Thyroid T-4/T-3 (Cytomel)
What is thyroid T-4/T-3?
Thyroid T-4/T-3 is synthetic thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is naturally present in the body and is used for controlling the metabolic rate in the body. In cases of thyroid disorder, certain conditions such as reduced metabolism and goiter can occur in the body. Thyroid T-4/T-3 is used for regulating the production of thyroid hormone and for treating conditions arising out of deficiency of thyroid.
Precautions/side effects of Thyroid T-4/T-3
Patients allergic to synthetic thyroid should refrain from taking this drug. Other than that, patients with high thyroid levels or problems with their adrenal glands should refrain from taking this drug. Other than that, the drug is also known to react with certain medications such as blood thinners like Warfarin, birth control pills, calcium supplements, digoxin, insulin etc. Patients on any of these medications or other prescription medicines should take Thyroid T-4/T-3 only after consultation with a doctor.
Patients with diabetes, history of angina, heart attack or blood pressure problems should also take this medicine only consulting their physician.
Thyroid T-4/T-3 is a Category C pregnancy drug. Thus, it may have harmful effects on the newborn as well as the fetus. Thus, pregnant women as well as women who are breastfeeding should take this drug only after consultation with a doctor.
The drug is also known to have certain side effects such as partial loss of hair, drowsiness, lethargy, loss of appetite etc. However, in some cases, serious side effects may show up to the drug such as rashes, hives, pain in the chest, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, breathlessness etc. If any of these symptoms show up after taking the drug, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Please note that the above is not the complete list of symptoms of side effects to the drug.
Important safety information
- The drug takes effect only when taken regularly. It may take upto 6 weeks for the drug to start showing its effect.
- The drug should not be used for weight loss or for treating infertility as it can lead to life threatening situations in such cases.
- Thyroid T-3/T-4 is known to affect blood glucose levels. Thus, diabetes patients must monitor their blood glucose levels closely while on this drug.
Dosage of Thyroid T-3/T-4
Thyroid T-3/T-4 is available in oral for. The drug can be taken with or without food. There is no fixed dosage of the drug. The dosage of the drug depends on the diagnosis of the patient. It is important to take the drug at the same time everyday for maximizing the efficiency of the drug.
It is also important to avoid colestipol for at least 5 hours after taking the drug as it is known to react adversely with the drug. Overdose of the drug should be avoided at all costs. If a dose is missed, it should be had as soon as possible. However, it should not be clubbed with the next dose. Overdose of the drug can lead to severe symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, vomiting etc. which require immediate medical attention.
Storage of Thyroid T-3/T-4
Thyroid T-3/T-4 should be stored at room temperature, in cool and dry conditions away from direct sunlight. The drug should be stored out of reach of children as well as pets at all times.