Cytomel and Venastat

• Generic Name: liothyronine
• Dosage Forms: tablet
• Other Brand Names: Cytomel, Triostat

Cytomel is a man-made form of a hormone that is normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. This medicine is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

Cytomel treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). This medicine is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), and is also given as part of a medical tests for thyroid disorders.

Cytomel should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

Cytomel may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

• Generic Name: horse chestnut
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Venastat

Venastat is a plant also known as Aescin, Aesculus hippocastanum, Buckeye, Castaño de Indias, Châtaignier de Mer, Châtaignier des Chevaux, Escine, Faux-Châtaignier, Hippocastani, Hippocastanum Vulgare Gaertn, Marron Europeen, Marronnier, Spanish Chestnut, Venostasin Retard, Venostat, White Chestnut, and other names.

Venastat has been used in alternative medicine and is likely effective in treating some symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (decreased blood flow return from the feet and legs back to the heart). These symptoms include leg pain or tenderness, varicose veins, itching or swelling in the legs, and fluid retention (puffy or swollen ankles or feet).

Other uses not proven with research have included fever, cough, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, enlarged prostate, menstrual cramps, and swelling caused by arthritis, sprains, or bone fractures.

It is not certain whether Venastat is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. This medicine should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Venastat is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Venastat may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.