Some New Thyroid Disease Websites to Visit
Dateline: 5/18/98
Thyroid Cancer -- Thyrogen Information
Keep up with the latest developments on the drug Thyrogen at http://www.genzyme.com. Thyrogen was developed by Genzyme, and is a form of thyroid stimulating hormone for use in thyroid cancer patients, who must take thyroid hormone supplements and undergo periodic testing for the spread of their cancer. Current tests require patients to stop taking their hormone supplements for two to six weeks prior to testing. This thyroid hormone withdrawal raises the level of another hormone thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) so that metastases can be detected with radioiodine scanning. But hormone withdrawal also causes fatigue, weight gain, constipation, mental dullness, lethargy, depression, and other adverse reactions. Thyrogen is an external source of TSH intended to allow diagnostic testing while avoiding hormone withdrawal and its debilitating effects.
Perchlorate Issue
If anyone is interested in tracking the EPA's evaluation of perchlorate in drinking water, here's more info. (Perchlorate is known it cause thyroid problems.) Millions of people may be been exposed to potentially toxic levels of perchlorate. A good introduction to the problem will be held at an EPA stakeholder forum in Las Vegas May 19-21. Persons interesting in attending may register by calling the EPA Safe Drinking Water hotline at 1-800-426-4791.Also see:
- Perchlorate legislation -- http://www.sen.ca.gov, bills AB 2392 and SB 1033
Increased Risk After Radiation For Hyperthyroidism
The New England Journal of Medicine reported that treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine is associated with an increased risk of death from all causes and from a number of diseases, according to European researchers. Read more about this at the New England Journal of Medicine website, http://www.nejm.org/public/1998/0338/0011/0712/1.htm.
AACE Rebuts Research Showing Increased Risk After Radiation For Hyperthyroidism
There were reports on a study that claimed to find an increase in mortality in patients with hyperthyroidism who had been treated with radioiodine (RAI). Since that time, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist has issued a rebuttal to this finding at http://www.aace.com/pub/press/nejmrebutt.html.
Tapazole Information
General info on Tapazole: http://www.jmedpharma.com/html/tapazole.htmlFull prescribing information on Tapazole: http://www.jmedpharma.com/html/products_1_tappresinfo.html
Levoxyl Information
General info on Levoxyl: http://www.jmedpharma.com/html/levoxyl.htmlFull prescribing information on Levoxyl: http://www.jmedpharma.com/html/products_1_levoxpresinfo.html
Cytomel Information
General info on Cytomel: http://www.jmedpharma.com/html/cytomel.htmlFull prescribing information on Cytomel: http://www.jmedpharma.com/html/products_1_cytomelpresinfo.html
The Magic Foundation's Thyroid Disorders in Children Page
Located at http://members.tripod.com/~TDmagicmom/, this is a great page with lots of information regarding thyroid disease in children, developed by this parents-oriented organization. Also, the Magic Foundation is having its annual conference in Chicago July 23-26. They will have two pediatric endocrinologists, (Dr. Deborah Rotenstein and Dr. Patrick Zeller) discussing children's thyroid disorders. This conference will also be alot of fun for kids, check out the scheduled events at the MAGIC homepage. For more info, see the homepage, or email Kelly Cherkes at kacherkes@aol.com..
The Endocrine Society
Located at http://www.endo-society.org/, this home page of this international society has some useful information, and a good list of international thyroid organizations.Debbie McDiarmid's Personal Thyroid Page
Debbie's page, located at http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/9584/thyroid.html, is a great personal account of dealing with thyroid disease.Medscape: "Medullary Thyroid Cancer -- Etiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and testing for medullary thyroid cancer are reviewed"
This article offers a good overview article covering Medullary Thyroid Cancer, by Michael G. Franz, MD, Department of Surgery at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Fla.Center for Hormonal Health
Located at http://www.hormonesonline.com/information.htm, Gillian Ford, author of "Listening to Your Hormones," (See my book information for info on this book) is available for consultation, via the Center for Hormonal Health. See their website for more information.Radioiodine Treatment of Graves' Hyperthyroidism Carries Small Risk of Eye Disease
Check out the study, titled "Relation between Therapy for Hyperthyroidism and the Course of Graves' Ophthalmopathy" reported on in the New England Journal of Medicine, at http://www.nejm.org/public/1998/0338/0002/0073/1.htm.Using Some Antidepressants -- Including Zoloft -- May Make Your Thyroid Hormone Less Effective
Research reported in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that a percentage of patients taking levothyroxine sodium (synthetic thyroid hormone like Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroid, Euthyrox) with hypothyroidism who were treated with the antidepressant sertraline -- brand name Zoloft -- had blood levels indicating a decrease in the effectiveness of their levothyroxine, located at http://www.nejm.org/public/1997/0337/0014/1010/1.htm.Thyroid Hormone Info Resource
Excellent detailed information on thyroid hormones, including brand names, special information, proper use, precautions, side effects, and even photos of the pills, located at the Johns Hopkins Intellihealth site section on Thyroid Hormone.
Comment on what you've read here, and share questions, experiences and information with me and other readers and site visitors at the Thyroid Disease Bulletin Board. |
 | If you want to drop me a line, email me at thyroid.guide@about.com! |
 | A Great Idea!!! Subscribe to my Thyroid Disease News Report.
Thousands of people are already receiving Sticking Out Our Necks, my free, email news report on Thyroid Disease! Don't miss out on another information-packed issue!! Click here for more information and to subscribe! |
