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Thyrel® TRH Temporarily Removed from Market
July 24, 2002
Production of Thyrel®, TRH (protirelin), has been halted as of July
2002. The manufacturer, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, says that it is modifying
the manufacturing process for Thyrel® in order to meet newly mandated
production guidelines. Since the development of ultrasensitive TSH assays,
the indications for use of TRH for thyroid axis testing have become fairly
limited. TRH is now rarely indicated for detection of thyrotoxicosis or
hypothyroidism. However, results from a TRH stimulation test can sometimes
be useful in special clinical situations, such as distinguishing TSH-secreting
pituitary tumors from other forms of inappropriate TSH secretion and in
subtle cases of central hypothyroidism. It is uncertain how long this
processing modification will take. Ferring's information letter says ,
"Ferring will make every effort to implement these changes as soon
as possible, but as with any pharmaceutical process, significant time
is needed to make these manufacturing upgrades." As no other company
appears to produce TRH at this time, no replacement product is expected
to be available until Thyrel® returns to the market.
