pharmacology mod 7

M7- Thyroid Disorder: Hypothyroidism

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Briana DeRosa posted Jun 25, 2024 9:34 AM

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I chose to do my discussion topic on hypothyroidism because it is a common endocrine disorder that affects a significant portion of the population, particularly women and the elderly. For example, my mom. In clinical practice last semester  I encountered many patients with hypothyroidism, and I have seen firsthand how proper diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve their quality of life. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for managing the disorder and improving patients' quality of life.

Common Medications for Hypothyroidism

1. Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Levoxyl)- Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine (T4), a hormone that the thyroid gland normally produces. It works by restoring the hormone levels, thereby normalizing the body's metabolism.
   Route: About $4-$15 per month, Cost:  $25-$50 per month
   Most common side effects include: weight loss, increased appetite, nervousness, insomnia, sweating, and heat intolerance

1. Liothyronine (Cytomel)
   Mechanism of Drug: Liothyronine is a synthetic form of triiodothyronine (T3), another thyroid hormone. It is used when patients do not adequately respond to levothyroxine alone or in cases of myxedema coma. It acts more quickly than levothyroxine.
   Route: Oral (tablet), Cost: about $30-$60 per month
   Most common side effects include: heart palpitations, nervousness, tremors, headache, insomnia, menstrual irregularities

In my clinical practice, I have observed that many patients with hypothyroidism experience substantial improvement in their symptoms once they begin appropriate medication. For example, one of my patients, a middle-aged woman, presented with severe fatigue, weight gain, and depression. After being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and starting levothyroxine, she reported increased energy levels, weight loss, and a significant improvement in mood. This experience reinforced the importance of recognizing and treating hypothyroidism effectively.

M7

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Arriana Alvarenga posted Jun 25, 2024 4:21 PM

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The Pituitary disorder I chose is Acromegaly which can be defined "as a chronic systemic rare disease most commonly caused by a somatotroph pituitary adenoma with autonomous overproduction of growth hormone (GH) and a consequent increase in insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) levels produced mainly by the liver. Clinical manifestations include somatotrophic effects (acral enlargement, facial alterations, arthralgia), cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic complications and a possible increase in some neoplasias" (Maia et. al, 2020, para. 2).

Two medications used to treat this condition is Octreotide (Sandostatin) which is a man-made protein that is similar to a hormone in the body called somatostatin and is given as an injection into subcutaneous tissue, intravenously and intramuscular if medication is long-acting (MedlinePlus, 2024). Octreotide lowers many substances in the body such as insulin and glucagon (involved in regulating blood sugar), growth hormone, and chemicals that affect digestion (Drugs.com, 2024). According to GoodRx this medication can cost from $90-$359. Side effects include increased hunger, increased thirst, increased urination, Bladder pain, bloody or cloudy urine, diarrhea, injection site reactions and more. This drug is used to mimic somatostatin, which inhibits the secretion of growth hormone. The other medication is Lanreotide (Somatuline Depot) which is a subcutaneous Injection that is indicated for the "long-term treatment of acromegalic patients who have had an inadequate response to surgery and/or radiotherapy, or for whom surgery and/or radiotherapy is not an option. The goal of treatment in acromegaly is to reduce growth hormone (GH) and insulin growth factor-1" (Drugs.com, 2024). This drug inhibits Growth Hormone release in the brain and can cost anywhere from $1,368-$9,822 (GoodRx, 2024). Common side effects include Blurred vision, chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, gaseous abdominal or stomach pain and headaches (Drugs.com, 2024).

I chose this Disease because it isn't a disease many people know about and I've always had an interest in how growth hormone can affect the body by either having too much or too little. Most people know that not enough growth hormone causes dwarfism but they don't really think about how it can affect someone if they have too much. Both situations can cause major health problems and can lead to death faster if not managed.