Liothyronine Sodium Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

LIOTHYRONINE (lye oh THYE roe neen) injection is a thyroid hormone. It can improve symptoms of serious thyroid deficiency, known as myxedema. It will improve symptoms such as slow speech, lack of alertness, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold. The injection is normally used in the hospital.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina
• diabetes
• dieting or on a weight loss program
• heart disease
• high levels of thyroid hormone
• pituitary gland problem
• previous heart attack
• an unusual or allergic reaction to liothyronine, thyroid hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a a vein by a health care professional in a hospital setting.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply. Your health care professional will give this medicine as ordered.

What may interact with this medicine?

• amiodarone
• carbamazepine
• digoxin
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• ketamine
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines or herbals used to decrease weight or appetite
• phenobarbital or other barbiturate medications
• phenytoin
• prednisone or other corticosteroids
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• soy isoflavones
• theophylline
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You will need regular exams and occasional blood tests to check the response to treatment. If you receive this medicine for an underactive thyroid, it may be several weeks before you notice an improvement. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• chest pain
• excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• skin rash or hives
• swelling of ankles, feet, or legs
• tremors

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in appetite
• changes in menstrual periods
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• tiredness
• trouble sleeping
• weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.