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Cappelli C, Gatta E, Ippolito S. Levothyroxine personalized treatment: is it still a dream? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1334292. [PMID: 38260167 PMCID: PMC10801080 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1334292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Levothyroxine is a milestone in the treatment of all causes of hypothyroidism. From 19th century till today, Levothyroxine experienced a great advancement, from hypodermic injections of an extract of the thyroid gland of a sheep to novel formulations, known to circumvent malabsorption issue. However, the rate of patients on suboptimal therapy is still high. Current Guidelines are clear, daily Levothyroxine dosage should be calculated based on body weight. However, we are still far away from the possibility to administer the right dosage to the right patient, for several reasons. We retrace the history of treatment with levothyroxine, pointing out strengths and weaknesses of different formulations, with particular attention to what keeps us away from tailored therapy. In the age of digitalization, the pharmaceutical industry has been giving rising importance to Digital therapeutics, that are known to be effective in reaching target therapies. By combining current knowledge of hypothyroidism therapy with cutting-edge technology, we also hypothesized what could be the future strategies to be developed in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Cappelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Endocrinologia, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisa Gatta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Endocrinologia, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ippolito
- Consulcesi Homnya, Head of Omnichannel Strategy & Project Management, Rome, Italy
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2
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Bocale R, Desideri G, Barini A, D’Amore A, Boscherini M, Necozione S, Lombardi CP. Long-Term Adherence to Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy in Thyroidectomized Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154296. [PMID: 35893387 PMCID: PMC9332058 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: We evaluated the long term adherence to two distinct formulations of levothyroxine (L-T4), liquid or solid, which are differently influenced by concomitant food ingestion. (2) Methods: A total of 106 thyroidectomized patients (82 female, mean age 58.2 ± 13.3 years) on L-T4 replacement therapy in either liquid (n = 52) or solid formulation (n = 54) were administered the four-item Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MAQ). (3) Results: The study population had 59.4% adherers and 40.6% non-adherers. The global MAQ score was significantly better in patients under liquid L-T4 in comparison to those under solid L-T4 (0.42 ± 0.82 vs. 0.83 ± 0.95, respectively, p = 0.0085). The patients on tablet L-T4 forgot to take their medication more frequently than those on liquid LT4 treatment (p = 0.0159) and were more often careless at times about taking their medication (p = 0.007), whilst about one in two thyroidectomized patients preferred tablets for lifetime medication therapy. The global MAQ score was directly correlated with the circulating TSH levels in the whole study population (0.700, p < 0.0001) and inversely correlated with both the FT3 (−0.220, p = 0.0232) and FT4 (−0.327, p = 0.0006) serum concentrations. (4) Conclusions: Long-term adherence to L-T4 treatment was globally satisfactory although it was better for the liquid formulation, which appears to represent an easier-to-manage L-T4 replacement therapy for most thyroidectomized patients, particularly for those with difficulties in taking L-T4 while fasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Bocale
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, “Agostino Gemelli” School of Medicine, University Foundation Polyclinic, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00198 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (A.D.); (M.B.); (C.P.L.)
| | - Giovambattista Desideri
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-339-330-9326
| | - Angelina Barini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Laboratory Medicine, “Agostino Gemelli” School of Medicine, University Foundation Polyclinic, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00198 Rome, Italy;
| | - Annamaria D’Amore
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, “Agostino Gemelli” School of Medicine, University Foundation Polyclinic, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00198 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (A.D.); (M.B.); (C.P.L.)
| | - Mauro Boscherini
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, “Agostino Gemelli” School of Medicine, University Foundation Polyclinic, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00198 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (A.D.); (M.B.); (C.P.L.)
| | - Stefano Necozione
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Celestino Pio Lombardi
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, “Agostino Gemelli” School of Medicine, University Foundation Polyclinic, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00198 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (A.D.); (M.B.); (C.P.L.)
