Bitiron: General Information
What is Bitiron Used For?
Bitiron contains levothyroxine sodium (T4) 50mcg and liothyronine sodium (T3) 12.5mg in a 4:1 ratio. Therefore, it is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid produces insufficient thyroid hormones. As a result, Bitiron helps manage severe chronic thyroid deficiency by regulating the body’s growth and metabolism, Bitiron for weight management.
For more about hypothyroidism and its causes, visit the American Thyroid Association.
Hypothyroidism may occur due to an underactive thyroid, autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or low thyroid-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland. Bitiron effectively relieves symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, cold sensitivity, dry skin, hair loss, slow heart rate, and weight gain. Additionally, it helps prevent or treat thyroid goitre and raises thyroxine levels in patients with thyrotoxicosis or overactive thyroid, Bitiron for weight management.
Learn more about thyroid goitre and its symptoms from Healthline.
How Does Bitiron Work?
Bitiron combines T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (liothyronine), both synthetic versions of naturally occurring thyroid hormones. Exogenous thyroid hormones primarily increase the body’s metabolic rate. Although the thyroid produces mostly T4, it is inactive when bound to proteins in the blood. However, once T4 reaches tissues, it is converted into T3, which is more potent and acts rapidly. Consequently, T3 interacts with specific receptors in cells, stimulating proteins that regulate temperature, metabolism, and growth, Bitiron for weight management.
For a deeper dive into how thyroid hormones function, check out WebMD’s guide on thyroid hormones.
What Does Bitiron Contain?
- Levothyroxine sodium (T4) 50mcg
- Liothyronine sodium (T3) 12.5mg
- Inactive ingredients: Lactose (from bovine milk), starch, PVP K-30, alcohol, magnesium stearate
What Are the Side Effects of Bitiron?
Most side effects occur when the dosage is too high, and adjustments may be necessary. These side effects include:
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Sweating and flushing
- Appetite changes
- Weight loss
- Muscle weakness/cramps
- Tremors
For more information on thyroid hormone therapy and potential side effects, refer to The Thyroid Foundation of Canada.
If you experience any of these, consult your doctor to discuss potential adjustments to your dosage.
When Should Bitiron Not Be Used?
You should not use Bitiron if you:
- Are allergic to levothyroxine, liothyronine, or any ingredient in Bitiron.
- Are seeking a treatment for obesity or weight loss, as Bitiron is not a weight loss product.
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Have a history of heart disease, chest pain, or blood vessel issues (particularly in the elderly).
- Have adrenal gland problems.
- Are diabetic and taking antidiabetic medications, without consulting your doctor, as Bitiron can affect glucose tolerance.
- Are taking medications that may interact with Bitiron, such as anticonvulsants, cardiac glycosides, or cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Medications That Interact with Bitiron
Several medications may either affect how Bitiron works or be affected by it:
- Serious reactions: Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), and cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin).
- Medications that affect Bitiron: Cholesterol-lowering drugs, anticonvulsants, and oral contraceptives containing estrogen.
- Medications affected by Bitiron: Insulin, oral hypoglycemics.
For a complete list of drugs that interact with thyroid hormone therapy, see the FDA’s resources on drug interactions.
How Should Bitiron Be Taken?
You should take Bitiron tablets with a glass of water, with or without food. Typically, one tablet daily is sufficient, but your doctor may adjust this based on your condition. Furthermore, it may take several weeks before you notice any improvement. You should continue taking Bitiron as directed by your doctor, and in many cases, this may be for life.
For more details on proper medication administration, visit Drugs.com’s guide on thyroid medications.
Missed Dose of Bitiron?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and do not take two doses at once.
How Should Bitiron Be Stored?
Store Bitiron tablets below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Make sure they are kept away from heat and humidity to maintain their effectiveness.
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