Thyrotropin Alfa (thye-roe-TROE-pin AL-fa)

Treats thyroid cancer. Also used as part of a test to detect or monitor thyroid cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Thyrogen

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Drink extra fluids before treatment with this medicine.
• Your doctor may want you to receive glucocorticoids (steroids) before receiving this medicine.
• Your doctor will have instructions for you on how to get ready for your treatment. Check with your doctor ahead of time if you have not received instructions or you do not understand them.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how thyrotropin alfa works. Tell your doctor if you are also using birth control pills.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease, nerve problems, a history of migraine headaches, stroke, or have any other cancer or tumors. Tell your doctor if you smoke.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of stroke
  • Sudden, rapid, and painful growth of thyroid tumors
• This medicine may be given together with radioiodine. You will be exposed to radiation while receiving radioiodine. Talk with your doctor about precautions that you should take for yourself and for the people around you.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, severe headache, trouble speaking
• Pain or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Loss of vision, troubled breathing, voice changes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild headache
• Nausea
• Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088