Cytomel (Liothyronine)

Do's: 

• Take Cytomel exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 
• Start with a typical daily dose of 25 mcg and adjust the dosage several times to find what works best for you. The dosage of Cytomel is individualized based on your specific medical condition and response to treatment. 
• Take Cytomel by mouth once daily, usually before breakfast. 
• Take it at the same time each day to maintain a constant level of thyroid hormone in your body. Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. Improvement in these symptoms may be observed within a few days of starting the medication. 
• Take the missed dose as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. 
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse. Replacement thyroid hormone therapy usually needs to be taken for life. 

Common side effects that may occur:

• Nausea
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss
• Heat intolerance
• Fever
• Excessive sweating
• Insomnia
• Tremors
• Muscle weakness and cramps
• Mental/mood changes, such as irritability and nervousness
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Diarrhea
• Changes in menstrual cycles

Common side effects that may occur:

• Chest pain
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Swelling of the ankles or feet
• Trouble breathing
• Unusual tiredness

Severe allergic reaction:- which is rare but may include symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Cytomel,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Here are some warnings and precautions to consider when taking Cytomel:

1. Adrenal Insufficiency: Cytomel is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency. Inform your healthcare provider if you have adrenal gland problems that are not controlled by treatment.
2. Hyperthyroidism: Overtreatment with Cytomel may cause an increase in heart rate, cardiac wall thickness, and cardiac contractility, and may precipitate angina or arrhythmias, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease and elderly patients. Initiate Cytomel therapy at lower doses in patients with cardiac disease or in elderly individuals.
3. Thyroid Suppression Test: Cytomel is indicated as a diagnostic agent in suppression tests to differentiate suspected mild hyperthyroidism or thyroid gland autonomy.
4. Hypothyroidism during Subacute Thyroiditis Recovery: Cytomel is not indicated for the treatment of hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis.
5. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: IDiscuss the risks and benefits of using Cytomel during pregnancy and breastfeeding with your healthcare provider.
6. Interactions: Certain medications can decrease the absorption of liothyronine. Examples include products that contain aluminum or magnesium, antacids, sucralfate, calcium supplements, iron, bile acid-binding resins, simethicone, sevelamer, and sodium polystyrene sulfonate, among others. If you take any of these medications, take them at least 4 hours before or after liothyronine.