Liotrix

Conditions Treated

Liotrix is used to treat hypothyroidism (a condition that results when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone). Symptoms of hypothyroidism include lack of energy, depression, constipation, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, dry coarse hair, muscle cramps, decreased concentration, aches and pains, swelling of the legs, and increased sensitivity to cold. When taken correctly, liotrix can reverse these symptoms. Liotrix is also used to treat goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). This medication is also used to test for hyperthyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone). Liotrix is in a class of medications called thyroid agents. It works by supplying the thyroid hormones normally produced by the body.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Liotrix may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• tiredness
• shaking hands that you cannot control
• headache
• insomnia
• anxiety
• depression
• muscle or joint pain
• weight gain
• nausea
• dry or itchy skin
• temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of treatment

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• chest pain (angina)
• rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• excessive sweating
• sensitivity to heat
• nervousness

Liotrix may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Liotrix comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day before breakfast or the first food of the day. Take liotrix at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take liotrix exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of liotrix and gradually increase your dose not more than once every 2 to 3 weeks. Liotrix controls hypothyroidism but does not cure it. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefit of liotrix. Continue to take liotrix even if you feel well. Do not stop taking liotrix without talking to your doctor.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking liotrix, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to liothyronine, levothyroxine, thyroid hormone, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in liotrix. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: androgens such as danazol or testosterone; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants; carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol); diabetes medications that you take by mouth; digoxin (Lanoxin); estrogen (hormone replacement therapy); insulin; oral contraceptives containing estrogen; oral steroids such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexone, Dexpak); methylprednisolone (Medrol) and prednisone (Deltasone); phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton); phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek); potassium iodide (contained in Elixophyllin-Kl, Pediacof, KIE); rifabutin (Mycobutin); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate); salicylate pain relievers such as aspirin and aspirin-containing products, choline magnesium trisalicylate, choline salicylate (Arthropan), diflunisal (Dolobid), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, others), and salsalate (Argesic, Disalcid, Salgesic); and strong iodine solution (Lugol's Solution). if you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 4 hours before or after taking your thyroid medication. If you take antacids, iron-containing medications or nutritional supplements, simethicone, or sucralfate (Carafate), take them at least 4 hours before or after taking your thyroid medication. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; osteoporosis; hardening or narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis); cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and fats, angina (chest pain), arrhythmias, or heart attack; malabsorption diseases (conditions that cause a decrease in absorption from the intestine); an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland; or kidney or liver disease. tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking liotrix. you should know that if you have diabetes mellitus and begin taking liotrix, your daily requirement of insulin or oral medication may need to be adjusted. Monitor your blood sugar levels carefully and tell your doctor if you notice any changes.