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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

LIOTHYRONINE - ORAL

(lye-oh-THYE-roe-neen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cytomel

WARNING: This medication should not be used either alone or in combination with diet pills to treat obesity/cause weight loss in patients with normal thyroid production. If used in combination with diet pills (appetite suppressant drugs), serious, even life-threatening effects could occur.

USES: Liothyronine is used to treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces a hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. It is important to have adequate levels of thyroid hormone in your bloodstream to maintain normal mental and physical activity.

This medication is also used to lower thyroid function in certain diseases such as enlarged thyroid gland (goiter) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is also used to test thyroid activity. Liothyronine is a man-made hormone that replaces the body's natural thyroid hormone (T3).

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug may also be used to treat thyroid cancer.

Liothyronine should not be used for treating infertility in patients with normal thyroid levels. The risks of use are high, and liothyronine provides no benefit.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily in the morning or as directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, thyroid levels and response to therapy.

Take this medication 4 hours before or after taking any products containing aluminum or iron, such as antacids, sucralfate, and vitamins/minerals. Take liothyronine 4 hours before or after taking cholestyramine or colestipol. These products react with liothyronine, preventing its full absorption.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this medication without talking with your doctor. Thyroid replacement therapy is usually taken for life.

Symptoms of low thyroid levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heart rate, and sensitivity to cold. These symptoms should lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. It may take several days before you see an improvement in your condition. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens after 2 to 3 days of treatment.