Cytomel
(liothyronine)
Replaces thyroid hormones.
Our bottom line
Cytomel (liothyronine) is good add-on treatment of underactive thyroid if your symptoms have not been controlled on other therapies.
- Price before coupon$151.84
- Lowest price with coupon$30.2580% savings
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (liothyronine)
Upsides
- Acts faster than other thyroid hormone replacement therapies.
- Safe to use during pregnancy.
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What to expect from Cytomel, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- More expensive than other thyroid hormone replacement therapies.
- Requires frequent dose adjustments when you first start taking Cytomel (liothyronine). Periodic blood tests are needed to make sure you're getting the right dose.
- Causes more harm to your heart than other thyroid replacement therapies.
- Safe to use if you're allergic to other thyroid hormones made from animal products.
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What to expect from Cytomel, on one page
Download Fact SheetCytomel (liothyronine) is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. These hormones are important for body metabolism, growth, and development.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (liothyronine)
Used for
- Hypothyroidism
- Goiter
- Thyroid suppression test
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Cytomel (liothyronine) for Hypothyroidism
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Irritability
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Irregular heartbeat
- Irregular menstrual periods
Side effect rates for Cytomel (liothyronine)
Risks and Warnings for Cytomel (liothyronine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.Don't take Cytomel (liothyronine) for weight loss or obesity. It’s not safe nor effective for this use, especially if your thyroid levels are normal. Taking high doses of Cytomel (liothyronine) can harm your heart, especially when combined with other weight loss medications.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Cytomel (liothyronine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Cytomelon 8/25/2017Food and caffeine interfere with absorption. Also best dosed multiple times a day as it has a very short half life.46WomanTwo years or moreHypothyroidism
- Don't take Cytomel (liothyronine) for weight loss or obesity. It’s not safe nor effective for this use, especially if your thyroid levels are normal. Taking high doses of Cytomel (liothyronine) can harm your heart, especially when combined with other weight loss medications.