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Gatta E, Bambini F, Buoso C, Gava M, Maltese V, Anelli V, Delbarba A, Pirola I, Cappelli C. Liquid levothyroxine formulations in patients taking drugs interfering with L-T4 absorption. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1080108. [PMID: 36561558 PMCID: PMC9764388 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1080108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the current knowledge on thyroid hormonal profile in patients on liquid L-T4 therapy and drugs known to interfere with L-T4 absorption. METHODS A PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus research was performed. Case reports, case series, original studies and reviews written in English and published online up to 31 August 2022 were selected and reviewed. The final reference list was defined based on the relevance of each paper to the scope of this review. RESULTS The available data showed that novel levothyroxine formulations circumvent gastric pH impairment due to multiple interfering drugs such as proton pump inhibitors, calcium or iron supplements, sevelamer, aluminum/magnesium hydroxide and sodium alginate. CONCLUSION New formulations can be taken simultaneously with drugs interfering with L-T4 absorption, in particular liquid formulations. Softgel capsules need more studies to support these data.
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Ferrari SM, Ragusa F, Elia G, Paparo SR, Mazzi V, Baldini E, Benvenga S, Antonelli A, Fallahi P. Precision Medicine in Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:750380. [PMID: 34867359 PMCID: PMC8635786 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.750380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are T-cell-mediated organ specific autoimmune disorders, deriving from an altered response of the immune system that leads to the immune attack to the thyroid. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) and Graves’ disease (GD) are the two principal AITD clinical presentations. Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis are, respectively, the clinical hallmarks of HT and GD. Patients with autoimmune thyroiditis are treated daily with synthetic L-thyroxine (L-T4) at the dose of 1.5–1.7 μg/kg. Various L-T4 formulations are commercially available (tablet, liquid solution, or soft gel capsule). L-T4 in tablets is generally prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, whereas the liquid formulation, or soft gel capsules, can be administered in hypothyroid patients in case of malabsorption or in patients in therapy with drugs interfering with L-T4 absorption. Furthermore, myoinositol has a crucial role in thyroid autoimmunity and function. Clinical studies reported a significant decline in TSH and antithyroid autoantibodies levels after treatment with myoinositol + selenium in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis. Moreover, thyroidectomy can be rarely recommended in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, with cosmetic reasons for a goiter, or with important signs or symptoms of local compression, or nodular disease with a “suspicious” cytology for malignancy. Furthermore, a recent randomized trial suggested that total thyroidectomy can improve quality of life and fatigue, while medical therapy did not. In this review, we overview currently available evidence in personalized medicine in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Further research is needed in larger population to investigate the effect of these new treatments on quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giusy Elia
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Mazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Master Program on Childhood, Adolescent and Women’s Endocrine Health, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Interdepartmental Program of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Women’s Endocrine Health, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico “G. Martino”, I-98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Antonelli,
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Kaur N, Suryanarayanan R. Levothyroxine sodium pentahydrate tablets - formulation considerations. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:3743-3756. [PMID: 34384799 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Even though levothyroxine sodium pentahydrate tablets have been in the market since 1955, there continue to be recalls due to sub potency. We have comprehensively reviewed the factors affecting its stability in solid oral dosage forms. A compilation of marketed formulation compositions enabled the identification of the potential 'problem excipients'. Two excipient properties, hygroscopicity and microenvironmental acidity, appeared to be responsible for inducing drug instability. In drug products, depending on the formulation composition and storage conditions, the pentahydrate can dehydrate to highly reactive levothyroxine sodium monohydrate, or undergo salt disproportionation to the free acid form of the drug. The USP assay method (HPLC based) is insensitive to these different physical forms of the drug. The influence of physical form of levothyroxine on its chemical stability is incompletely understood. The USP has five product-specific dissolution tests reflecting the complexity in its evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navpreet Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 9-177 WDH, 308 Harvard Street Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Raj Suryanarayanan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 9-177 WDH, 308 Harvard Street Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.
