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.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

• 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.

Wellness hints:

• Eating and drinking:
  
  
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you have more energy and heal faster. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
    
    
  • Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Follow your caregiver's advice if you must change the amount of liquid you drink. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juices, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Try to drink enough liquid each day, and not just when you feel thirsty.
  
  
• Start exercising: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising can help make your heart stronger, lower your blood pressure, and keep you healthy.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.
  
  
• Avoid stress: Stress may slow healing and cause illness. Since it is hard to avoid stress, learn to control it. Learn new ways to relax, such as deep breathing. Talk to your caregiver about things that upset you.

For more information: Having induced thyroid disorders may be hard. You and those close to you may feel scared, angry, or sad. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information:

• American Thyroid Association
  6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 550
  Falls Church, VA 22041
  Phone: 1-703-998-8890
  Phone: 1-800-849-7643
  Web Address: www.thyroid.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• 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.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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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