Do you also feel tired all the time? Do you feel lifeless? Are you gaining weight? Perhaps these are symptoms of a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland, which is shaped like a butterfly on our neck. In medical terms, we call this condition hypothyroidism. So, one of the main drugs that doctors prescribe as a treatment for this is Liothyronine. Let's learn everything about this drug today.
What is Liothyronine?
Simply put, liothyronine is a synthetic copy of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3), which is naturally produced in our bodies. Thyroid hormones are very important for our metabolism, the process of converting the food we eat into energy, and for controlling our energy levels.
So when your thyroid gland isn't producing enough of these hormones, your doctor will give you this medicine to make up for the deficiency. This will help restore your energy levels and keep your metabolism running smoothly. Sometimes this medicine is also used for other thyroid conditions.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing liothyronine tablets to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Situation you need to report | Description and importance |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | Tell your doctor if you have chest pain (angina), a heart attack, or any other heart condition. This medicine may affect your heart rate. |
| Diabetes | Liothyronine can affect blood sugar levels, so if you are taking medication for diabetes, you should tell your doctor. |
| Problems with the adrenal or pituitary glands | If you have conditions such as Addison's disease, those conditions should be treated before using this medicine. |
| Medications to prevent blood clots | If you are taking medications like Warfarin, their effects may change with liothyronine. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your medication dose may need to be adjusted. |
| Other allergies | Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine, other thyroid hormones, other medications, foods, or preservatives. |
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to use this medicine correctly. Take the correct dose, at the correct time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Take this pill with plenty of water .
- The most important thing is to drink this on an empty stomach. For best results, drink it at least 30 minutes before breakfast, or 2 hours after a meal.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. That way, you're less likely to forget.
- Do not take more medicine than the doctor prescribed.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Treat this as an emergency.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Liothyronine can interact with other medications, vitamins, and even some foods, so it's important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
This list contains only a few common examples:
- Vitamins and minerals: Calcium tablets, Iron tablets.
- Medicines for stomach acidity: Antacids, Sucralfate.
- Cholesterol-lowering medications: Cholestyramine, Colesevelam.
- Diabetes medications: The effects of these can vary.
- Medicines for heart disease: Digoxin, Amiodarone.
- Blood thinner: Warfarin.
- Hormones: Birth control pills, estrogen, testosterone.
- Medications for mental illness: Some medications for depression.
- Products containing soy.
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
There are several things you should pay attention to when using liothyronine.
1. Regular checkups: Your doctor will check you regularly to see how your body is responding to the treatment. He or she will also order blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels (Thyroid Function Tests - TFT). Don't skip these.
2. Be patient: You may not feel better right away when you start taking the medication. It can take a few weeks for your body to recover. So don't panic and continue taking the medication as your doctor tells you.
3. May be required for life: In most cases, hypothyroidism requires lifelong treatment.
Do not stop taking the medication for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause your symptoms to return.
4. Before surgery: If you are going to have any surgery, inform the surgeon and anesthesiologist that you are taking liothyronine.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, liothyronine can cause some side effects. Most of these occur if the dose of the medication is higher than the body needs.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing. |
| Other serious symptoms | Severe diarrhea, tremors, excessive sweating, extreme restlessness, insomnia, fever. |
| If these things persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Hair loss | Temporary hair loss may occur during the first few months of treatment. |
| Other minor features | Headache, nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite. |
How to store medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
- Protect from light and moisture. Therefore, it is not suitable to keep it in the bathroom.
- Keep the bottle cap tightly closed.
- Throw away expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Liothyronine is a treatment for thyroid hormone deficiency. It replaces the body's natural hormone deficiency.
- Always take this medicine on an empty stomach, as the doctor tells you.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- Avoid stopping the medication without your doctor's advice. This is often a lifelong medication.
- If you experience serious side effects such as chest pain or rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- It is very important to see the doctor on time and undergo the necessary tests.
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