Levothyroxine is not a substitute for Liothyronine - Thyroid UK

Thyroid UK

144,209 members169,655 posts

Levothyroxine is not a substitute for Liothyronine

Pamela0106 profile image
8 Replies

We knew this already but here it is in writing from the MHRA.

Liothyronine is NOT the same as Levothyroxine and it is NOT a substitute.

Feel free to use the next time your doctor tries to switch you to T4 only following established and effective treatment on #T3!

#andmeT3

Written by
Pamela0106 profile image
Pamela0106
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
8 Replies
diogenes profile image
diogenesRemembering

The real problem is the unspoken implication here. It's known that T3's influence when taken is far quicker than T4; it peaks fast, acts fast, and declines fast. In simply saying T3 is different from T4 does NOT support T3's use. If the argument is that T4 is the treatment of choice, then simply saying T3 isn't T4 gets us nowhere in decisions to use T3. The slower response to T4 will always be used as an argument against using T3.

shaws profile image
shaws in reply todiogenes

If levothyroxine makes some patients much more unwell than before they're diagnosed, what is the purpose of keeping them very unwell, not able to function daily as they used to. Struggle or cannot go to work. Life becomes so hard and difficult and if we dare put on make-up they assume you're better than you say you are.

Pamela0106 profile image
Pamela0106 in reply todiogenes

I don’t disagree so to clarify. I’m not suggesting for one minute this should be the sole thing any patient should use to back their T3 argument. It is meant as an additional card up their sleeves. Particularly for those patients who have been long established on T3 who are at immediate threat of its removal. I included this as part of the post.

Hennerton profile image
Hennerton

Thank you so much for posting this. I am on T3/4 and am waiting for the dreaded letter that so many members have received, withdrawing their T3. Could be very, very useful!

MaisieGray profile image
MaisieGray

In saying that Levothyroxine and Liothyronine are not substitutes for each other, does not, to me, necessarily read as a positive thing. I read it as meaning T3 has a specific purpose such as in the case of intravenous application for myxoedema coma in ITUs; and that if T4 has been prescribed as the appropriate (gold) standard treatment for hypothyroidism, then T3 can't be substituted.

Pamela0106 profile image
Pamela0106 in reply toMaisieGray

I hear you. However it’s also why I include in my comment that it’s partucularly prudent for those already on T3 who are well on it.

Aurealis profile image
Aurealis

Thank you Pamela0106, I think this is useful. Like Hennerton, I dread the letter arriving. But there are many on this site that are having T3 withdrawn and substituted with Levothyroxine, so this must be useful if successful treatment with T3 is the starting point.

Pamela0106 profile image
Pamela0106 in reply toAurealis

Exactly xxx

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Levothyroxine/ Liothyronine + Osteoporosis

Hi, I have been diagnosed with Hashimotos disease and am currently taking a combination of...
M4ndi profile image

Frustrated - Levothyroxine/Liothyronine

Well, just had my bloods taken this morning, so we will see what the test reveals. My...
Arlenka profile image

levothyroxine is not working for me...

hi, i am currently on 175mcg of levo, and my doc and specialist both say i should be ok now , as my...

Is there a correct ratio of levothyroxine to liothyronine?

Hello, I know there's a ratio for T3:T4 production in the body. Should your doses of thyroid...
Zazbag profile image

Levothyroxine / Liothyronine combination advice

I have just had my thyroid function results back today and my GP is concerned because my TSH is...
ali7967 profile image

Moderation team

See all
SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator
Buddy195 profile image
Buddy195Administrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.