Thyroid T-4/T-3 (Cytomel)

synthetic thyroid hormone

The synthetic thyroid hormone should not be used alone or along with other medicines. The drug also should not be used for treating obesity or weight loss. For patients having normal thyroid functions, small doses of Thyroid T-4/T-3 is not helpful for losing weight, contrarily, high doses of the hormone can cause serious health hazards.

Thyroid T-4/T-3 is mainly used for treating thyroid under functioning. Thyroid T-4/T-3 is also used for treating certain types of goiters and is also used as a probe for detecting thyroid functions. Thyroid T-4/T-3 works by replacing the natural thyroid hormone.

Thyroid T-4/T-3 should not be used if you are allergic to one or many ingredients of the drug formulation. Persons who have untreated adrenal gland problems or high level of thyroid levels should not use Thyroid T-4/T-3.

It is recommended that expecting and mothers planning for pregnancy should not use Thyroid T-4/T-3. Breast feeding moms also should refrain from this drug. Persons having history of chest pain, heart attacks, and problems in heart blood vessels, diabetes, over active or under active thyroid, infertility, skin swelling, pituitary gland problems, or persons planning for surgery should not use Thyroid T-4/T-3.

• Blood thinners like warfarin
• Calcium
• Cholestyramine
• Colestipol
• Estrogen
• Iron
• Oral birth control pills
• Digoxin
• Insulin
• Oral hypoglycemic agents like glyburide

All of the above decrease the efficacy of Thyroid T-4/T-3.

Thyroid T-4/T-3 should be used exactly as prescribed by the physician. Thyroid T-4/T-3 can be taken orally with or without water. The person also should not take cholestyramine and colestipol within 5 hours after the administration of Thyroid T-4/T-3.

The dosage should not be missed even if you feel well. In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.

It might take approximately 4 to 6 months when you will notice the effect of the drug. Thyroid T-4/T-3 also should not be used to treat infertility and obesity problems. Excess dosage amount might cause symptoms of toxicity. Children may experience temporary or partial hair loss. Diabetes patients should closely check for the blood sugar level as the drug affects the sugar content. Tests like thyroid functioning should be monitored periodically to monitor the health of the person. Thyroid T-4/T-3 also should be used with caution in elderly persons as they may be sensitive to the side effects of Thyroid T-4/T-3.

Thyroid is not detected in the breast milk of the breast feeding mothers. Thyroid T-4/T-3 is not known to cause any harm to the fetus in case of pregnant mothers. However, if you are pregnant, consult your doctor regarding the dosage amount.

Some of the side effects of Thyroid T-4/T-3 include,

• Rashes
• Itches
• Hives
• Difficulty in breathing
• Chest tightness
• Changes in appetite
• Menstrual cycle changes
• Alterations in weight
• Profuse sweating
• Shivering
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nervousness
• Chest pounding
• Inability to tolerate high temperatures, diarrhea, tremor, insomnia, etc.

In case of over dose of the drug contact your immediate emergency ward for treatment.

Thyroid T-4/T-3 should be stored at temperature between 15 to 30 degree Celsius, away from heat, light and moisture. Thyroid T-4/T-3 also cannot be stored in the bathroom. Keep the drug away from children and pets.

It is wise to consult your doctor if you still have any queries and clear your doubts regarding drug usage, dose and administration. If the symptoms of the side effects become persistent, it is safe to contact the doctor for the right remedy.