Thyroid Desiccated

Common Side Effects of Armour Thyroid

When used in small doses, there are no common side effects reported with Armour Thyroid.

Serious Side Effects of Armour Thyroid

You should seek medical help right away if any of the following severe side effects occur while taking Armour Thyroid:

• Allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue)
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in menstrual periods
• Chest pain
• Diarrhea or increased bowel movements
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Inability to tolerate warm or hot temperatures
• Nervousness
• Tremor
• Trouble sleeping
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unusual weakness

You may not be able to use this medicine if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

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

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

While using desiccated thyroid, you may need frequent blood tests.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to take thyroid medication for the rest of your life.

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.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using desiccated thyroid. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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

If you also take cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), avoid taking these medications within 4 hours before or after you take desiccated thyroid.

Avoid taking an antacid within 4 hours before or after you take desiccated thyroid. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb desiccated thyroid.

Usual Adult Dose for Hypothyroidism:

Initial dose: 30 mg orally per day
Maintenance dose: Increase in increments of 15 mg per day every 2 to 3 weeks to a usual maintenance dose of 60 to 120 mg/day

Comments:
-This product has not been found by the US FDA to be safe and effective and the product labeling has not been approved.
-A lower dose of 15 mg/day is recommended in patients with long-standing myxedema, especially if cardiovascular impairment is suspected.
-Occurrence of angina is cause for dose reduction.
-Therapy is usually initiated at low doses, with increments which depend on the cardiovascular status of the patient.
-Failure to response to doses of 180 mg/day may suggest lack of compliance or malabsorption.

Uses: For use as replacement or supplemental therapy in patients with hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypothyroidism:

0 to 6 months: 4.8 to 6 mg/kg/day orally
6 to 12 months: 3.6 to 4.8 mg/kg/day orally
1 to 5 years: 3 to 3.6 mg/kg/day orally
6 to 12 years: 2.4 to 3 mg/kg/day orally
Over 12 years: 1.2 to 1.8 mg/kg/day orally

Comments: This product has not been found by the US FDA to be safe and effective and the product labeling has not been approved.

Use: For the treatment of congenital hypothyroidism

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Tablet, Oral:

Armour Thyroid: 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg

Armour Thyroid: 180 mg [scored]

Armour Thyroid: 240 mg

Armour Thyroid: 300 mg [scored]

Nature-Throid: 16.25 mg, 32.5 mg

Nature-Throid: 48.75 mg, 65 mg, 81.25 mg, 97.5 mg, 113.75 mg, 130 mg, 146.25 mg, 162.5 mg, 195 mg, 260 mg, 325 mg [scored]

NP Thyroid: 15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg

Westhroid: 16.25 mg [DSC], 32.5 mg

Westhroid: 48.75 mg [DSC], 65 mg [scored]

Westhroid: 81.25 mg [DSC]

Westhroid: 97.5 mg, 113.75 mg [DSC], 130 mg, 146.25 mg [DSC], 162.5 mg [DSC], 195 mg, 260 mg [DSC], 325 mg [DSC] [scored]

WP Thyroid: 16.25 mg, 32.5 mg

WP Thyroid: 48.75 mg, 65 mg [scored]

WP Thyroid: 81.25 mg

WP Thyroid: 81.25 mg, 97.5 mg, 113.75 mg, 130 mg [scored]

• Thyroid Product

Note: The American Thyroid Association/American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists do not recommend the use of desiccated thyroid as replacement therapy for hypothyroidism (ATA [Jonklaas 2014]; ATA/AACE [Garber 2012]). Tablet strengths may vary by manufacturer in terms of grains or mg; dosing recommendations are based on general clinical equivalencies that 1 grain = 60 mg or 65 mg; 1/2 grain = 30 mg or 32.5 mg; and 1/4 grain = 15 mg or 16.25 mg.

Hypothyroidism: Oral: Initial: 30 or 32.5 mg/day; may increase dose in 15 or 16.25 mg increments every 2 to 3 weeks until adequate replacement dose determined; initiate with 15 or 16.25 mg/day in patients with cardiovascular disease or long-standing myxedema. Usual dosage range: 60 to 130 mg/day. Inadequate response to doses up to 195 mg/day suggests noncompliance or malabsorption.

Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

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, swallowing, 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.
• Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
• Lump on the neck.
• Headache.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Shakiness.
• Not able to sleep.
• Bothered by heat.
• Sweating a lot.
• Feeling more or less hungry.
• A change in weight without trying.
• Loose stools (diarrhea).
• Stomach cramps.
• Throwing up.
• Feeling irritable.
• Fever.
• Leg cramps.
• Muscle weakness.
• Period (menstrual) changes.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer