Dosing & Uses
Dosage Forms & Strengths
DISCLAIMER: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA; see information about unapproved drugs
tablet
- Armour Thyroid: 15mg, 30mg, 60mg, 90mg, 120mg, 180mg, 240mg, 300mg
- Adthyza: 16.25mg, 32.5mg, 65mg, 97.5mg, 130mg
- NP Thyroid: 15mg, 30mg, 60mg, 90mg, 120mg
Hypothyroidism
Indicated as replacement or supplemental therapy in patients with hypothyroidism of any etiology, except transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase of subacute thyroiditis
Armour Thyroid or NP Thyroid
- Initiate with low, incremental dosing 15-30 mg PO qDay, may increase by 15 mg/day q2-3Weeks (or 30 mg/day q30Days)
- Cardiovascular disease: Initiate at lower dose of 15 mg PO qDay
- Myxedema: Start at lower dose of 15 mg PO qDay, THEN after 2 weeks 30 mg PO qDay, THEN after 2 weeks 60 mg PO qDay
- Typical maintentance dose: 60-120 mg PO qDay
- Failure to respond to doses of 180 mg/day suggests lack of compliance or malabsorption
Adthyza
- Initiate with low doses in increments, which depend on cardiovascular status
- Initial: 32.5 mg PO qDay, with adjustments of 16.25 mg q2-3Weeks
- Cardiovascular disease: Initiate at lower dose of 16.25 mg/day
- Typical maintenance dose: 65-130 mg PO qDay
- Failure to respond to doses of 195 mg/day suggests lack of compliance or malabsorption
Thyroid cancer
- Exogenous thyroid hormone may produce regression of metastases from follicular and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid and is used as ancillary therapy of these conditions with radioactive iodine
- TSH should be suppressed to low or undetectable levels
- Therefore, larger amounts of thyroid hormone than those used for replacement therapy are required. Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is usually unresponsive to this therapy
Pituitary TSH Suppression
Indicated as pituitary TSH suppressants for treatment or prevention of various types of euthyroid goiters, including thyroid nodules, subacute or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto disease), multinodular goiter, and for management of thyroid cancer
Administration of thyroid hormone in doses higher than those produced physiologically by the gland results in suppression of the production of endogenous hormone
This is the basis for the thyroid suppression test and is used as an aid to diagnosis mild hyperthyroidism when base line laboratory tests appear normal, or to demonstrate thyroid gland autonomy in patients with Grave’s ophthalmopathy
Usual suppressive dose (T4)
- 1.56 mcg/kg/day PO x 7-10 days
Dosing Considerations
Readjustment of thyroid hormone dosage should be made within the first 4 weeks of therapy, after proper clinical and laboratory evaluations, including serum levels of T4, bound and free, and TSH
Current guidelines do not recommend desiccated thyroid for treatment of hypothyroidism (primary or secondary); levothyroxine monotherapy is preferred
Desiccated thyroid contains variable amounts of T3, T4, and other triiodothyronine compounds which are more likely to cause signs or symptoms due to fluctuating levels
Dosage Forms & Strengths
DISCLAIMER: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA; see information about unapproved drugs
tablet
- Armour Thyroid: 15mg, 30mg, 60mg, 90mg, 120mg, 180mg, 240mg, 300mg
- Adthyza: 16.25mg, 32.5mg, 65mg, 97.5mg, 130mg
- NP Thyroid: 15mg, 30mg, 60mg, 90mg, 120mg
Congenital Hypothyroidism
<6 months: 4.8-6 mg/kg PO qDay
6-12 months: 3.6-4.8 mg/kg PO qDay
1-5 years: 3-3.6 mg/kg PO qDay
6-12 years: 2.4-3 mg/kg PO qDay
≥12 years: 1.2-1.8 mg/kg PO qDay
Armour Thyroid or NP Thyroid
- <6 months: 15-30 mg/day
- 6-12 months: 30-45 mg/day
- 1-5 years: 45-60 mg/day
- 6-12 years: 60-90 mg/day
- ≥12 years: >90 mg/day
Adthyza
- <6 months: 16.25-32.5 mg/day
- 6-12 months: 32.5-48.75 mg/day
- 1-5 years: 48.75-65 mg/day
- 6-12 years: 65-97.5 mg/day
- ≥12 years: >97.5 mg/day
Dosing Considerations
Readjustment of thyroid hormone dosage should be made within the first 4 weeks of therapy, after proper clinical and laboratory evaluations, including serum levels of T4, bound and free, and TSH
Current guidelines do not recommend desiccated thyroid for treatment of hypothyroidism (primary or secondary); levothyroxine monotherapy is preferred
Desiccated thyroid contains variable amounts of T3, T4, and other triiodothyronine compounds which are more likely to cause signs or symptoms due to fluctuating levels
Interactions
Interaction Checker
No Results
Contraindicated
Serious - Use Alternative
Significant - Monitor Closely
Minor
Contraindicated (1)
- sodium iodide I-131
thyroid desiccated will decrease the level or effect of sodium iodide I-131 by Other (see comment). Contraindicated. Use of thyroid products or iodine before and during treatment with sodium iodide I-131 decreases uptake of sodium iodide I-131 by the thyroid gland
Serious - Use Alternative (12)
- antithrombin alfa
thyroid desiccated increases effects of antithrombin alfa by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- antithrombin III
thyroid desiccated increases effects of antithrombin III by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- argatroban
thyroid desiccated increases effects of argatroban by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- bemiparin
thyroid desiccated increases effects of bemiparin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- bivalirudin
thyroid desiccated increases effects of bivalirudin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- dalteparin
thyroid desiccated increases effects of dalteparin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- enoxaparin
thyroid desiccated increases effects of enoxaparin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- fondaparinux
thyroid desiccated increases effects of fondaparinux by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- heparin
thyroid desiccated increases effects of heparin by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- lycopus
lycopus decreases effects of thyroid desiccated by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Contraindicated. Lycopus blocks peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.
- phenindione
thyroid desiccated increases effects of phenindione by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
- protamine
thyroid desiccated increases effects of protamine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.
Monitor Closely (31)
- amitriptyline
thyroid desiccated increases effects of amitriptyline by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- amoxapine
thyroid desiccated increases effects of amoxapine by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- carbonyl iron
carbonyl iron decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- cholestyramine
cholestyramine decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- clomipramine
thyroid desiccated increases effects of clomipramine by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- colesevelam
colesevelam will decrease the level or effect of thyroid desiccated by Mechanism: inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Administer thyroid hormones at least 4 hr before colesevelam. Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in patients receiving thyroid hormone.
- desipramine
thyroid desiccated increases effects of desipramine by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- digoxin
thyroid desiccated decreases effects of digoxin by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
- doxepin
thyroid desiccated increases effects of doxepin by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- doxepin cream
thyroid desiccated increases effects of doxepin cream by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- eluxadoline
eluxadoline increases levels of thyroid desiccated by decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Eluxadoline may increase the systemic exposure of coadministered OATP1B1 substrates.
- ferric maltol
ferric maltol decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ferrous fumarate
ferrous fumarate decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ferrous gluconate
ferrous gluconate decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- ferrous sulfate
ferrous sulfate decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- imipramine
thyroid desiccated increases effects of imipramine by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- insulin degludec
thyroid desiccated decreases effects of insulin degludec by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Thyroid hormones regulate carbohydrate metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and glycogen stores mobilization; dose of antidiabetic agents may need adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required.
- insulin degludec/insulin aspart
thyroid desiccated decreases effects of insulin degludec/insulin aspart by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Thyroid hormones regulate carbohydrate metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and glycogen stores mobilization; dose of antidiabetic agents may need adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required.
- insulin inhaled
thyroid desiccated decreases effects of insulin inhaled by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Thyroid hormones regulate carbohydrate metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and glycogen stores mobilization; dose of antidiabetic agents may need adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required.
- iron dextran complex
iron dextran complex decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- iron sucrose
iron sucrose decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- lanthanum carbonate
lanthanum carbonate decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by cation binding in GI tract. Use Caution/Monitor. Administer oral thyroid products at least 2 hr before or after lanthanum. Interaction applies only to oral thyroid products only. .
- levonorgestrel oral/ethinylestradiol/ferrous bisglycinate
levonorgestrel oral/ethinylestradiol/ferrous bisglycinate will decrease the level or effect of thyroid desiccated by unknown mechanism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. The estrogen component of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) may raise the serum concentrations of thyroxine-binding globulin. Women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy may need increased doses of thyroid hormone with use of CHCs.
- metformin
thyroid desiccated decreases effects of metformin by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Patient should be closely observed for loss of blood glucose control; when drugs are withdrawn from a patient receiving metformin, patient should be observed closely for hypoglycemia.
- nateglinide
thyroid desiccated decreases effects of nateglinide by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration may reduce nateglinide's hypoglycemic action.
- nortriptyline
thyroid desiccated increases effects of nortriptyline by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- polysaccharide iron
polysaccharide iron decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- protriptyline
thyroid desiccated increases effects of protriptyline by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- rose hips
rose hips decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Use Caution/Monitor.
- trimipramine
thyroid desiccated increases effects of trimipramine by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Increased catecholamine receptor sensitivity; may increase CNS and cardiovascular effects, including arrhythmias.
- warfarin
thyroid desiccated increases effects of warfarin by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.