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Liquid Levothyroxine Formulation Taken during Lunch in Italy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Rep Endocrinol 2020; 2020:8858887. [PMID: 32963845 PMCID: PMC7492953 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8858887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Levothyroxine (L-T4) is among the most widely prescribed medications in the world, and it is considered by the World Health Organization an essential medicine for basic health care. Replacement therapy has always been considered straightforward although different factors may interfere with intestinal absorption of L-T4, including food, dietary fibre, coffee, drugs, and gastrointestinal diseases. For these reasons, current guidelines recommend that L-T4 should be taken in a fasting state because its absorption is maximised when it is taken on an empty stomach, reflecting the importance of gastric acidity in the absorption process. In addition to sodium L-T4 in tablet form, various formulations (soft-gel capsules and liquid solutions) have become available for clinical use in the last years promising improved absorption. We described a 31-year-old Italian man who took liquid levothyroxine formulation during lunch. He was under replacement therapy with liquid levothyroxine 75 mcg daily for hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto thyroiditis for three years. During confirmation of the L-T4 replacement therapy, the patient stated that he was going to continue to “take liquid levothyroxine during (his) lunch every day.” We recommended taking the medication correctly in the morning at least thirty minutes before breakfast and repeating TSH, fT4, and fT3 after three months. The thyroid hormonal profiles taken after 3 and 6 months were comparable to those when the patient was taking the medication during lunch. In conclusion, liquid levothyroxine formulation should be preferred in case of malabsorption or potential malabsorption. Liquid formulation should be preferred due to the possibility of taking it during breakfast, which significantly improves the compliance of patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possibility of taking liquid L-T4 during lunch.
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Aleskndrany A, Sahin I. The effects of Levothyroxine on the structure and dynamics of DPPC liposome: FTIR and DSC studies. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Obeidat KA, Saadeh NA, As'ad A, Bakkar S. Successful Management of Hypothyroidism in Gastric Outlet Obstruction Using Levothyroxine Rectal Enemas: A Case Report. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2018; 19:903-905. [PMID: 30065241 PMCID: PMC6083943 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.909437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Male, 53 Final Diagnosis: Gastric cancer Symptoms: Abdominal and/or epigastric pain • vomiting • weigh loss Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Gastrectomy Specialty: Surgery
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A Obeidat
- Department of General Surgery, King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH), Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nesreen A Saadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH), Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Anas As'ad
- Department of General Surgery, King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH), Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sohail Bakkar
- Department of General Surgery, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
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Cappelli C, Castello R, Marini F, Paoletta A, Marchetti M, Saullo M, Cristiano A, Pirola I, Gandossi E, Ferlin A, Castellano M. Adherence to Levothyroxine Treatment Among Patients With Hypothyroidism: A Northeastern Italian Survey. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:699. [PMID: 30532737 PMCID: PMC6265311 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A significant number of patients show sub-optimal adherence to levothyroxine (LT4) therapy, mainly because they have to postpone their breakfast by at least 30 min. The aim of this observational cross-sectional study was to assess the therapeutic compliance of patients on LT4 treatment and to verify the preference of a lifetime treatment in tablet or liquid form. Patients and Methods: Ambulatory care patients aged 18 years or older, affected by hypothyroidism and on LT4 treatment (in tablet or liquid form) were administered the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). The MMAS-8 questionnaire was supplemented with 3 further items to specifically evaluate preference between tablet and liquid forms of LT4 for lifetime treatment. Results: A total of 320 patients (272 female), median age 47.9 ± 15.6 years (range, 20-78 years), completed the MMAS-8 questionnaire. Eighty-seven percent of the participants were adhering to their treatment for both tablet and liquid LT4 formulations, although significant differences emerged. Patients on LT4 tablets forgot to take their medication more frequently (p < 0.001), felt hassled about sticking to their treatment plan (p < 0.001), and had difficulty remembering to take all their medication(s) (p < 0.001) than those on liquid LT4 treatment. Conclusions: Adherence to LT4 treatment was high for both tablet and liquid formulations. Taking LT4 at breakfast was the most convenient option for most patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Cappelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Medicina ad Indirizzo Endocrino-Metabolico, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Carlo Cappelli
| | - Roberto Castello
- General Medicine and Endocrinology, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fiorella Marini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Medicina ad Indirizzo Endocrino-Metabolico, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Agostino Paoletta
- Endocrinology Outpatient Service, Azienda ULSS 6 Euganea, Cittadella, Italy
| | - Massimo Marchetti
- General Medicine and Endocrinology, Ospedale Bassano del Grappa, Bassano del Grappa, Italy
| | - Maura Saullo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Medicina ad Indirizzo Endocrino-Metabolico, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cristiano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Medicina ad Indirizzo Endocrino-Metabolico, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Ilenia Pirola
