What is Novothyral?
Novothyral is a combination preparation containing both thyroid hormones: levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3). It is used to treat the thyroid subfunction (hypothyroidism).
Most patients are well suited with pure T4 (L-thyroxin) as the body converts T4 into the more active T3. However, despite normal TSH values, some patients report persistent complaints such as fatigue or concentration disorders. In these cases, a combination therapy with T3 can be considered.
Novothyral is produced by Merck. The regulation requires careful medical consideration.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Levothyroxin (T4) / Liothyronin (T3)
Novothyral replaces both thyroid hormones:
Levothyroxine (T4):
- Long-acting memory hormone
- Will be converted to T3 in the body
- half-life approx. 7 days
- Provides for a stable hormone level
Liothyronine (T3):
- Bioactive thyroid hormone
- Works directly on target cells
- half-life only approx. 1 day
- Faster action
Combination: The combination simulates the natural hormone production of the thyroid, which produces both T4 and T3. In some patients, the T3 content can improve symptoms that remain under pure T4 therapy.
Who is it suitable for?
Novothyral can be suitable for:
- Patients with hypothyroidism that continue to have symptoms under pure T4
- After careful medical weighing
- For proven limited T4 to T3 conversion
Standard therapy remains L-thyroxin alone. Combination therapy is not suitable for all patients and is not generally recommended by specialist companies.
Not suitable for:
- Heart disease (T3 content can promote heart rhythm disorders)
- Older patients (increased cardiovascular risk)
- osteoporosis
Available Dosages
Available starches:
- Novothyral 75: 75 mcg T4 + 15 mcg T3
- Novothyral 100: 100 mcg T4 + 20 mcg T3
Dosing:
- Individually after TSH, fT3 and fT4
- Beginning with the lowest dose
- Narrow laboratory checks required
- Conversion of L-thyroxin to Novothyral only under medical supervision
How to Take
Intake:
- Morning, sober, 30 minutes before breakfast
- With a glass of water
- Every day at the same time
Special notes on the T3 share:
- T3 has a shorter working time than T4
- Some patients feel a slight energy thrust after taking
- TSH alone is not enough for dose monitoring – also determine fT3 and fT4
Defaults like L-Thyroxin: Mind. 2 h distance to calcium, iron, magnesium, antazida.
Contraindications
**Novothyral may not be taken at:* *
- Untreated secondary bark insufficiency
- Acute heart attack, acute myocardialitis
- Untreated thyroid hyperfunction
Special caution (by T3 share):
- coronary heart disease
- Heart rhythm disorders
- Heart failure
- Older patients
- High blood pressure
- osteoporosis
pregnant: thyroid hormones are essential in pregnancy. A conversion to pure T4 can be useful. Close medical care is necessary.
Possible Side Effects
For correct dosage: Ideally, no side effects.
Possible complaints by T3 share:
- Heart turf, palpitations (more often than pure T4)
- Internal rest
- Sweating
- trembling
- Sleep disorders (especially when taken in the evening)
For overdose: Symptoms of thyroid hyperfunction – heartache, weight loss, diarrhea, nervousness.
Long-term overdose:
- Increased osteoporosis risk
- Hopeful dimmers
Interactions
Identical with L-thyroxine:
- calcium, iron, magnesium (2 h distance)
- Cholestyramine (4-5 h distance)
- Antazida, PPI
Enhancement:
- Anticoagulants (blood risk)
- Sympathomimetics (intensifying effect)
Sustainability by:
- estrogens (dose requirement increased)
- Carbamazepine, Phenytoin
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Novothyral right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.