Induced Thyroid Disorders

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Induced thyroid disorders may happen as an effect of certain medicines or treatments. Certain medicines or treatments can cause your thyroid gland to make too much or not enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ that is found in the front part of your neck. Thyroid hormones are special chemicals that help control your body's functions, including body temperature, heart rate, and growth.
  
  
• Amiodarone, lithium, and interferon are medicines that can lead to thyroid disorders. Radiation treatment may also cause thyroid disorders. You may have signs and symptoms of high or low amounts of thyroid hormones. Blood tests, thyroid scan, ultrasound, and biopsy are used to check for thyroid disorders. Treatment may include antithyroid medicines, thyroid hormone replacement, or radioactive iodine. Surgery to remove the thyroid gland may also be needed. Finding and treating thyroid disorders will decrease or take away your signs and symptoms such as weight gain or loss, sleepiness, or anxiety. Treatment will also help prevent other medical conditions that can occur with thyroid disorders.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• You may need to have blood drawn at least every 3 to 6 months. Ask your caregiver when to come back and how often you need your blood tested.
  
  

Diet:

Your body uses a lot of energy when it has too much thyroid hormone. You may need to eat more food to give your body the extra energy it needs. Ask your caregiver which foods are best for you, and if you need to follow a special diet.

Drinking liquids:

Adults should drink about 9 to 13 cups of liquid each day. One cup is 8 ounces. Good choices of liquids for most people include water, juice, and milk. Coffee, soup, and fruit may be counted in your daily liquid amount. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should drink each day.

Rest:

Rest when you feel it is needed. Slowly start to do more each day. Return to your daily activities as directed.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You feel very nervous and restless.
  
  
• You have pain, redness, and swelling in your muscles and joints.
  
  
• Your voice becomes hoarse or you have itchiness in your throat.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or medicines.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have chest pains or trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• You have swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
  
  
• You just fainted or had a seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• Your heart is beating very fast and you are becoming very restless.
  
  
• Your signs and symptoms return or become worse.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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