Thyronajod

Thyronajod Henning is a combination product of levothyroxine (thyroid hormone T4) and potassium iodide (iodine). It is used to treat simple goiter without thyroid dysfunction when additional iodine alongside the thyroid hormone is medically indicated, and to prevent goiter from growing back after thyroid surgery or radioiodine therapy.

Thyronajod is available in various strengths, which allows individual dosing. It is comparable to Jodthyrox, but is made by a different manufacturer (Sanofi/Henning) and offered in different strengths.

Additional iodine alongside the thyroid hormone is generally indicated in younger patients (under 40 years of age) with goiter and diet-related iodine deficiency.

The product contains two components.

Levothyroxine (T4) is the synthetically produced form of the hormone that the thyroid gland mainly makes. The body converts it into active T3 as needed. It replaces missing thyroid hormone.

Iodide is the building block from which the thyroid gland makes its own hormones. If iodine is lacking, the thyroid cannot produce enough and grows — a goiter develops.

The combination is intended for the treatment of simple goiter without thyroid dysfunction when additional iodine is useful alongside the hormone — and for preventing a goiter from coming back after surgery or radioiodine therapy. The hormone relieves the thyroid gland of work and thus slows the growth stimulus, while the iodide makes up for the deficiency.

Treatment is usually planned for one to two years. After that, treatment is continued with iodide alone in most cases, provided the diet does not supply enough iodine.

Whether this combination is right in an individual case is decided by the medical review based on blood levels and an examination of the thyroid gland. In thyroid autonomy, additional iodine can trigger hyperthyroidism — which is why this needs to be clarified beforehand.

Thyronajod is suitable for:

• Simple goiter without thyroid dysfunction, when additional iodine alongside the hormone is medically indicated
• Prevention of goiter regrowth after thyroid surgery or radioiodine therapy

Not suitable for:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis (no additional iodine!)
• Thyroid autonomy (hot nodules)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Iodine allergy or intolerance

Available strengths:

• Thyronajod 50 Henning: 50 mcg T4 + 150 mcg iodide
• Thyronajod 75 Henning: 75 mcg T4 + 150 mcg iodide
• Thyronajod 100 Henning: 100 mcg T4 + 150 mcg iodide
• Thyronajod 150 Henning: 150 mcg T4 + 150 mcg iodide

Dosage:

• Individualized based on TSH level and thyroid ultrasound
• Usually 1 tablet daily
• Strength chosen according to hormone requirements

• Once daily in the morning, on an empty stomach, at least half an hour before breakfast, with a glass of water.
• The interval before the meal is important: food, especially coffee, milk and soy products, reduces absorption.
• The dose is set by a doctor and increased slowly.
• Do not change or stop it on your own. The effect builds up over weeks.

Intervals from other medicines

• At least two hours from products containing calcium, magnesium or iron, and from heartburn medicines.
• At least four to five hours from colestyramine and similar products.

Before examinations of the thyroid gland — scintigraphy, radioiodine test or radioiodine treatment — and before examinations with iodine-containing contrast agents, the product must be stopped in good time. The timing should be set by a doctor.

Monitoring: After every dose change, blood levels should be checked, usually after six to eight weeks.

Do not use in case of:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
• Overactive thyroid of any cause — including one that is not yet noticeable (latent).
• Thyroid autonomy, whether focal or diffuse — even with small autonomous areas, additional iodine can trigger hyperthyroidism.
• Untreated adrenocortical insufficiency.
• Untreated pituitary dysfunction with adrenal involvement.
• Recent heart attack, acute inflammation of the heart muscle, acute inflammation of all layers of the heart wall.
• Dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring.
• A specific type of blood vessel inflammation (hypocomplementemic vasculitis).

To be clarified with a doctor: coronary heart disease, heart failure, heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, older age, kidney disease, and a planned examination or treatment of the thyroid gland.

Not for weight loss. In people with normal thyroid function, higher doses can cause serious, even life-threatening side effects.

With a correctly adjusted dose, side effects are rare. If they occur, they are usually signs of a hormone dose that is too high — the body reacts as it would to an overactive thyroid:

• Palpitations, fast or irregular pulse
• Inner restlessness, nervousness, tremor
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased sweating, heat sensitivity
• Weight loss despite eating the same amount
• Diarrhea
• Headache, muscle weakness

Additionally possible due to the iodine content

• With iodine hypersensitivity: fever, skin rash, itching, burning eyes, irritating cough, diarrhea, headache — in this case stop taking it and have it checked by a doctor
• With excessive iodine intake: metallic taste, irritation of the mucous membranes (runny nose, conjunctivitis), acne-like skin changes
• Triggering of hyperthyroidism, especially with pre-existing autonomy or in older people with nodular goiter

Have it checked by a doctor immediately in case of: persistent racing heart, heart rhythm disorders, swelling of the face or throat, shortness of breath.

Absorption of the hormone is reduced by: products containing calcium, magnesium or iron, heartburn medicines, acid blockers (proton pump inhibitors), colestyramine, colestipol, sevelamer, sucralfate, orlistat, coffee taken too close to the dose, and soy-containing food. Semaglutide (weight-loss injection) increases absorption by about one third — with simultaneous treatment, levels should be monitored more closely.

Speed up breakdown: carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin.

Also to be considered because of the iodine content:

• Medicines for hyperthyroidism (thiamazole, carbimazole, propylthiouracil): iodine can weaken their effect.
• Lithium: together with iodine, it can promote hypothyroidism and enlargement of the thyroid gland.
• Potassium-sparing diuretics: potassium levels can rise.
• Iodine-containing contrast agents and iodine-containing disinfectants further increase iodine intake.

The effect of other medicines can change:

• Coumarin-type blood thinners: the tendency to bleed can increase.
• Blood sugar-lowering medicines and insulin: the requirement can change.

Please list all medicines you take, including non-prescription ones and dietary supplements — many contain iodine. Biotin in dietary supplements can distort the measurement of thyroid levels; mention it before a blood draw.