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Liothyronine Coupon - Liothyronine 5mcg tablet

liothyronine

Generic Cytomel
Used for Thyroid Cancer, Hypothyroidism, Goiter
Used for Thyroid Cancer, Hypothyroidism, Goiter

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.

Last reviewed on September 11, 2024
basics-icon

What is Liothyronine (Cytomel)?

What is Liothyronine (Cytomel) used for?

How Liothyronine (Cytomel) works

Liothyronine (Cytomel) is a lab-made version of the T3 thyroid hormone that's normally made by your thyroid gland. Your thyroid hormones have important functions, such as controlling your metabolism, vital signs like body temperature and heart rate, and more.

When the amount of thyroid hormone in your body is too low, taking thyroid replacement hormones like liothyronine (Cytomel) can bring your levels back to normal.

When does Liothyronine (Cytomel) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCytomel
Drug ClassTriiodothyronine (T3)
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Liothyronine (Cytomel) essentials

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What are the side effects of Liothyronine (Cytomel)?

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 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

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart problems (e.g., heart attack): chest pain; shortness of breath; feeling weak; breaking into a cold sweat; pain that spreads to the jaw, neck, back, shoulders, arms
When do Liothyronine (Cytomel) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Symptoms of too much thyroid hormone
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known

Anxiety

arm, back, or jaw pain

blurred or double vision

chest pain or discomfort

chest tightness or heaviness

crying

decreased bone mineral density

decreased urine output

delusions of persecution, mistrust, suspiciousness, or combativeness

diarrhea

difficulty breathing

dilated neck vein

dizziness

excessive

sweating

extreme tiredness or weakness

eye pain

fainting

false or unusual sense of well-being

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

feeling of discomfort

feeling of unreality

fever

headache

heat intolerance

impaired fertility

increased appetite

increased blood pressure

irregular breathing

irritability

itching, skin rash

joint swelling

limp pain in the hip or knee

menstrual changes

mental depression

muscle aches, weakness, or cramps

nausea

nervousness

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

quick to react or overreact emotionally

rapidly changing moods

restlessness

sense of detachment from self or body

severe headache

slow heartbeat

stomach cramps

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

swollen lymph glands

tremors

trouble sitting still

trouble sleeping

vomiting

weight gain or loss

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Cold, clammy skin

confusion about identity, place, and time

difficulty in speaking

dizziness

double vision

fast, weak pulse

headache

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

lightheadedness

loss of consciousness

nervousness

seizure

sensitivity to heat

slow speech

sweating

trouble sleeping

weight loss

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

Feeling of warmth

hair loss

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Liothyronine (Cytomel)

thumbs-up

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

thumbs-down

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)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Liothyronine (Cytomel)

pharmacist
  • Try to take liothyronine (Cytomel) at the same time each day to help your thyroid hormone levels stay the same from day to day. Choose a time during the day that's easy for you to remember so you can make it part of your daily routine. This can be helpful to avoid missing doses of your medication.

    • Make sure to get regular blood tests done when your prescriber asks. These blood tests check your thyroid hormone levels. They're important for helping your prescriber make sure you're taking a dose of liothyronine (Cytomel) that works well and is safe for you.

      • Most of the side effects that you might have while you're taking liothyronine (Cytomel) are symptoms of hyperthyroidism and it usually means that your dose is too high. Let your prescriber know if you have side effects like shakiness, a racing heart, or nervousness. Your prescriber might need to lower your dose.

        • Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about all the medications and supplements that you're taking. Liothyronine (Cytomel) can interfere with how other medications work. Examples include blood thinners, insulin, and cholestyramine (Prevalite). Your care team can recommend dose adjustments or changes to your treatment plan. This makes sure that your medications work well and are safe for you to take together.

