Armour Thyroid, Np Thyroid 60, Np Thyroid 15, NP Thyroid 120, Np Thyroid 30, Np Thyroid 90, Adthyza
Armour Thyroid is prescribed for an underactive thyroid and certain thyroid nodules, goiters, and cancers. Armour Thyroid belongs to a group of drugs called thyroid hormones.
Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD on May 9, 2023
Written by Amber Watson, PharmD
Introduction
This article describes Armour Thyroid’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of Armour Thyroid.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Armour Thyroid. This is because the drug has been available since before the FDA began its drug approval process. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Boxed warning: Not to be used as a weight loss aid
Armour Thyroid has a boxed warning about not using the drug as a weight loss aid. Boxed warnings are serious warnings about the safety of certain medications.
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for Armour Thyroid” section below.
Common questions about Armour Thyroid
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Armour Thyroid.
Can I switch from other drugs for an underactive thyroid, such as levothyroxine or NP Thyroid, to Armour Thyroid?
Yes, if your doctor advises it, you can switch from Armour Thyroid to another drug for an underactive thyroid.
Armour Thyroid belongs to a group of drugs called thyroid hormones. It contains an active drug called desiccated thyroid. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a drug work.) Desiccated thyroid is also available as the brand-name drug NP Thyroid.
Other thyroid hormone drugs include levothyroxine (Levoxyl, Synthroid, others) and liothyronine (Cytomel). Your doctor can recommend the thyroid hormone drug that’s best for your condition.
If you’re interested in switching from one thyroid hormone drug to another, talk with your doctor. If they approve a change from one drug to the other, they’ll explain the dosage conversion between these treatments.
Does Armour Thyroid cause long-term side effects?
No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with Armour Thyroid. In the prescribing information* for the drug, specific side effects weren’t reported in people who had taken Armour Thyroid for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about possible long-term side effects with Armour Thyroid.
* It’s important to note that side effects of Armour Thyroid weren’t evaluated in studies. For details about this, see the “Side effects of Armour Thyroid” section below.
How does Armour Thyroid work? And how long does it take to start working?
Armour Thyroid works by replacing thyroid hormones in your body. Your body may not make enough thyroid hormones due to an underactive thyroid, certain thyroid nodules or goiters, or thyroid cancer.
When taking Armour Thyroid, your thyroid hormones can reach their usual levels. As a result, Armour Thyroid helps ease symptoms of an underactive thyroid. It can also help lower the risk of thyroid nodules, goiters, or thyroid cancer getting worse or returning after treatment.
It may take 4–6 weeks for your thyroid hormone levels to reach their usual range after starting the drug. Your doctor will give you a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels. They’ll use the test results to help decide whether Armour Thyroid is working.
Armour Thyroid’s half-life is up to 6 days. Half-life is the time it takes half of a drug’s dose to leave your body. This means it could take up to 6 days for half of a dose of Armour Thyroid to leave your system.
If you have questions about what to expect while taking Armour Thyroid, talk with your doctor.
Is hair loss a side effect of Armour Thyroid?
Hair loss was not reported as a side effect in the prescribing information* for Armour Thyroid. But hair loss can be a symptom of an underactive thyroid, which Armour Thyroid is used to treat.
If you have hair loss or thinning hair while taking Armour Thyroid, talk with your doctor. They can give you a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels. The test results will help your doctor decide whether Armour Thyroid is working.
If your thyroid hormone levels are not in the usual range, your doctor may adjust your dosage of Armour Thyroid. Doing so may help ease hair loss and other symptoms of an underactive thyroid.
* It’s important to note that side effects of Armour Thyroid weren’t evaluated in studies. For details about this, see the “Side effects of Armour Thyroid” section below.
How do I know if Armour Thyroid is not working?
Having symptoms of the condition you’re taking Armour Thyroid to treat can be a sign that the drug is not working.
For example, Armour thyroid can be used to treat an underactive thyroid. If the drug isn’t working for this condition, you may notice weight gain, hair loss, low energy, and depression.
Armour Thyroid can also be used for certain thyroid nodules, goiters, and thyroid cancer. If the drug isn’t working for these conditions, you may notice a hoarse voice, neck pain, neck swelling, and trouble breathing or swallowing.
If you have symptoms of the condition you’re using Armour Thyroid to treat, talk with your doctor. They can give you a blood test to check your thyroid hormone levels. The test results will help your doctor decide whether Armour Thyroid is working.
