Liothyronine vs. Armour Thyroid for Thyroid Cancer and Hypothyroidism: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Liothyronine

(Cytomel)

Armour Thyroid

Summary for Liothyronine

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 for Liothyronine

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)
Thyroid cancer (with radiation and surgery)
Thyroid suppression test to help with diagnosis

Pros and Cons for Liothyronine

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 for Liothyronine

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 for Liothyronine

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

Summary for Armour Thyroid

Prescription only

Armour Thyroid is a prescription natural thyroid hormone replacement medication that comes from an animal source. It's used to treat hypothyroidism and certain other thyroid-related conditions. Common side effects are usually related to taking too much thyroid hormone and can include fast heartbeat, nervousness, and sweating.

Indications for Armour Thyroid

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
Lowering thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in people with other thyroid problems like goiters or thyroid cancer

Pros and Cons for Armour Thyroid

Pros

Natural thyroid hormone derived from an animal source
Taken once daily by mouth
Might help when other thyroid medications haven't worked well
Available in multiple strengths

Cons

Amount of thyroid hormones can vary between batches of medication
Must be taken on an empty stomach
Requires regular blood tests to monitor thyroid hormone levels
Not traditionally approved by the FDA

Common Side Effects for Armour Thyroid

Signs of having too much thyroid hormones in the body:
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Tiredness
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble tolerating heat
- Trouble sleeping
- Shaky hands
- Fast heartbeat
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Mood swings