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Compare Levothyroxine vs. Liothyronine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Levothyroxine
    Liothyronine (Cytomel)
  • Levothyroxine
    Liothyronine (Cytomel)

  • Summary of Levothyroxine vs. Liothyronine

    Summary for Thyroxine (T4)
    Prescription only

    Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone used to treat low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) in people of all ages. It's also approved to help treat thyroid cancer along with radioactive iodine and surgery. The medication is available in tablet and liquid forms and is taken once daily, usually on an empty stomach in the morning. Regular blood tests are needed to keep your dose in the right range. Common side effects happen when the dose is too high and can include fast heartbeat, anxiety, and weight loss.

    Summary for Triiodothyronine (T3)
    Prescription only

    Liothyronine (Cytomel) is a thyroid hormone medication that can be used for a number of thyroid-related health concerns. More specifically, it's a lab-made form of the T3 thyroid hormone that's made by your thyroid gland. People of all ages can take this medication, and it's generally taken by mouth just once daily. Although weight loss is a potential side effect of liothyronine (Cytomel), it should not be taken solely for this purpose.

  • Indications of Levothyroxine vs. Liothyronine

    Indications for
    •Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)
    •Thyroid cancer, together with radioactive iodine and surgery
    Indications for
    •Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)
    •Thyroid cancer (with radiation and surgery)
    •Thyroid suppression test to help with diagnosis

  • Pros and Cons of Levothyroxine vs. Liothyronine

    Pros and Const for Thyroxine (T4)
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for treating low thyroid hormone levels
    •Safe to use during pregnancy
    •Only needs to be taken once a day
    •Available as a liquid solution (Tirosint Sol, Thyquidity, and Ermeza)
    Cons
    •Must be taken on an empty stomach
    •Might take several weeks to find the right dose
    •Requires regular blood tests
    •Interacts with many foods, medications, and supplements
    Pros and Const for Triiodothyronine (T3)
    Pros
    •Acts faster than other thyroid hormone replacement therapies
    •Safe to use during pregnancy
    •Safe to use in children
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    Cons
    •Requires regular blood tests and frequent dose adjustments at first to make sure you're getting the right dose
    •Has a risk for heart problems
    •Can't use if you have untreated adrenal insufficiency
    •Shouldn't be used to treat conditions that aren't related to abnormal thyroid function (e.g., benign thyroid nodules, nontoxic goiter, swelling of the thyroid gland caused by infection)

  • Common Side Effects of Levothyroxine vs. Liothyronine

    Common Side Effects for

    Signs of having too much thyroid hormones in the body, such as:

    •Irregular heartbeat
    •Chest pain
    •Shortness of breath
    •Leg cramps
    •Headache
    •Nervousness
    •Hives or skin rash
    •Irritability
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Tremors
    •Muscle weakness
    •Change in appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Sweating a lot
    •Sensitivity to heat
    •Fever
    •Changes in menstrual period
    Common Side Effects for

    Side effects are typically signs of having too much thyroid hormone in the body.

    •Shakiness
    •Fast or irregular heartbeat
    •Fever
    •Sweating
    •Easily feel hot
    •Hair loss
    •Larger appetite
    •Diarrhea
    •Weight loss
    •Weak muscles
    •Fatigue
    •Nervousness or anxiety
    •Irritability
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Trouble breathing

  • Warnings of Levothyroxine vs. Liothyronine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for weight loss
    •Heart problems
    •Adrenal crisis in people with adrenal insufficiency
    •Worsening diabetes
    •Bone loss
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for weight loss
    •Heart problems
    •Adrenal crisis in people with adrenal insufficiency
    •Worsening diabetes
    •Effect on bones if dose is too high

  • Prices with our coupons for Levothyroxine vs. Liothyronine

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