual disorders

Gastrointestinal system

Unknown: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea

Investigations

Unknown: weight loss

Nervous system

Very common: headache

Rare: pseudotumor cerebri (mainly in children)

Unknown: tremor

General disorders and administration site conditions

Unknown: heat intolerance, fever

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions.

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after drug authorization is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit-risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals, pharmacists, patients, or their legal representatives should report all suspected adverse reactions and lack of effectiveness of the medicinal product via the Automated Pharmacovigilance Information System at the following link: https://aisf.dec.gov.ua.

Shelf life.

3 years. Do not use the medicinal product after the expiry date stated on the packaging.

Storage conditions.

Store at a temperature not exceeding 30 °C. Keep in the original blister pack to protect from light. Keep the medicinal product out of the reach of children.

Packaging.

Blister pack of 25 tablets; 1, 2, or 4 blisters in a cardboard box.

Prescription status.

Prescription only.

Manufacturer.

BERLIN-CHEMIE AG

Manufacturer's location and address of place of business.

Glienicker Weg 125, 12489 Berlin, Germany.