Tirosint: A Unique Levothyroxine Formulation

Tirosint is the brand name for a form of levothyroxine designed for people with allergies to fillers and dyes found in standard formulations. The soft gel capsules contain no dyes, gluten, alcohol, lactose, or sugar. Besides T4, Tirosint contains only three inactive ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, and water.

In addition to those with allergies, Tirosint has been found particularly effective in treating people with hypothyroidism who have certain digestive conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or atrophic gastritis. Due to intestinal absorption issues, these conditions make traditional levothyroxine tablets less effective; Tirosint seems to bypass the malabsorption problems.

Along the same line, Tirosint offers benefits to people whose typical levothyroxine tablets are interfered with by their breakfast food and/or morning coffee. In fact, Tirosint appears to be "coffee-resistant" and, according to researchers, may be used to achieve a target TSH level in people who are unwilling or unable to change the way they take their levothyroxine.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, Tirosint may cause heart problems, including an increased heart rate, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, and weak or brittle bones. Your risk of developing these issues may be higher if you are elderly or take too much of the medication.

If you have diabetes, Tirosint may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. In this case, your doctor may have to alter your diabetes treatment regimen and monitor you more closely.

If your doctor prescribes Tirosint, be sure to review all possible side effects and provide your doctor with a list of all your current medications, vitamins, and supplements.

Tirosint cannot be crushed, chewed, or cut. The available ten doses include:

• 13 mcg
• 25 mcg
• 50 mcg
• 75 mcg
• 88 mcg
• 100 mcg
• 112 mcg
• 125 mcg
• 137 mcg
• 150 mcg

Tirosint is marketed and distributed by Akrimax Pharmaceuticals and manufactured by IBSA Institute Biochimique, a privately-owned, global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland. The U.S. contact location for Akrimax is in Cranford, New Jersey.

The company provides a couple of options to help defray the cost of Tirosint.

Patient Assistance Program

The Akrimax Patient Assistance Program is available to patients who meet specific income requirements, and those who are eligible can receive Tirosint for free for up to one year, with monthly Tirosint shipments by mail. Patients can re-enroll in the program after one year of participation. 

Direct Program

The Akrimax Direct program offers patients the option to order prescription Tirosint by direct mail. The pharmacy handling the program (Linden Care) will determine whether your insurance copay or the cash price is the lowest cost option. This includes the value of the Tirosint coupon currently available for Tirosint at the drug's website.

You can receive your medication by standard USPS delivery for free (it usually takes five days) or by Federal Express overnight or second-day delivery at additional cost.

A Word From Verywell

Tirosint may be a sensible alternative for you, especially if you are not tolerating or absorbing traditional levothyroxine formulations. If you are switching to Tirosint, though, be sure to follow up with your doctor. You will need to have a blood test after six weeks to ensure you are on the proper dose.