Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who uses Thyrogen (Thyrotropin). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using Thyrogen (Thyrotropin). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• anxiety
• change in skin colour
• changes in taste
• changes in touch
• Constipation
• decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• difficulty with memory or concentration
• dizziness
• dry lips
• dry skin
• feeling hot or cold
• feeling unwell
• flu-like symptoms (e.g., chills, Fever, joint or muscle ache, fatigue)
• hair loss
• headache
• hemorrhoids
• irritability
• muscle stiffness, tightness, or spasms
• nausea
• numbness, tingling, or prickling sensation
• pain when eating
• perspiration
• restlessness
• ringing in the ears
• runny nose
• salivary gland enlargement
• sore throat
• stuffy nose
• sweating
• tiredness
• tremor or shaking
• vomiting
• warmth at the place of injection
• weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Depression
• easy bruising
• painful or swollen lymph nodes
• pain near the tumour

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• difficulty breathing
• Hives or skin rash or blisters
• pounding, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing; hives; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; dizziness; fainting
• sudden redness, pain, or swelling in the leg

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are using Thyrogen (Thyrotropin).

Each vial of sterile, nonpyrogenic lyophilized product contains 1.1 mg of Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) alfa. Nonmedicinal ingredients: mannitol, nitrogen, sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, and sterile water for injection.

Do not use Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) if you:

• are allergic to Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) alfa or any ingredients of Thyrogen (Thyrotropin)
• are pregnant or breastfeeding

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Thyrogen (Thyrotropin).

Heart disease: If you have a history of heart disease and have significant thyroid tissue left after thyroid gland removal, discuss with your doctor how Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Thyrogen (Thyrotropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney problems: If you have end-stage Kidney Disease or are receiving dialysis treatments, discuss with your doctor how Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Thyrogen (Thyrotropin), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Thyroid cancer patients with metastatic disease: If your thyroid cancer has spread to other parts of the body, especially confined areas (e.g., brain, spinal cord), you may experience local swelling or bleeding at these sites when using Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) alfa. You should talk to your doctor, who may prescribe you corticosteroids (e.g., Dexamethasone) to take before receiving Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) alfa.

Pregnancy: Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Thyrogen (Thyrotropin), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) alfa passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Thyrogen (Thyrotropin), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Thyrogen (Thyrotropin) have not been established for children.