Liothyronine
A compounded oral T3 thyroid hormone prescribed by a licensed provider based on lab work and clinical evaluation, and monitored throughout treatment. Compounded medications are not FDA approved.
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
See it before your first visit
Photographs of the medication as dispensed.
What it is
Liothyronine is the active form of thyroid hormone, also called T3. A licensed provider may prescribe it for patients with a clinically diagnosed thyroid hormone deficiency, based on symptoms, examination and thyroid lab results.
This medication is compounded. It is prepared by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient based on a prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA approved, which means the FDA has not evaluated their safety, effectiveness or quality.
How it works
Thyroid hormones help regulate how the body uses energy, including heart rate, body temperature and metabolism. Liothyronine supplies T3 directly, so it does not need to be converted from T4 by the body.
Your provider determines the dose and schedule and may adjust them based on your lab results and how you respond.
What to expect
Treatment begins only after a provider reviews your symptoms, health history and thyroid lab results. Doses are adjusted gradually, and follow-up lab work continues for as long as you remain on therapy.
Your provider sets your dose and schedule. Individual responses vary, and results are not guaranteed.
Who it is for
Whether thyroid hormone is appropriate for you is a decision made by a licensed provider based on your symptoms, examination, laboratory results and health history. It is not appropriate for everyone and requires ongoing monitoring.
Liothyronine is not a treatment for sexual dysfunction or low libido on its own. If you are experiencing those symptoms, your provider will evaluate all possible causes, which can include thyroid function.
This page is general information and is not medical advice.
Side effects
Side effects are most often related to too much thyroid hormone and can include a fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, tremor, anxiety, trouble sleeping, heat intolerance, sweating, headache, diarrhea and weight loss.
Serious effects can include heart rhythm problems, worsening of heart conditions, and reduced bone density with long-term over-treatment. Allergic reactions are possible. Contact your provider promptly about chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath.
This is not a complete list. Ask your provider about the full prescribing information.
Read this before you start
Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.
Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.
Boxed warning. Thyroid hormones, including liothyronine, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. In people with normal thyroid levels, larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening signs of toxicity, especially when taken with other medications that suppress appetite.
Compounded medication. This medication is compounded by a licensed pharmacy and is not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated compounded medications for safety, effectiveness or quality. It is prescribed for an individual patient by a licensed provider.
Who should be cautious. Tell your provider if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, adrenal problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or take blood thinners, diabetes medication or other thyroid medication. Doses may need to change.
Monitoring. Your provider should monitor your thyroid lab values and symptoms during treatment.
Not medical advice. The information on this page is general and educational. It does not establish a provider relationship and does not replace a consultation with a licensed provider.
Common questions
Is compounded liothyronine FDA approved?
No. It is compounded by a licensed pharmacy, and compounded medications are not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness or quality.
Do I need lab work first?
Yes. A provider reviews your thyroid lab results and health history before deciding whether treatment is appropriate. Follow-up labs continue throughout treatment.
Is it a treatment for low libido or sexual dysfunction?
No. Liothyronine is a thyroid hormone. Thyroid imbalance can be one of several contributors to sexual health symptoms, and your provider will evaluate the full picture.
Can it be used for weight loss?
No. Thyroid hormones should not be used to treat obesity or to lose weight. Taking them for that purpose can cause serious, even life-threatening, toxicity.
What if I have side effects?
Contact your prescribing provider. Seek urgent care for chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or trouble breathing.
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