          More on Liothyronine (Cytomel) tips

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Liothyronine (Cytomel)

          Does liothyronine (Cytomel) cause weight loss?
          It's possible for liothyronine (Cytomel) to cause weight loss as a side effect, but it's more likely to happen if you're taking a dose of the medication that's too high for you. Don't take liothyronine (Cytomel) specifically for weight loss; it's not recommended, safe, or effective for this purpose. Speak with a healthcare professional (HCP) about ways to manage your weight if you're interested in losing weight.
          Does liothyronine (Cytomel) cause weight gain?
          Weight gain isn't a commonly reported side effect of liothyronine (Cytomel). But the medication can sometimes make you feel hungrier or have a larger appetite as a side effect, especially if the dose is too high for you. Speak with your prescriber if you notice changes in your weight while you're taking liothyronine (Cytomel). They can help figure out the cause or adjust the dose of your thyroid medication.
          Can I take levothyroxine and liothyronine (Cytomel) together?
          There isn't much evidence showing that taking levothyroxine and liothyronine (Cytomel) together is beneficial, so clinical guidelines typically don't recommend taking them together. But some studies found that some people have preferred this combination and some people might need both medications if one isn't enough to bring thyroid hormone levels back to normal. Speak with your prescriber if taking levothyroxine and liothyronine (Cytomel) together is appropriate for you.
          Can I take liothyronine (Cytomel) twice a day?
          It's best to take liothyronine (Cytomel) just once a day. Choose a time of day that's convenient for you to take the medication and be sure to stick with this time every day. Speak with your prescriber if you have questions about what the best time for you is to take liothyronine (Cytomel) once every day.
          Is liothyronine (Cytomel) T3 or T4?
          Liothyronine (Cytomel) is a lab-made version of the T3 thyroid hormone that's normally made by your thyroid gland. It's the active form of the thyroid hormone that helps regulate many functions of the body.
          How long does it take for liothyronine (Cytomel) to work?
          Liothyronine (Cytomel) starts to work to raise thyroid hormone levels within a few hours. The full effects of a single dose can happen within 2 or 3 days of taking the medication. But it can take a week or two for your thyroid hormone levels to stabilize at a particular dose. This is why you'll need to take a particular dose of liothyronine (Cytomel) for a week or two before your prescriber decides to adjust your dose. This means that it can take a few weeks to find the appropriate dose for you. Speak with your prescriber if you have questions about how long it's taking for liothyronine (Cytomel) to work for you.
          Does liothyronine (Cytomel) need to be taken on an empty stomach?
          The makers of liothyronine (Cytomel) don't say that the medication needs to be taken on an empty stomach, but it might be a good idea. This is because certain foods might affect how the medication gets absorbed into the body. Whether you choose to take liothyronine (Cytomel) with or without food, try to be consistent with how you take the medication every day. This will help keep a steady level of medication in your body.
          What's the difference between liothyronine (Cytomel) and levothyroxine?
          Both levothyroxine and liothyronine (Cytomel) are synthetic (lab-made) thyroid hormone replacement medications. Levothyroxine is T4, which is a nonactive thyroid hormone. It gets turned into T3, the active form of the thyroid hormone, once it's in the body. Liothyronine (Cytomel) itself is T3. Speak with your prescriber to learn more about comparing between levothyroxine and liothyronine (Cytomel)
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          What are the risks and warnings for Liothyronine (Cytomel)?

          Liothyronine (Cytomel) 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.

          risk-warning

          Not for weight loss

          • Risk factors: Taking other medications for weight loss

            Liothyronine (Cytomel) shouldn't be used for weight loss. It’s not recommended, safe, or effective for this purpose. Taking high doses of liothyronine (Cytomel) can cause serious or deadly effects, especially if it's taken with other medications for weight loss like phentermine (Adipex-P). Speak with a healthcare professional (HCP) if your goal is to lose weight to figure out what the best approach to weight management is for you.

            risk-warning

            Heart problems

            • Risk factors: Currently have heart disease | Age 65 or older | Taking stimulant medications

              Taking too much liothyronine (Cytomel) can cause heart problems, especially for older adults and for people with heart conditions. Because of this risk, the dose of liothyronine (Cytomel) that you start with might be lower than usual if you're older than 65 or if you have a heart condition.

              Call your prescriber or get medical care right away if you have a rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Your prescriber might lower your dose of liothyronine (Cytomel) or ask you to stop taking the medication for a week before restarting it at a lower dose.

              risk-warning

              Adrenal crisis in people with adrenal insufficiency

              • Risk factors: Adrenal insufficiency | Addison's disease

                For people who also have adrenal insufficiency (a condition of low adrenal hormone levels), it's important to start treatment for the adrenal hormone problem first with corticosteroids before starting liothyronine (Cytomel). This is because thyroid hormones can make the body process corticosteroids faster. Starting thyroid hormone replacement before treating adrenal insufficiency can cause your adrenal hormones to drop to very low levels and make you feel unwell.