Minor (26)
- amobarbital
amobarbital decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- butabarbital
butabarbital decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- butalbital
butalbital decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- carbamazepine
carbamazepine decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- colestipol
colestipol decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- dexlansoprazole
dexlansoprazole decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. Conflicting evidence regarding this interaction exists.
- eslicarbazepine acetate
eslicarbazepine acetate decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- esomeprazole
esomeprazole decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. Conflicting evidence regarding this interaction exists.
- ethotoin
ethotoin decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
ethotoin decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by plasma protein binding competition. Minor/Significance Unknown. - fosphenytoin
fosphenytoin decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
fosphenytoin decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by plasma protein binding competition. Minor/Significance Unknown. - glandular products
glandular products increases effects of thyroid desiccated by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Additive effects with thyroid glandular extract.
- guggul
guggul decreases effects of thyroid desiccated by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- lansoprazole
lansoprazole decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. Conflicting evidence regarding this interaction exists.
- omeprazole
omeprazole decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. Conflicting evidence regarding this interaction exists.
- oxcarbazepine
oxcarbazepine decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- pantoprazole
pantoprazole decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. Conflicting evidence regarding this interaction exists.
- pentobarbital
pentobarbital decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- phenobarbital
phenobarbital decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- phenytoin
phenytoin decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
phenytoin decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by plasma protein binding competition. Minor/Significance Unknown. - piracetam
piracetam, thyroid desiccated. Mechanism: unknown. Minor/Significance Unknown. Combination of piracetam and T3+T4 produced confusion, sleep disorder in single case.
- primidone
primidone decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- rabeprazole
rabeprazole decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing gastric pH. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown. Conflicting evidence regarding this interaction exists.
- rifampin
rifampin decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- secobarbital
secobarbital decreases levels of thyroid desiccated by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown.
- shepherd's purse
shepherd's purse decreases effects of thyroid desiccated by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Theoretical interaction.
- theophylline
thyroid desiccated decreases levels of theophylline by increasing elimination. Minor/Significance Unknown.
Adverse Effects
Frequency Not Defined
Adverse effects typically suggest excess thyroid replacement and/or hyperthyroidism
Abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting
Alopecia
Ataxia
Cardiac arrhythmia, chest pain, palpitations, tachycardia
Diaphoresis, dyspnea, fever, headache, heat intolerance
Increased appetite, weight loss
Insomnia
Menstrual disease
Myalgia
Nervousness, tremor, tremor of hands
Warnings
Black Box Warnings
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, used for the treatment of obesity; in euthyroid patients, doses within range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction
Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to thyroid hormone
Untreated thyrotoxicosis, untreated adrenal insufficiency
Thyroid therapy of obesity, alone or combined with other drugs, is unjustified and has been shown to be ineffective
Cautions
In infants, excessive doses of thyroid hormone preparations may produce craniosynostosis
Cardiovascular disease
- Use with great caution where the integrity of the cardiovascular system, particularly the coronary arteries, is suspected, such as angina pectoris or elderly individuals, in whom there is a greater likelihood of occult cardiac disease
- In these patients, initiate with low doses
- When, in such patients, a euthyroid state can only be reached at the expense of an aggravation of the cardiovascular disease, thyroid hormone dosage should be reduced
Endocrine diseases
- Thyroid hormone therapy in patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or adrenal cortical insufficiency aggravates symptom intensity
- Adjust therapeutic measures directed at these concomitant endocrine diseases are required
- Therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids
Drug interaction overview
-
Oral anticoagulants
- Dosage modification/monitor
- Hypothyroidism decreases and hyperthyroidism increases sensitivity to oral anticoagulants
- Monitor prothrombin time closely
- Adjust oral anticoagulant dose according to prothrombin time
-
Insulin or oral hypoglycemic
- Dosage modification/monitor
- Initiating thyroid replacement therapy may cause increases in insulin or oral hypoglycemic requirements
- Effects depend upon a variety of factors (eg, dose and type of thyroid preparations, endocrine status of patient)
-
Cholestyramine or colestipol
- Modify dosage regimen
- Cholestyramine or colestipol binds both levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3) in the intestine, thus impairing absorption
- Separate dosing by 4-5 hr between administration of cholestyramine or colestipol and thyroid hormones
-
Estrogen, oral contraceptives
- Higher thyroid dose may be needed
- Estrogens tend to increase serum thyroxine-binding globulin (TBg)
- Patients with a nonfunctioning thyroid gland who receive thyroid replacement therapy, free levothyroxine (T4) may be decreased when estrogens are started thus increasing thyroid requirements
- However, if the thyroid gland has sufficient function, the decreased free T4 will result in a compensatory increase in T4 output by the thyroid
- Patients may need to increase their thyroid dose if estrogens or estrogen-containing oral contraceptives are given
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy
