Items which should not routinely be prescribed in primary care - liothyronine (including Armour Thyroid and liothyronine combination products) by all Sub-ICB Locations

Prior to 2017, the price of liothyronine rose significantly and there is limited evidence for efficacy above levothyroxine for most patients. Since 2017, the price of liothyronine has fallen but it is still significantly higher than the price of levothyroxine tablets.

The British Thyroid Association (BTA) and Society for Endocrinologists 2023 joint consensus statement states 'There is no convincing evidence to support routine use of thyroid extracts, L-T3 monotherapy, compounded thyroid hormones, iodine containing preparations, dietary supplementation and over the counter (OTC) preparations in the management of hypothyroidism'.

Due to the significant costs associated with liothyronine and the limited evidence to support its routine prescribing in preference to levothyroxine, the joint clinical working group considered liothyronine suitable for inclusion in this guidance. However, during the consultation, we heard and received evidence about a cohort of patients who require liothyronine, and the clinical working group felt it necessary to include some exceptions based on guidance from the BTA. These exceptions are clarified in NHS England Liothyronine - advice for prescribers.

For patients currently prescribed liothyronine who have not already had a review, an NHS consultant endocrinologist should review them to consider switching to levothyroxine where clinically appropriate. Prescriptions for individuals already receiving liothyronine should continue until that review has taken place.

Liothyronine is used for patients with thyroid cancer, in preparation for radioiodine ablation, iodine scanning or stimulated thyroglobulin test. In these situations, it is appropriate for patients to obtain their prescriptions from the centre undertaking the treatment and not routinely obtained from primary care prescribers.