Cytomel and Pregnancy

The FDA has given a pregnancy Category A rating to Cytomel (liothyronine). Pregnancy problems are unlikely to occur with medications in this drug class, and only a few medications have been given this classification. If you are taking Cytomel and pregnancy occurs, you should notify your healthcare provider immediately, as pregnant women often need higher doses of the medicine.

Cytomel Medication Information

Can I Take Cytomel During Pregnancy?

Cytomel^® (liothyronine sodium) is a prescription medication used to treat hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and various other thyroid problems. The medication is one of the very few medications considered to be safe for use in pregnant women.

Cytomel and Pregnancy Category A

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category A is given to medicines that have been extensively studied in pregnant humans and do not appear to cause any harm to the fetus. Very few medications have been given this classification; it is an excellent indication that a medication is safe for use during pregnancy.

Because hypothyroidism can cause serious problems (such as miscarriages), it is essential to treat an underactive thyroid during pregnancy. If you are already taking Cytomel, your dose may need to be increased throughout your pregnancy. Your healthcare provider should monitor you closely and adjust your Cytomel dosage as necessary. The medication does not pass through the placenta to the developing fetus in significant amounts.

Of course, it could be harmful to take Cytomel if you do not actually have a medical need. For instance, some people take thyroid medications like Cytomel to lose weight. This kind of inappropriate use of Cytomel is not safe for pregnant women.

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