Thyrogen®
Increasingly, doctors are prescribing Thyrogen®(rhTSH) to increase TSH levels to prepare for RAI scanning, or stimulated Tg measurements. Thyrogen® replaces the need to have patients withdraw from their hormone replacement ('go hypo'), a process that normally takes at least four to six weeks.
Although usually utilized for scanning purposes (low test dose RAI) doctors have the option of prescribing Thyrogen® as an alternative to having a patient withdraw from hormone replacement, in order to have an ablative dose of RAI. This option may be warranted where patients have medical conditions that compromise their ability to 'go hypo', or for patients who have had negative hypothyroid reactions/experiences in the past. The use of Thyrogen® for ablation (treatment doses) currently is "off-label" in Canada and you should consult your doctor about its utility in your case.
Thyrogen® is fast-acting but requires two visits to a doctor (or alternate) for injections. Where a test-dose (scanning dose) of RAI is given, patients are typically given two doses by injection on a Monday and Tuesday, having their test-dose RAI on Wednesday and scan on Friday. A similar schedule is followed for a treatment (ablative) dose, although the Whole Body Scan (WBS) may be delayed for a week or so. During the treatment week, a blood test is also required at least once.
Most patients have mild (if any) side effects from Thyrogen® and are delighted to avoid 'going hypo'.
The 2007 cost of one patient kit of Thyrogen® (two injections) is approximately $1,500. The actual consumer cost can vary per pharmacy and you may call ahead of time and request cost quotations to determine where you can obtain the best price. The cost of Thyrogen may be covered by your provincial or private health insurance.
The manufacturer of Thyrogen®, Genzyme Canada Inc., has set up a helpline to assist you with determining if the drug is covered by your insurance plan, and how to go about being reimbursed.
The number to call is: 1-866-401-8323
The Thyrogen® Reimbursement Helpline is open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm EST., Monday through Friday.
Thyrogen® Schedule
Monday: Thyrogen® Injection #1
Tuesday: Thyrogen® Injection #2
Wednesday: Swallow RAI capsule or liquid (Nuclear Medicine dept)
Thursday: Off
Friday:
- Have a blood test for TSH and Tg
- Have a RAI scan (Nuclear Medicine dept).*
* if a treatment dose of RAI is given, the Whole Body Scan (WBS) will be delayed for 5-10 days after treatment
Optimally, the injections, ingestion of RAI, and scan should all be performed at the same time of day for each.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this website does not constitute medical advice. Visitors are encouraged to work closely with their doctors to make sure that their individual medical needs are met. The Canadian Thyroid Cancer Support Group (Thry'vors) Inc. does not endorse any product, treatment, service or practitioner and is not responsible for the quality of the information or services offered by other organizations or websites.
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