Liothyronine tablets and capsules

About liothyronine

If you have an underactive thyroid glandit means that your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This is a condition known as hypothyroidism. Liothyronine restores the balance of thyroid hormone in your body. It is similar to thyroxinethe hormone which your body produces naturally. Although a medicine called levothyroxine is usually prescribed in preference to liothyronine for people with this conditionliothyronine is given when a fast action is neededas it works more quickly.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditionsand sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasonsbefore you start taking liothyronine it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have heart or blood vessel diseaseor a high blood pressure.

• If you have either diabetes (diabetes mellitus) or diabetes insipidus.

• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescriptionas well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• Before you start the treatmentread the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about liothyronine and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from taking it.

• Take liothyronine exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usual for your doctor to give you a small dose (such as ½-1 tablet a day) when you first take liothyronineand then for your dose to be gradually increased to two or three tablets dailytaken spaced out throughout the day.

• Take the tablets with a drink of water. You can take liothyronine either before or after meals.

• If you forget to take a dosetake it as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day but do not 'double up' to make up for any missed doses.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored. You will need regular blood tests to check your thyroid levelsparticularly in the early stages of your treatment.

• Continue to take the tablets until your doctor tells you to stop.

• If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently as these tablets can affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.

• If you are due to have an operation or any dental treatmentplease tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking liothyronine.

Along with their useful effectsmost medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with liothyronine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Experiencing side-effects may be an indication that your dose needs adjustingso speak with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed below.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tabletsspeak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cooldry placeaway from direct heat and light.