This article describes Armour Thyroid’s dosages and strengths and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Armour Thyroid. If you want to know more about Armour Thyroid, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Armour Thyroid is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet. It contains the active ingredient desiccated thyroid. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It isn’t available in a generic version.
Note: Armour Thyroid has been available since before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began its drug approval process. Because of this, the FDA has not approved Armour Thyroid. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Armour Thyroid has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the end of this article.
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Form and strengths of Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid comes in these forms and strengths:
- Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 15 milligrams (mg), 30 mg, 60 mg, 90 mg, 120 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, 300 mg
Dosage of Armour Thyroid
This article describes the recommended dosages for Armour Thyroid. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Armour Thyroid without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Armour Thyroid in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Armour Thyroid. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Armour Thyroid that gives the desired outcome.
If you have certain health conditions, such as myxedema or cardiovascular disease, your doctor will likely decrease your dosage. In some cases, your doctor may decrease your dosage if you’re an older adult. In general, older adults refers to people ages 65 years and older.
Thyroid tablets should be taken in the morning, at least 30 to 60 minutes before your first daily meal. Food can make Armour Thyroid less effective. Usually, the dose is taken once per day.
Dosage for hypothyroidism and to lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in adults
| Purpose | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|
| hypothyroidism | 30 mg per day | individualized (dosage is typically increased by 15 mg every 2 to 3 weeks, with a maintenance dose of up to 60 to 120 mg per day) |
| to lower TSH | individualized | individualized (your doctor will recommend the dosage that’s right for you) |
Dosages of Armour Thyroid in children
Armour Thyroid is prescribed for children of all ages to treat:
- hypothyroidism
- thyroid goiters, nodules, thyroid cancer, or Hashimoto thyroiditis by decreasing TSH levels
Dosage for hypothyroidism in children
The Armour Thyroid dosage chart below shows the dosage recommendations provided by the drugmaker for hypothyroidism. Doctors will prescribe the exact dosage based on your child’s body weight in kilograms (kg) and age. For reference, 1 kg is equal to about 2.2 pounds (lb). Usually, the dose is taken once per day.
| Age | Typical daily dosage range | Recommended daily dosage in mg per kg of body weight (mg/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 months | 15 to 30 mg | 4.8 to 6 mg/kg |
| 6 to 12 months | 30 to 45 mg | 3.6 to 4.8 mg/kg |
| 1 to 5 years | 45 to 60 mg | 3 to 3.6 mg/kg |
| 6 to 12 years | 60 to 90 mg | 2.4 to 3 mg/kg |
| 12 years and older | over 90 mg | 1.2 to 1.8 mg/kg |
Dosage for other conditions in children
Doctors will prescribe an individualized dosage to treat thyroid goiters, nodules, thyroid cancer, or Hashimoto thyroiditis by decreasing TSH levels.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about the right dosage for your child.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Armour Thyroid and its dosage.
Is there a dosage option for Armour Thyroid that’s twice per day?
Usually, Armour Thyroid is taken once per day. But your dosage is individualized and may vary based on the condition Armour Thyroid is prescribed for.
It’s important to take Armour Thyroid exactly as your doctor prescribes. Talk with your doctor for more information about how often to take your dose of this medication. Also, see the “Dosage of Armour Thyroid” section above to learn more about the typical dosages.
Is Armour Thyroid taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Armour Thyroid as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Armour Thyroid, talk with your doctor.
Armour Thyroid coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of Armour Thyroid
It’s important that you do not take more Armour Thyroid than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you take too much Armour Thyroid
If you think you’ve taken too much Armour Thyroid, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Boxed warning for Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid has a boxed warning regarding not taking this drug as a weight loss aid or for obesity. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Armour Thyroid should not be taken to help with weight loss or to treat obesity. Doing so can cause serious side effects that can be life threatening. Heart palpitations and chest pain are examples of these serious side effects.
Talk with your doctor to learn more about suitable treatment options for weight loss and obesity.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.