Patient Medication Information: uses, side effects, how to take - Teva-Liothyronine
ABOUT THIS MEDICATION
What the medication is used for:
TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE (liothyronine sodium) is used for the treatment of:
- Mild to severe hypothyroidism (thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone);
- Enlarged thyroid gland (simple goiter)
What it does:
TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE (liothyronine sodium) is a synthetic form of a hormone produced by the thyroid gland called triiodothyronine.
When it should not be used:
TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE should not be used if you have:
- a hypersensitivity or allergy to thyroid hormones (liothyronine sodium) or to any non medicinal ingredients in TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE;
- uncorrected adrenal gland under-activity;
- acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
What the medicinal ingredient is:
Liothyronine sodium
What the nonmedicinal ingredients are:
Edetate disodium, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and pregelatinized starch.
What dosage forms it comes in:
The tablets are available in two strengths: 5 micrograms and 25 micrograms.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Serious Warnings and Precautions
TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE, like other thyroid hormones, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss, either alone or with other medicines. At normal doses, liothyronine sodium tablet does not reduce body weight and at higher doses, it can produce serious or even life-threatening side effects.
BEFORE or WHILE YOU USE TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:
- any heart problems, such as a heart attack, angina pectoris (chest pain)
- a history problem with thyroid (myxedema), or adrenal or pituitary gland
- kidney disease
- high blood sugar (diabetes)
- decreased development of sexual organs (hypogonadism)
- bone thinning (osteoporosis)
pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- breast feeding
- blood clotting problem
INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION
Before or while you use TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medications you take including medications that you bought without a prescription, vitamins, and natural products. Particularly if you are taking the following:
- Blood thinner (anticoagulants)
- Medications for high cholesterol levels such as lovastatin, cholestyramine, clofibrate
- Medications for high blood sugar or insulin
- Medications that contain estrogen such as birth control pills
- Amiodarone
- Medicines that contain iodine such as radiographic contrast agents
- Heroin/methadone
- 5-fluorouracil, mitotane, tamoxifen
- Tricyclic antidepressant such as imipramine
- Digoxin (digitalis)
- Cyokines such as interferon-alpha, interleukin-2
- Growth hormones
- Ketamine
- Theophylline
- Diazepam
- Ethionamide
- Metoclopramide
- Perphanazine
- Resorcinol (topical products)
- Para-aminosalicylate sodium
Some medicines may interfere with blood tests done to determine thyroid hormone levels (thyroid function tests).
It is important to inform your doctor of all medicines you are taking before and at the time of blood tests.
The following drugs are known to interfere with laboratory tests performed in patients on thyroid hormone therapy:
- Androgens (male hormones)
- Corticosteroids (eg., prednisone, dexamethasone)
- Estrogens and estrogen-containing oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Preparations containing iodine
- Salicylates (eg., aspirin)
PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION
You should take TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE as prescribed by your doctor. Treatment is usually started with a low dose of TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE then increased gradually according to your response.
Overdose:
| If you think you have taken too much TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. |
Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Skip that dose if you do not remember until the next day.
SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Side effects with TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE may include symptoms of hyperthyroidism as follows: Headache, excessive sweating, fatigue, increased appetite, weight loss, fever, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, cardiac arrhythmias (heartbeats which are irregular or too fast), angina pectoris (chest pain), diarrhea and menstrual irregularities.
Tell your doctor about any other side effect that is not included above or if you have any question. Your doctor may ask you stop taking TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE until the symptoms disappear, and re-start after one or two days at a lower dose.
HOW TO STORE IT
Store at room temperature (15-30°C), away from heat, light and moisture.
Keep container firmly closed and away from the reach and sight of children.
Reporting Side Effects
You can report any suspected side effects associated with the use of health products to Health Canada by:
NOTE: Contact your health professional if you need information about how to manage your side effects. The Canada Vigilance Program does not provide medical advice. |
MORE INFORMATION
If you want more information about TEVA-LIOTHYRONINE:
- Talk to your healthcare professional
- Find the full Product Monograph that is prepared for healthcare professionals and includes this Consumer Information by visiting the Health Canada website (https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp); the manufacturer’s website http://www.tevacanada.com; or by calling 1-800-268-4127 ext. 3; or email druginfo@tevacanada.com.
Last Approved: November 20, 2019