Liothyronine (Intravenous)

Liothyronine is used to treat myxedema coma or precoma, which are very serious complications of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.

Liothyronine injection can be used instead of the oral dose when a quick effect is needed and when taking it by mouth is not possible.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood and urine tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Liothyronine should not be given to patients who are also using artificial rewarmers.

Liothyronine should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for the purpose of losing weight. This medicine is ineffective for weight reduction and when taken in larger amounts, it may cause more serious medical conditions.

Hypothyroidism can sometimes cause infertility in men and women. Liothyronine should not be used for the treatment of infertility unless it is caused by hypothyroidism.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor need to consider the risks and benefits of the medicine. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know if you have other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is limited information on how liothyronine injection affects children. Safety and effectiveness have not been established for this age group.

Geriatric

Current studies have not shown any specific problems for elderly patients that would limit the use of liothyronine. However, older adults are more likely to have kidney or heart and blood vessel issues, which may require a dosage adjustment for those receiving liothyronine.

Breast Feeding

There are no sufficient studies to assess the risk to infants when this medication is used during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together even if there may be an interaction. In these situations, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is especially important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the following medicines while receiving this medicine. The following interactions have been chosen based on their potential importance and are not a complete list.

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

• Furosemide
• Iopromide
• Midodrine

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

• Ethinyl Estradiol
• Kelp
• Sevelamer
• Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be taken around mealtime or with certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical issues may affect the use of this medicine. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

• Adrenal insufficiency (untreated) or
• Thyrotoxicosis (untreated; overactive thyroid)—This medicine should NOT be used in patients with any of these conditions.

• Clotting disorder or
• Diabetes or
• Heart disease (history of) or
• Myxedema (skin or tissue disorder caused by hypothyroidism) or
• Other adrenal gland problems or
• Underactive pituitary gland—Use with caution. Dosage adjustment may be needed.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. While not all of these side effects may happen, if they do, you may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Dizziness
• fainting
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

Less common

• Bluish color
• blurred vision
• changes in skin color
• chest pain or discomfort
• chest tightness or heaviness
• confusion
• decreased urine output
• dilated neck veins
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
• extreme fatigue
• fever
• headache
• heart stops
• irregular breathing
• nausea
• nervousness
• no breathing
• no pulse or blood pressure
• pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back or neck
• pain, tenderness, swelling of foot or leg
• pounding in the ears
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• swelling of face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
• troubled breathing
• unconscious
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• weight gain
• wheezing

Symptoms of overdose

• Cold clammy skin
• increased bowel movements
• irritability
• lightheadedness
• menstrual changes
• shakiness in legs, arms, hands, feet
• trembling or shaking of hands or feet
• weak pulse

Some side effects may happen 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 how 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:

Less common

• Twitching

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.

In the U.S.

• Triostat

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Thyroid Supplement

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For injection dosage form:For the treatment of myxedema coma or precoma: Adults—25 to 50 micrograms (mcg) injected into a vein. Doses are normally given at least 4 to 12 hours apart. People with very serious conditions caused by too little thyroid hormone may need higher doses. Lower doses (10 to 20 mcg) may be given to patients with known or suspected cardiovascular disease. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.