A-Z Indexes

Food

Health Guides

Health News

Liothyronine

Warning

This medication should not be used for weight loss. Normal doses of this medication will not work for weight loss, and large doses may cause serious, possibly fatal side effects, especially when taken with diet pills.

Precautions

Before taking liothyronine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: decreased adrenal gland function, heart disease (such as chest pain, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack), high blood pressure, diabetes, water diabetes (diabetes insipidus).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Current information shows that this drug may be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant because your doctor may need to change your dose.

Liothyronine passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Temporary hair loss may occur during the first few months of starting this drug, especially in children. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Though unlikely, it is possible to have too much thyroid hormone. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of too much thyroid hormone, including: headache, mental/mood changes (such as irritability, nervousness), increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, diarrhea, menstrual changes.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious symptoms of too much thyroid hormone, including: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling ankles/feet, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.