Tertroxin

How does it work?

Liothyronine is one of the thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces and releases two hormones: liothyronine and thyroxine. Thyroxine is converted to liothyronine in other areas of the body. Liothyronine is the more active hormone in the body. It is responsible for maintaining a normal rate of metabolism for the whole body. When the thyroid gland is unable to produce normal amounts of liothyronine and thyroxine, the blood levels of thyroid hormones decrease (hypothyroidism). Extremely low levels of thyroid hormones can result in a condition known as myxoedema. Myxoedema can involve many symptoms such as hair loss and blood disorders. In extreme cases this condition may result in psychosis or coma. It is under these circumstances that liothyronine is most effective. This is because liothyronine is in the active form (it does not have to be converted from thyroxine) and can therefore act quickly. Liothyronine tablets are given to replace the liothyronine that would normally have been produced by the thyroid gland. This does not stimulate the thyroid gland to produce greater amounts of thyroid hormones; it simply acts to quickly return the blood levels of liothyronine to normal levels.

What is it used for?

Hypothyroidism due to the treatment of thyrotoxicosis

Prevention of excessive decrease in thyroid hormone levels when treating hyperthyroidism with carbimazole

Severe hypothyroidism resulting in coma (coma of myxoedema)

Sudden or ongoing severe hypothyroidism

Warning!

Some medicines may interfere with any blood tests done to determine thyroid hormone levels (thyroid function tests). It is important to inform your doctor of all medicines you are taking prior to and at the time of blood tests.

Use with caution in

A disease in which an individual produces large amounts of dilute urine and is constantly thirsty (diabetes insipidus)

Diabetes mellitus

Elderly people

Heart disease due to prolonged severe hypothyroidism

Insufficient production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands (adrenal insufficiency)

Not to be used in

Angina pectoris

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should therefore be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine during breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia)

Diarrhoea

Excitement

Muscle cramps

Sweating

Muscle weakness

Awareness of your heart beat (heart palpitations)

Weight loss

Abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)

Flushing

Chest pain (angina)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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