Magnus Pharmaceuticals T-3 50 tabs (25 mcg/tab) EXPIRATION

Liothyronine – Cytomel

Thyroid hormones, crucial for metabolic regulation, are produced by the body. However, many pharmaceutical companies offer synthetic alternatives due to the simplicity of these hormone molecules. The primary thyroid hormones include T4, or levothyroxine, and T3, known as liothyronine, both sourced and stored in the thyroid gland.

Pharmaceutical thyroid hormones are produced through two methods: they can be derived from animal thyroid glands (bovine or ovine) or synthetically manufactured, with strict regulations in the USA regarding iodine content.

Cytomel (liothyronine sodium) is available as both tablets and naturally occurring salt form. Notably, T3 is significantly more potent than T4.

Pharmacology: While the exact mechanisms of action for thyroid hormones are not entirely understood, they are known to trigger numerous biochemical processes within cells, primarily providing energy. These hormones boost the body’s use of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins, enhancing oxygen consumption which leads to an increased basal metabolic rate (BMR) affecting nearly all body organs, including the brain. The significance of thyroid hormones becomes most apparent in individuals with deficiencies.

Dosage

Thyroid hormones are readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream, showing rapid onset of action within hours, while peak efficacy may manifest over several days. Their presence persists in the system for days post-administration, as they bind to albumin in the bloodstream, reducing metabolic breakdown.

Common indications for thyroid hormone use include:

• Replacement therapy for hypothyroidism
• Replacement therapy post-thyroidectomy
• Treatment for goiters and thyroid nodules
• Diagnostic agents in suppression tests to assess suspected hyperthyroidism
• Replacement for patients allergic to pork or beef thyroid preparations

Body Builders and Weight Loss

Athletes have historically misused thyroid hormones for weight loss; their ability to accelerate fat and carbohydrate metabolism makes them appealing for enhancing athletic performance. Utilized across various sports, Cytomel is often taken orally for 4-6 weeks, ceasing usage just before competitions. Users report effective fat-burning properties coupled with increased energy. However, it’s important to note that most athletes combine Cytomel use with multiple other supplements, complicating the weight loss narrative.

Online sellers recommend initiating a regimen at 25 mcg/day, with gradual increases of 5-10 mcg/day; however, the maximum recommended without significant side effects is approximately 100 mcg/day. Reports indicate it may take 6-12 weeks to see weight loss results, but users must understand that discontinuation can lead to thyroid insufficiency due to gland suppression.

A gradual tapering of thyroid hormone dosage is essential to support the thyroid gland’s natural function. Consulting a healthcare professional prior to off-label use, such as for weight loss, is highly advisable for safety.

Signs and Symptoms

Excess thyroid hormone can lead to diverse adverse effects including:

• Headache
• Emotional changes: irritability, nervousness, anxiety
• Increased sweating
• Arrhythmias
• Palpitations
• Chest pain
• Diarrhea
• Disrupted menstrual cycles
• Heart failure aggravation
• Shock

Severe overdose can mimic a thyroid storm, while prolonged excessive use leads to hyperthyroid symptoms.

Contraindications

Thyroid hormone is contraindicated for individuals with untreated adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, or known hypersensitivity to active ingredients. True allergies to liothyronine are extremely rare.

Signs and Symptoms

A significant number of individuals turn to thyroid hormones for weight reduction, typically combining them with other supplements. Therapeutic doses in normal patients are generally ineffective for weight loss; higher doses can pose serious risks and lead to potentially life-threatening symptoms, especially alongside agents like ephedrine or growth hormones.

Precautions must be taken in cases of adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, or renal conditions, as adjustments in dosage may be necessary. Additionally, thyroid hormones heighten sensitivity to oral anticoagulants, increasing bleeding risk. There is no scientific validation for the efficacy of thyroid hormone in infertility treatments.

Thyroid hormones are not without risk and can elicit substantial side effects. Those with cardiovascular concerns or chest pain must consult a physician prior to initiating therapy, with an emphasis on utilizing the lowest effective dosage.

Levels

Thyroid hormone levels are easily assessed; all major sporting organizations, including the IOC and WADA, routinely conduct checks on athletes using sensitive radioimmunoassays.

Drug Interactions

Liothyronine interacts with various medications, including:

• Oral anticoagulants
• Insulin or other hypoglycemics
• Cholestyramine
• Estrogen and oral contraceptives
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Digitalis

In these scenarios, the responsibility falls to physicians to ensure thyroid hormone dosages remain safe, with regular monitoring of patients receiving this treatment.

Treatment of Overdosage

In suspected cases of thyroid hormone overdose, hospital admission is necessary. The hormone should be halted, and the patient monitored. Recovery may require discontinuation for 4-8 weeks, with no specific antidote available—only supportive measures are advisable. Inducing vomiting is inadvisable due to aspiration risks. In critical cases, patients may need temporary mechanical support; otherwise, fluid resuscitation and observation typically suffice. In some instances, administering beta-adrenergic blockers may help manage symptoms.

Dosage

Liothyronine is taken once daily, with dosage tailored to the degree of hypothyroidism. Therapy should commence at a low dosage to manage rapid onset effects. The recommended starting dosage for Cytomel is 5 mcg/day, increasing in increments of no more than 5 mcg over 2-3 weeks. High start doses or rapid increases can exacerbate existing cardiovascular issues, whereas typical ranges fall between 50-75 mcg/day. Intravenous formulations are available for emergency situations like myxedema coma—a severe, life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism, predominantly affecting elderly females.

Liothyronine is dispensed in 5, 25, and 50 mcg tablets, requiring a physician’s prescription in the USA.