Liotrix

(LYE oh triks)

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Do not use this drug to treat obesity or for weight loss.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to liotrix or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Not if your child has any of these health problems: Overactive thyroid gland or a weak adrenal gland.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to add thyroid hormone to the body.

How does this drug work?

• Liotrix works to fuel growth and the making of glucose, protein, and fat in the body.

How is this drug given?

• Give on an empty stomach 30 minutes before breakfast.
• Give as you have been told, even if your child is feeling better.

How long does this drug take to work?

• It may take a few months to see the full effect.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Do not change the dose, brand, or stop your child's drug. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Infants:
• If your infant throws up after taking this drug, talk with the doctor.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Do not run out of this drug.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor.
• If your child has heart disease, talk with the doctor.
• Have your child's blood work checked often. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• If your child is taking a blood thinner, have his/her blood work checked. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Do not give your child iron products, antacids that have aluminum or magnesium, calcium carbonate, simethicone, sucralfate, Kayexalate®, colestipol, or cholestyramine within 4 hours of this drug.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Feeling more or less hungry.
• A change in weight without trying.
• Nervous and excitable.
• Not able to sleep.
• Shakiness.
• Bothered by heat.
• Sweating a lot.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Many small meals and good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Grouchy or touchy.
• Leg cramps.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has a fast heartbeat.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child is feeling very nervous and excitable.
• If your child has a big weight gain.
• If your child has a big weight loss.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Protect from light.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th to learn about the right way to get rid of unused drugs.
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.