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Thyrotropin Alpha Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 19, 2022.

Applies to the following strengths: 0.9 mg

Usual Adult Dose for Thyroid Cancer

Two 1 mL (0.9 mg thyrotropin alpha) intramuscular injections into the buttock

  • Administer second dose 24 hours after first

Comments:
  • Drug stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels are usually lower than, and do not correlate with, thyroid hormone withdrawal Tg levels.
  • A missed thyroid cancer diagnosis or underestimation of disease extent can occur despite combination testing with radioiodine imaging.
  • Anti-Tg antibodies may lead to uninterpretable Tg levels from Tg assays; consider further evaluating patients with negative or low-stage radioiodine scans.

Use: Adjunctive treatment for ablation in well differentiated thyroid cancer after thyroidectomy and without distant metastases

Usual Adult Dose for Diagnostic

Two 1 mL (0.9 mg thyrotropin alpha) intramuscular injections into the buttock

  • Administer second dose 24 hours after first

Comments:
  • Long term effects on thyroid cancer outcomes by use of this drug have not been determined.
  • There is too little clinical data on use in remnant ablation to say if long term outcomes are equal to those of thyroid hormone withholding prior to ablation.

Use: Adjunctive diagnostic tool for serum thyroglobulin testing in well differentiated thyroid cancer after thyroidectomy

Renal Dose Adjustments

The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use in renal impairment.

  • Elimination is significantly slower in dialysis dependent end stage renal disease.
  • Thyroid stimulating hormone levels may be elevated for a prolonged time.

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS: None

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

The manufacturer makes no recommendation regarding use in dialysis.

  • Elimination is significantly slower in dialysis dependent end stage renal disease.
  • Thyroid stimulating hormone levels may be elevated for a prolonged time.

Other Comments

Administration advice:

  • For intramuscular administration only.
  • Do not administer intravenously.
  • Consider corticosteroid pretreatment if tumor expansion could compromise vital organs.

Storage requirements:
  • Refrigerate; protect from light

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:
  • Add 1.2 mL sterile water for injection into vial.
  • Swirl contents until completely dissolved; do not shake
  • Use within 3 hours of reconstitution.
  • Reconstituted product may be refrigerated for not more than 24 hours; avoid microbial contamination.
  • Solution should be clear.
  • Do not use if solution is discolored, cloudy, or has particulates.

IV compatibility:
  • Do not mix with other substances.

General:
  • Only for use by physicians knowledgeable in thyroid cancer treatment.

Monitoring:
  • Routine TSH monitoring is NOT recommended after treatment.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.