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Cytomel T4 - Levothyroxine sodium is a prescription thyroid medication. When used appropriately, this medication is very safe for use during pregnancy. In fact, not taking levothyroxine during pregnancy (if you need to take it) can be quite dangerous.
Studies have not yet shown Cytomel T4 to have any side effects on pregnancy and breast feeding, however, if you are a nursing mother, if you are pregnant or planning to become soon it is best that you first consult your personal health care specialist before starting treatment with Synthroid.
In one study Wwmen with hypothyroidism who were planning pregnancy were observed prospectively before and throughout their pregnancies. Thyroid function, human chorionic gonadotropin, and estradiol were measured before conception, approximately every two weeks during the first trimester, and monthly thereafter. The dose of levothyroxine was increased to maintain the thyrotropin concentration at preconception values throughout pregnancy.
Conclusions of the study were that Cytomel T4 - Levothyroxine requirements increase as early as the fifth week of gestation. Given the importance of maternal euthyroidism for normal fetal cognitive development, we propose that women with hypothyroidism increase their levothyroxine dose by approximately 30 percent as soon as pregnancy is confirmed. Thereafter, serum thyrotropin levels should be monitored and the levothyroxine dose adjusted accordingly.
Levothyroxine (Cytomel T4) is excreted into breast milk in low concentrations. The effect of this hormone on the nursing infant is controversial. Two reports have claimed that sufficient quantities are present to partially treat neonatal hypothyroidism. A third study measured high T4 levels in breast-fed infants but was unsure of its significance. In contrast, four competing studies have found that breast feeding does not alter either T4 levels or thyroid function in the infant.
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