Thyrel TRH is a diagnostic agent that induces secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland. TSH, in turn, stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.
TSH blood levels after administration of protirelin provide an idea of the functional ability of the anterior pituitary in individuals who have thyroid problems.
This test helps to diagnose any thyroid problems or determine the correct dose of certain medicines.
Protirelin injections are administered only by or under the supervision of a doctor. It is available as solution form.
How is the test carried out:
- Initially, your blood sample is taken.
- Protirelin, 500 micrograms (mcg) for adults, is injected into your vein by your doctor. The child dose is based on body weight.
- After a while, another blood sample is taken. More than one sample may be taken, if needed.
- The blood level of TSH after administration of protirelin is compared to that before the administration and the difference is analyzed.
- To prevent dizziness and fainting, you are advised to take a bed rest for 15 minutes after completing the test.
Before using Thyrel TRH, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Together with your doctor, you can decide whether the medication will do you more goods than the harms.
Here are some factors to be considered before deciding to use this medicine:
Allergies: Inform your doctor about the allergies you have, such as to this medication, other medications, or to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Pediatric: Use only after assessing risks and benefits of the use.
Geriatric: Use only after assessing risks and benefits of the use.
Pregnancy: It falls under pregnancy category C for all trimesters, meaning that due to lack of sufficient studies, it’s not clear if this medication is safe for use in pregnancy.
Breastfeeding: Use only after assessing risks and benefits of the use.
Drug Interaction: Taking two medicines together can be harmful due to possible interactions. In other cases, even if there is a possible interaction between two medicines your doctor may advise you to take them together after adjusting the dose or issuing precautions.
Though usually not recommended, your doctor may decide, after adjusting dose or frequency of one or both medicines, to use protirelin with any of the following medicines:
- Cyproheptadine
- Thioridazine
Other Interactions: Taking your medicine together with certain foods or items such as alcohol or tobacco may cause undesirable interactions. Talk to your doctor to know if using this medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco is safe.
Medical Problems: Using this test during or after certain medical conditions can affect the effect and action of the agent.
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Problems with heart or blood vessels
- High blood pressure
- The occurrence of stroke in the past: Protirelin-induced fluctuations in blood pressure may increase the risk of side effects.
- Kidney problems: Impaired kidney function may interfere with the test results.
To use Thyrel TRH properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. For best results, follow your doctor to know what amount of medicine you should take in a single dose.
The doses of a medicine can differ according to the conditions for which it is being prescribed. Remember your doses can differ. Consult your doctor if you have anything to ask.
- Adult: 500 micrograms (mcg)
- Children age 6 to 16 years: 7 mcg/kg body weight up to dose of 500 mcg
Before using Thyrel TRH, there are some precautions you must take. Your progress should be regularly monitored to determine if you are responding to the treatment or have any undesirable effects.
Call your doctor immediately if you have:
- a cough
- dizziness
- swallowing or breathing problems
- a rapid heartbeat
- fainting
- chest discomfort
- swollen face, hands, tongue or throat after you receive the medicine, indicating a life-threatening allergic reaction, anaphylaxis
- sudden or a severe headache
- problems with vision, speech, breathing or swallowing
- chest pain
- swollen or tender leg
- numbness or weakness while you are receiving this medicine
Consult your doctor if you are concerned about the risk of transmission of certain diseases associated with using a human blood product, including protirelin.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Thyrel TRH.
Consult your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following side effects:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Allergic reactions
- Altered or unpleasant taste
- Anxiety
- Dryness of mouth
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Enlarged breast
- Fluctuations in blood pressure
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Headache
- Heavy chest
- Nausea
- Red face or neck
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating
- Tingling sensations
The side effects of the medicine are not limited to the ones listed above. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects that are uncommon or worry you. To report side effects to the FDA, contact at 1-800-FDA-1088.
