Thyrotropin Alpha Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 9, 2025.

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.

See also:

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer