BACKGROUND: Five to ten percent of @entity1 with @entity1375 describe persistent symptoms despite being biochemically well regulated on @entity1955 ( @entity2016 ). @entity1955 (T4)/ @entity1954 (T3) combination therapy [ @entity2016 / @entity1954 ( @entity6143 ) or desiccated thyroid] are still regarded as experimental with no evidence of superior effect on persistent symptoms according to meta-analyses. However, some randomized controlled trials have demonstrated @entity1 ' preference for @entity6402 combination therapy as compared to @entity2016 monotherapy. In 2013, attention to combination therapy increased in Denmark after a @entity1 published a book describing her experiences with @entity1375 and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate current Danish trends in the use of @entity6402 combination therapy. METHODS: We used an Internet-based questionnaire, distributed as a link via two Danish @entity1 fora. Further, information was obtained from the Division of Pharmacies and Reimbursement at the Danish Health and Medicines Authority and from the only pharmacy in Denmark producing desiccated thyroid and L-T3 tablets. RESULTS: A total of 384 @entity1 answered the questionnaire, and 293 responders were included. Sixty-nine percent of the responders had six or more symptoms, and 84% reported a treatment effect. Forty-four percent of the responders received their prescriptions from general practitioners; 50% received desiccated thyroid and 28% reported that they adjust their dose themselves. Responders followed by general practitioners more frequently received desiccated thyroid and adjusted their dose themselves. CONCLUSIONS: Increased media focus has changed the prescription pattern of thyroid hormones; European guidelines on @entity6402 combination therapy are not always followed in Denmark and many @entity1 adjust their medication themselves and may therefore be at risk of overtreatment.

Treating @entity1375 with XXXX / @entity1954 Combination Therapy in Denmark: Following Guidelines or Following Trends?

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity1375 :: ('MESH:D007037', 'Disease') :: ['hypothyroidism'] @entity1955 :: ('MESH:D013974', 'Chemical') :: ['levothyroxine', 'Thyroxine'] @entity2016 :: ('CHEBI:18332', 'Chemical') :: ['L-T4'] @entity6402 :: ('292', 'Gene') :: ['T4/T3'] @entity1954 :: ('MESH:D014284', 'Chemical') :: ['liothyronine', 'triiodothyronine'] @entity6143 :: ('CHEBI:18258', 'Chemical') :: ['L-T3']
@entity1955 :: (MESH:D013974,Chemical) :: ['Thyroxine']
