Adthyza
Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) is a combination medication that treats low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) and other thyroid gland problems. It can be used for adults and children of all ages. Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) is made from an animal source, which might be preferable to some people. But the way it's made can also make it difficult to have consistent thyroid hormone levels.
What is Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine)?
What is Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) used for?
- Treatment of low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
- Treatment or management of certain thyroid gland problems (e.g., thyroid cancer, goiters that are caused by high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels
How Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) works
Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) is a combination of two thyroid hormones that work together to raise your thyroid hormone levels. Levothyroxine is a T4 thyroid hormone (also called thyroxine), and liothyronine is a T3 thyroid hormone (also called triiodothyronine). These thyroid hormones have several roles in your body, including breaking down nutrients and proteins, controlling body temperature, and helping some of your body's organs (e.g., heart, muscles) work properly.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Adthyza |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Thyroid hormone replacement (T3 / T4) |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Side effects are rare and are typically related to too much thyroid hormone
Less Common Side Effects
Signs of having too much thyroid hormones in the body, such as:
- Nervousness
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Feeling hot
- Trouble sleeping
- Shaky hands
- Fast heartbeat
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
The following Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Anxiety, nervousness
- Excessive sweating or sensitivity to heat
- Fever
- Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
- Irregular menstrual cycles or spotting
- Severe diarrhea
- Tremors or shaking
- Trouble sleeping
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine)
Pros
- More convenient to take a combination of two different thyroid hormones in a single pill
- Taken once per day
- Can be used for people of all ages, including children
Cons
- Can be hard to keep thyroid hormone levels steady since the amount of thyroid hormones can vary between batches of medication
- Must take on an empty stomach
Pharmacist tips for Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine)
- Take Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) at the same time every day on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water.
- Mark your lab appointments on your calendar. It's important for you to get your hormone levels checked on time so your provider can see how well Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) is working for you.
- Side effects are usually from having thyroid hormone levels that are too high or too low. If you get any symptoms of hyperthyroidism (e.g., anxiety, large appetite, difficulty sleeping) or hypothyroidism (e.g., depression, weight gain, feeling cold), contact your provider. You might need to get your thyroid hormone levels checked and your Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) dose adjusted.
- Children might experience some hair loss during the first few months of treatment with Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine). This effect usually gets better over time. Talk to your child's provider if you're concerned about any hair loss that could happen to your child.
- Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) can interact with a lot of common medications. Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, and supplements you're taking before starting Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine). Don't start any new medications while taking Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) without asking your provider or pharmacist if the combination is safe to take together.
Risks and warnings for Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine)
Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Not used for weight loss
Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) shouldn't be used for weight loss. It’s not safe and doesn't work well for this use. Also, taking high doses of Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) or taking it when you don't have a thyroid problem can cause serious and life-threatening effects (e.g. bone or heart problems). This is especially true if Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) is used with other weight-loss medications. Speak with your provider about appropriate weight management options, if needed.
Heart problems
- Risk factors: Current heart disease | Age 65 or older
Taking too much Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) can cause heart problems, especially if you have a history of heart conditions or if you're 65 years or older. Call your provider or get medical care right away if you have a rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Your provider might need to adjust your dose of Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine).
Worsening of conditions related to low adrenal hormone levels
- Risk factors: Addison's disease
Replacing thyroid hormones can sometimes affect your adrenal hormone levels. If you have low adrenal hormones (e.g., Addison's disease), taking Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) can make your adrenal hormones drop even more and your symptoms worse. Your provider might check your adrenal hormone levels before prescribing Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine). If you experience stomach pain, muscle weakness, tiredness, nausea, or vomiting while taking Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine), seek medical attention right away.
Worsening diabetes
- Risk factors: Taking diabetes medications
Thyroid hormone therapy like Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) can affect how your body regulates your blood sugar levels. As a result, if you're taking diabetes medications, you might need a change in the dose of your diabetes medications to account for this effect. Ask your provider how often you should check your blood sugar while you're taking Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine). Talk to your provider if the levels are unusual. Your provider might need to change the doses of your medications.
Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16.25mg | 30 tablets | $25.52 | $0.85 |
| 32.5mg | 30 tablets | $21.71 | $0.72 |
| 65mg | 90 tablets | $69.85 | $0.78 |
| 97.5mg | 90 tablets | $121.55 | $1.35 |
| 130mg | 30 tablets | $55.30 | $1.84 |
| 15mg | 90 tablets | $63.42 | $0.70 |
| 30mg | 90 tablets | $75.37 | $0.84 |
| 60mg | 90 tablets | $79.02 | $0.88 |
| 90mg | 90 tablets | $126.16 | $1.40 |
| 120mg | 30 tablets | $52.46 | $1.75 |
Typical dosage for Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine)
Adults
- Hypothyroidism: The typical starting dose is 32.5 mg by mouth once per day. Your provider will raise your dose every 2 to 3 weeks if needed. Most people need 65 mg to 130 mg per day. The maximum dose is 195 mg per day.
- Certain thyroid problems due to high TSH levels: Your provider will calculate the dose for you based on your medical condition, your symptoms, and your thyroid hormone levels.
Children
- Hypothyroidism: Your child's provider will calculate the dose based on your child's body weight and age. This medication is taken by mouth. In general, the typical dose can range from 16.25 mg per day (for infants) to over 97.5 mg per day (for children over 12 years of age).
Your provider will adjust your dose based on your thyroid hormone levels and if you're having side effects to the medication.
How much does Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) cost?
$21.71
Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Adrenal hormone problem called adrenal cortical insufficiency
- Untreated thyrotoxicosis (extremely high thyroid hormone levels)
- Used alone or together with other medications for weight loss
What are alternatives to Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine)?
Adthyza (levothyroxine / liothyronine) images
