home > drugs a-z list > cytomel (liothyronine sodium) drug center > cytomel (liothyronine sodium) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious signs of too much thyroid hormone occur: headache, irritability, trouble sleeping, nervousness, increased sweating, heat intolerance, diarrhea, menstrual changes.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, trouble breathing with exercise, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, swelling of the arms/legs, extreme weakness.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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.

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

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.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: decreased adrenal gland function, kidney disease (e.g., nephrosis), low pituitary hormone (e.g., hypopituitarism), low testosterone (e.g., hypogonadism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart disease (e.g., angina, high blood pressure, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart attack), sugar diabetes (diabetes mellitus), water diabetes (diabetes insipidus), long-term severe underactive thyroid (e.g., myxedema).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

If you have diabetes, this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as increased thirst/urination, shakiness, unusual sweating, or hunger. Your anti-diabetic medication or diet may need to be adjusted.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be at a greater risk for heart problems while using this drug.

Children may be more sensitive to the effects of thyroid hormones.

Current information shows that this drug may be used during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before becoming pregnant.

Liothyronine passes into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.