Nature-Throid

Frequency Not Defined

Tachycardia

Alopecia

Myalgia

Arrhythmias

Nervousness

Tremor

Diarrhea

Cramps

Desiccated (dried) thyroid is a combination of hormones that are normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Desiccated thyroid is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

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

Desiccated thyroid should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

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

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take desiccated thyroid. However, you may not be able to use this medication if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

Call your doctor if you notice any signs of thyroid toxicity, such as chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, feeling hot or nervous, or sweating more than usual.

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take desiccated thyroid. However, you may not be able to use this medication if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

To make sure desiccated thyroid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, angina (chest pain);
• coronary artery disease;
• congestive heart failure;
• any type of diabetes; or
• problems with your adrenal gland.

FDA pregnancy category A. Desiccated thyroid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, tell your doctor if you become pregnant, since your dose needs may change.

Small amounts of desiccated thyroid can pass into breast milk, but this is not expected to harm a nursing baby. However, do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with desiccated thyroid, especially:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;

• insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;

• medications that contain iodine (such as I-131);

• salicylates such as aspirin, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate; or

• steroids such as prednisone and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with desiccated thyroid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not run out of Nature-Throid.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Nature-Throid while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Headache.
• Shortness of breath.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Shakiness.
• Not able to sleep.
• Bothered by heat.
• Sweating a lot.
• Feeling more or less hungry.
• A big weight gain or loss.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Throwing up.
• Grouchy or touchy.
• Fever.
• Stomach cramps.
• Leg cramps.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Period (menstrual) changes. These include spotting between cycles or very light periods.

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Keep a list of all your drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your doctor.
• Talk with the doctor before starting any new drug, including prescription or OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Nature-Throid or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Nature-Throid. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Review Date: October 4, 2017

Applies to thyroid desiccated: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral tablet

General

Adverse reactions other than those attributable to hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose are rare. Excessive doses may result in a hypermetabolic state resembling in every respect the condition of endogenous origin.[Ref]

If signs and symptoms of overdosage appear, the dosage should be reduced or therapy temporarily discontinued and may be reinstituted at a lower dosage. Normal hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis function has been restored in 6 to 8 weeks after thyroid suppression.[Ref]

Some side effects of Nature-Throid may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

Initial: 30 to 32.5 mg orally once a day on an empty stomach. Increase by 15 to 16.25 mg per day every 2 to 3 weeks to achieve normal serum T3 and T4 levels.

Maintenance: 60 to 130 mg per day.

Data not available