Desiccated thyroid is not recommended for treatment during pregnancy; levothyroxine is the treatment of choice for females who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Thyroid hormones do not readily cross the placental barrier; clinical experience to date does not indicate any adverse effect on fetuses when thyroid hormones are administered to pregnant females
On the basis of current knowledge, thyroid replacement therapy to hypothyroid females should not be discontinued during pregnancy
Lactation
Minimal amounts of thyroid hormones are excreted in human milk; thyroid is not associated with serious adverse reactions and does not have a known tumorigenic potential; however, caution should be exercised when thyroid is administered to a nursing females
Pregnancy Categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk. C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done. D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk. X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist. NA: Information not available.Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Natural thyroid hormone from animals; increase basal metabolic rate, increase utilization and mobilization of glycogen store, promotes gluconeogenesis
Absorption
Onset: Initial effect: 3hr
Bioavailability: 48-80%
Peak plasma time
- T4: 2-4 hr
- T3: 2-3 Days
Distribution
Protein Bound: >99%
Metabolism
Metabolism: Hepatic; also in kidney and intestinal walls
Metabolites: Levothyroxine (T4), liothyronine (T3), reverse triiodothyronine (rT3)
Elimination
Excretion: Urine (major), feces (partially)
Half-Life
- T4: 6-7 days (euthyroid); 3-4 days (hyperthyroid); 9-10 (hypothyroid)
- T3: 2.5 days
Images
| BRAND | FORM. | UNIT PRICE | PILL IMAGE |
|---|---|---|---|
| thyroid (pork) oral - | 60 mg tablet |  | |
| thyroid (pork) oral - | 30 mg tablet |  | |
| thyroid (pork) oral - | 120 mg tablet |  | |
| thyroid (pork) oral - | 90 mg tablet |  | |
| thyroid (pork) oral - | 15 mg tablet |  | |
| Niva Thyroid oral - | 120 mg tablet |  | |
| Niva Thyroid oral - | 90 mg tablet |  | |
| Niva Thyroid oral - | 60 mg tablet |  | |
| Niva Thyroid oral - | 15 mg tablet |  | |
| Armour Thyroid oral - | 60 mg tablet |  | |
| Armour Thyroid oral - | 240 mg tablet |  | |
| Armour Thyroid oral - | 180 mg tablet |  | |
| Armour Thyroid oral - | 120 mg tablet |  | |
| Armour Thyroid oral - | 90 mg tablet |  | |
| Armour Thyroid oral - | 15 mg tablet |  | |
| Armour Thyroid oral - | 30 mg tablet |  | |
| Armour Thyroid oral - | 300 mg tablet |  | |
| NP Thyroid oral - | 60 mg tablet |  | |
| NP Thyroid oral - | 90 mg tablet |  | |
| NP Thyroid oral - | 30 mg tablet |  | |
| NP Thyroid oral - | 120 mg tablet |  | |
| NP Thyroid oral - | 15 mg tablet |  |
Copyright © 2010 First DataBank, Inc.
Patient Handout
thyroid (pork) oral
THYROID - ORAL
(THYE-royd)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adthyza, Armour Thyroid
WARNING: This medication should not be used for weight loss. Normal doses of this medication will not work for weight loss, and large doses of this medication may cause serious, possibly fatal side effects, especially when taken with diet pills.
USES: Thyroid hormone is used to treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands (usually a pig's). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. In children, having enough thyroid hormone is important for normal mental and physical development.This medication is also used to treat other types of thyroid disorders (such as certain types of goiters, thyroid cancer) and also to test for thyroid function.This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.Older adults should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor or pharmacist.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast.The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on age/weight.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting with your doctor. Thyroid replacement treatment is usually taken for life.Certain medications (cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam, antacids, sucralfate, simethicone, iron, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, calcium carbonate, orlistat) can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone that is absorbed by your body. If you are taking any of these drugs, separate them from this medication by at least 4 hours.There are different brands of thyroid hormone available. Do not change brands without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.Symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels include tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold. Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse or lasts after several weeks of taking this medication.
SIDE EFFECTS: Hair loss may occur during the first few months of treatment. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects of high thyroid hormone levels, including: increased sweating, sensitivity to heat, mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, mood swings), tiredness, diarrhea, shaking (tremor), headache, shortness of breath.Get medical help right away if you have any very serious effects of high thyroid hormone levels, including: chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, swelling hands/ankles/feet, seizures.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking thyroid hormone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pork products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: increased thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis), decreased adrenal gland function, heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, diabetes.Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially chest pain, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat.Current information shows that this drug may be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant because your dose may need to be adjusted.Thyroid hormone passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also How to Use Section.Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, confusion, seizures.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.Lab and/or medical tests (such as thyroid function) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up unless your doctor tells you to do so. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses in a row. Ask your doctor ahead of time what to do about a missed dose and follow your doctor's specific directions.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised May 2023. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
Formulary
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