                Let your prescriber know about your full medical history before you start taking liothyronine (Cytomel). They might check your adrenal hormone levels to see whether this situation applies to you before you start thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Get medical attention right away if you experience signs of adrenal crisis, like stomach pain, dehydration, dizziness, high fever, nausea, or vomiting, while you're taking this medication.

                risk-warning

                Worsening diabetes

                • Risk factors: Taking diabetes medications

                  For people with diabetes, taking liothyronine (Cytomel) affect how well the body can regulate blood sugar levels. This can change the required dose of any diabetes medications that you're taking. Check your blood sugar levels when you first start taking liothyronine (Cytomel), when the dose of your thyroid medication changes, when you stop the thyroid medication, and as directed by your prescriber. Talk to your care team if your blood sugar levels are unusual.

                  risk-warning

                  Effect on bones if dose is too high

                  • Risk factors: People who've reached menopause | Long-term treatment | Too high dose of liothyronine (Cytomel)

                    Taking liothyronine (Cytomel) at a dose that's too high for you can weaken your bones over time. This risk is higher for people who've gone through menopause. Your prescriber will check your thyroid hormone levels to make sure that you're taking the lowest dose of the medication that works well to treat your condition. This helps lower your risk for bone problems related to overtreatment.

                    dosage

                    Liothyronine (Cytomel) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 90 tablets of 5mcg of Liothyronine (Cytomel) is $23.07 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 64.64% off the average retail price of $65.24.
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    5mcg90 tablets$23.07$0.26
                    25mcg90 tablets$36.25$0.40
                    50mcg90 tablets$49.64$0.55

                    Typical dosing for Liothyronine (Cytomel)

                    The dose of liothyronine (Cytomel) will vary from person to person. It depends on many things, such as why you're taking the medication and your thyroid function test results.

                    • Hypothyroidism: The typical dose ranges from 25 mcg to 75 mcg by mouth once daily.

                    • Thyroid cancer: The dose will depend on the target TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level that's set by your prescriber.

                    • Thyroid suppression test: The typical dose ranges from 75 mcg to 100 mcg by mouth once daily for 7 days.

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Liothyronine (Cytomel) and other drugs

                    Liothyronine (Cytomel) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Liothyronine (Cytomel). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                    Liothyronine (Cytomel) 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 Liothyronine (Cytomel) will not be safe for you to take.
                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Liothyronine (Cytomel)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Liothyronine (Cytomel). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Liothyronine (Cytomel)
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                    latest news

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                    images

                    Liothyronine (Cytomel) images

                    White Round 1L And Tv - Liothyronine Sodium 5mcg Tablet
                    This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Tv" And "1L".White Round 1L And Tv - Liothyronine Sodium 5mcg Tablet
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                    This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Ml" And "11".White Round Ml And 11 - Liothyronine Sodium 5mcg Tablet
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                    This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "582".White Round 582 - Liothyronine Sodium 5mcg Tablet
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                    This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Logo" And "18".White Round Logo And 18 - Liothyronine Sodium 5mcg Tablet
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                    This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Kpi" And "115".White Round 115 And Kpi - Liothyronine Sodium 5mcg Tablet
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                    This medicine is White, Round Tablet Imprinted With "5 220".White Round 5 220 - Liothyronine Sodium 5mcg Tablet

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    American Thyroid Association. (n.d.). Thyroid nodules.

                    AvKARE. (2024). Liothyronine sodium tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Boucai, L., et al. (2024). Simple nontoxic goiter. Merck Manual Consumer Version.

                    View All References (8)

                    Dayan, C., et al. (2018). Management of hypothyroidism with combination thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormone replacement in clinical practice: A review of suggested guidance. Thyroid Research.

                    Garber, J. R., et al. (2012). Clinical Practice Guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: Cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association. Endocrine Practice.

                    MedlinePlus. (2023). Acute adrenal crisis.

                    MedlinePlus. (2024). Thyroid function tests.

                    MedlinePlus. (2024). TSH test.

                    National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Definition & facts of adrenal insufficiency & Addison’s disease.

                    National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Symptoms & causes of adrenal insufficiency & Addison’s disease.

                    Your and Your Hormones. (2022). Thyroid gland.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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