Tirosint side effects

I have been taking Tirosint 50mcg since November, for hypothyroidism. At first I felt better, my hair stopped falling out as much, and I didn't have as much brain fog. However, about a month ago my skin started getting horrible. Cystic acne on my jawline (mostly), and regular but large pimples on the rest of my face, upper and lower back, and chest. It hasn't gone away, and the one I've had from the beginning are taking a very long time to heal. I also noticed that since starting this medicine, I get very disoriented when driving. I feel dizzy, and at one point had to pull over because I forgot which was the brake and which was the gas petal for a moment. I thought it was due to the birth control pills I was on. Once I stopped them, this still persisted. I am going back to my endo in September. I cannot go back sooner, due to the fact that he will want me to get more labs. I do not have insurance and cannot afford to go back so soon. The reason I tried Tirosint and not levothyroxine or levoxyl is because I didn't feel they worked, I also broke out badly with them as well. When I got my last labs back, the T's were all in good standing and some lowered. However my calcium levels decreased, my endo refuses to believe it's due to that. I've always had good levels, until starting this medication. I'm not sure what to do...I'm considering stopped the meds after I finish up this month. Has anyone else been through this, or have advice...

[gimel]

Please post your last lab test results and their reference ranges, as shown on the lab report.

[JD3P]

Here are latest results taken on January 25, 2012:

Free T4 1.01 [0.76-1.46]
Tsh Third Generation 0.836 [0.36-3.74]
Thyroid AB (ATA, TPO) <20 [Reference range: <20]
Thyroid Peroxidase AB H 431 [Reference range: <35]

I was on Tirosint 50mcg for two months at this point. My main concern is the lowered calcium, and the acne that I am getting. It's not just a few, but it seems to be spreading everywhere even my scalp. I had a rash on my neck for a while, but it eventually went away. I also occasionally feel very lightheaded or somewhat disoriented.

[gimel]

We have had members with Hashi's report having a rash also.   Here is a link to one thread on that subject.  If you want to read further, you can use the search button and find others.  

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/rash/show/960923

You are really missing the most important thyroid hormone test, which is Free T3.  Free T3 largely regulates metabolism and many other body functions.  Scientific studies have shown that  Free T3 correlated best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH did not correlate.  Members taking a T4 med often find that their body does not convert the T4 to T3 adequately.   In view of its importance, you need to request testing for Free T3, along with Free T4 each time you go in for testing.  If the doctor resists, then you should insist on it and don't take no for an answer.  

As noted in the link above, that member found the rash to get better with an increase in meds.  I expect that you will find your Free T3 to be too low in the range, consistent with still being hypo.  Are you having any other of the 26 typical hypo symptoms listed in this link?  

http://endocrine-system.emedtv.com/hypothyroidism/hypothyroidism-symptoms-and-signs.html

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T3 and Free T4 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results, and especially not TSH, when taking thyroid meds.  You can get some good insight into clinical treatment, like you will need, by reading this letter written by a good thyroid doctor.  Whenever the doctor consults with a patient from a distance, the letter is sent to the PCP to help guide treatment.

http://hormonerestoration.com/files/ThyroidPMD.pdf

In the letter note the statement, "the ultimate criterion for dose adjustment must always be the clinical response of the patient."

So I think you should go back and get the Free T3 test done, along with Free T4.  Since hypo patients are frequently low in other areas, it would be good to also test for Vitamin D, B12, ferritin, and a full iron test panel.  With your symptoms and the low dose of T4, you should discuss an increase in your meds, with your doctor.  


When test results are available if you will post results and reference ranges shown on the lab report, members will be glad to help interpret and advise further.  

[sunrock]

I have used HealthcheckUSA (google on line) to do Free T4 and Free T3 and TSH testing. It was cheaper than my insurance co pay. It costs 85.00
and had my results the next day.

Going off of Birth control pills may cause a imbalance to the hormone system as well and that may bring on Acne and an increase of oily skin.

Mia