Liothyronine injection
Liothyronine injection
What is this medicine?
LIOTHYRONINE (lye oh THYE roe neen) injection is a thyroid hormone. It can improve symptoms of serious thyroid deficiency, known as myxedema. It will improve symptoms such as slow speech, lack of alertness, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold. The injection is normally used in the hospital.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a a vein by a health care professional in a hospital setting.
Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
anxious
breathing problems
changes in menstrual periods
chest pain
diarrhea
excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
fast or irregular heartbeat
leg cramps
nervousness
swelling of ankles, feet, or legs
tremors
trouble sleeping
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
changes in appetite
headache
irritable
nausea
weight loss
What may interact with this medicine?
amiodarone
carbamazepine
certain medicines for depression
certain medicines to treat cancer
clofibrate
digoxin
female hormones, like estrogens and birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections
ketamine
lithium
medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
medicines for diabetes
medicines or dietary supplements for weight loss
methadone
oxandrolone
phenobarbital or other barbiturates
phenytoin
rifampin
soy isoflavones
steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
testosterone
theophylline
warfarin
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. Your health care professional will give this medicine as ordered.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland problem
angina
bone problems
diabetes
dieting or on a weight loss program
fertility problems
heart disease
pituitary gland problem
take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots
an unusual or allergic reaction to levothyroxine, thyroid hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
You will need regular exams and occasional blood tests to check the response to treatment. If you receive this medicine for an underactive thyroid, it may be several weeks before you notice an improvement. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.
Updated:  
February 14, 2018