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Medicina ad Indirizzo Endocrino-Metabolico, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Gandossi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Medicina ad Indirizzo Endocrino-Metabolico, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Medicina ad Indirizzo Endocrino-Metabolico, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Castellano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, SSD Medicina ad Indirizzo Endocrino-Metabolico, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Fallahi P, Ferrari SM, Ruffilli I, Ragusa F, Biricotti M, Materazzi G, Miccoli P, Antonelli A. Advancements in the treatment of hypothyroidism with L-T4 liquid formulation or soft gel capsule: an update. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016; 14:647-655. [PMID: 27552635 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2016.1227782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The most recent advance concerning levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy is the development of novel oral formulations: the liquid preparation, and the soft gel capsule. Areas covered: This review evaluates the most recent clinical studies about these new formulations. The liquid formulation has been shown to overcome: the food and beverages intereference with L-T4 tablets absorption, caused by food or coffee at breakfast; malabsorption induced by the increased gastric pH, resulting from atrophic gastritis, or due to proton-pump inhibitors; and malabsorption after bariatric surgery. The use of liquid L-T4 has been studied also in pregnancy, newborns and infants, suggesting a better bioequivalence than tablets. Finally, liquid L-T4 is more active than tablets in the control of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in hypothyroid patients without malabsorption, drug interference, or gastric disorders, leading to a hypothesized higher absorption of liquid L-T4 also in these patients. Few studies have evaluated soft gel L-T4 with promising results in patients with malabsorption related to coffee or gastritis. Expert opinion: Liquid L-T4 (and soft gel capsules) are more active than the tablet L-T4 in the control of TSH in hypothyroid patients with gastric disorders, malabsorption, or drug interference, but also in patients without absorption disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poupak Fallahi
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Ruffilli
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Marco Biricotti
- b Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- b Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Paolo Miccoli
- b Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
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Formenti AM, Mazziotti G, Giubbini R, Giustina A. Treatment of hypothyroidism: all that glitters is gold? Endocrine 2016; 52:411-3. [PMID: 26924152 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-0882-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Formenti
- Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gherardo Mazziotti
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Carlo Poma Hospital, Mantua, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Giustina
- Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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Cappelli C, Pirola I, Gandossi E, Cristiano A, Daffini L, Agosti B, Casella C, Castellano M. Thyroid Hormone Profile in Patients Ingesting Soft Gel Capsule or Liquid Levothyroxine Formulations with Breakfast. Int J Endocrinol 2016; 2016:9043450. [PMID: 27313613 PMCID: PMC4904100 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9043450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Recently, it has been shown that liquid L-T4 formulation can be ingested with breakfast. This study looked to extend these findings by investigating whether a soft gel capsule formulation of L-T4 could also be ingested at breakfast time. Methods. 60 patients (18-65 yrs), previously submitted to thyroidectomy for proven benign goitre in stable euthyroidism receiving liquid L-T4 therapy ingested with breakfast, were enrolled. TSH, fT4, and fT3 levels were assessed in all the patients who were switched from liquid L-T4 to a soft gel capsule formulation at the same dosage of L-T4. After 6 months, TSH, fT4, and fT3 levels were determined again. Results. There were no differences in TSH levels, but fT3 and fT4 levels during treatment with the soft gel capsule were significantly lower than those at enrolment with the liquid L-T4 formulation (TSH median (min-max): 1.9 (0.5-4.0) versus 2.2 (0.5-4.5) mIU/L, fT3: 2.5 (2.4-3.1) versus 2.7 (2.4-3.3) pg/mL, p < 0.05, and fT4: 9.9 (8.0-13) versus 10.6 (8.6-13.8) pg/mL, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Both liquid and soft gel formulations of L-T4 can be taken with breakfast. However, liquid L-T4 would be the preferred formulation for patients in whom even small changes in fT4 and fT3 levels are to be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Cappelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Clinica Medica, 2nd Medicina, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- *Carlo Cappelli:
| | - Ilenia Pirola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Clinica Medica, 2nd Medicina, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Elena Gandossi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Clinica Medica, 2nd Medicina, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cristiano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Clinica Medica, 2nd Medicina, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Linda Daffini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Clinica Medica, 2nd Medicina, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Agosti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Clinica Medica, 2nd Medicina, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Casella
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, 3rd Division of General Surgery, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Castellano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Clinica Medica, 2nd Medicina, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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