Side effects of Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid may cause mild or serious side effects. Possible mild and serious side effects of Armour Thyroid are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
Keep in mind that side effects of Armour Thyroid weren’t evaluated in studies. This is because the drug has been available since before the Food and Drug Administration required studies for drug approval. For this reason, detailed information about side effects is not available in the prescribing information for Armour Thyroid.
To learn more about Armour Thyroid’s side effects, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Mild side effects
A possible mild side effect of Armour Thyroid is below. This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
One of Armour Thyroid’s mild side effects is mild allergic reaction. For details about this, see the “Interactions and warnings for Armour Thyroid” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Armour Thyroid are listed below.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, Armour Thyroid’s serious side effects include:
- high thyroid hormone levels
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Armour Thyroid” section below.
Dosage of Armour Thyroid
The dosage of Armour Thyroid your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage you should follow.
Taking Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s taken without food on an empty stomach. You should take it 30–60 minutes before your first meal of the day.
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take Armour Thyroid. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
Overdose of Armour Thyroid
You should not take more Armour Thyroid than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
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 concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Armour Thyroid coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for Armour Thyroid by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for Armour Thyroid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
Interactions and warnings for Armour Thyroid
Below, you’ll find information about Armour Thyroid’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of Armour Thyroid
For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take Armour Thyroid, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription drugs
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Armour Thyroid” section just below.
Warnings for Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid should not be taken in certain situations.
Boxed warning: Not to be used as a weight loss aid
Armour Thyroid has a boxed warning about not using the drug as a weight loss aid. Boxed warnings are serious warnings about the safety of certain medications.
Doctors will not prescribe Armour Thyroid as a weight loss or weight management aid. This is because the large dosages required for weight management may lead to serious and possibly life threatening side effects. Examples include an irregular heartbeat, seizures, and blood clots.
If you’re interested in weight management aids, talk with your doctor. They can recommend options for you.
To learn more about this warning, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Other warnings
Armour Thyroid could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Armour Thyroid is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of Armour Thyroid you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Armour Thyroid, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Armour Thyroid can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Armour Thyroid or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Armour Thyroid. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to Armour Thyroid, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Armour Thyroid
Information about Armour Thyroid and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Armour Thyroid and pregnancy
In general, Armour Thyroid is considered safe to take during pregnancy. That said, ask your doctor about whether they feel it’s safe for you.
Armour Thyroid and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Armour Thyroid should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Uses of Armour Thyroid
Uses for Armour Thyroid are described below.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Armour Thyroid. This is because the drug has been available since before the FDA began its drug approval process. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Use for underactive thyroid
Doctors may prescribe Armour Thyroid for treating an underactive thyroid, which is also called hypothyroidism. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children. The drug is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With an underactive thyroid gland, your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. Having an underactive thyroid can cause many functions in your body to slow down. Symptoms can include weight gain, hair loss, low energy, and depression.
Armour Thyroid is prescribed together with corticosteroids for a type of underactive thyroid called myxedema.
Doctors may not prescribe Armour Thyroid in certain situations, such as for use as a weight loss aid. In fact, Armour Thyroid has a boxed warning about not using the drug for this purpose. Boxed warnings are serious warnings about the safety of certain medications. For more details, see the “Interactions and warnings for Armour Thyroid” section above.
Use for other thyroid conditions
Doctors may prescribe Armour Thyroid for thyroid conditions, including certain thyroid nodules, goiters, and thyroid cancer. It’s used for these purposes in adults and children. The drug is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With thyroid nodules and goiters, you have lumps of cells in your thyroid gland. These conditions may cause your thyroid to appear larger than usual. Symptoms of thyroid nodules and goiters include having a hoarse voice, neck pain, and trouble breathing or swallowing.
With thyroid cancer, cancer cells grow in your thyroid gland and may spread to other parts of your body. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include having a hoarse voice and pain, swelling, or nodules in your neck.
Armour Thyroid is prescribed together with radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer.
Doctors may not prescribe Armour Thyroid in certain situations, such as for use as a weight loss aid. In fact, Armour Thyroid has a boxed warning about not using the drug for this purpose. Boxed warnings are serious warnings about the safety of certain medications. For more details, see the “Interactions and warnings for Armour Thyroid” section above.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes Armour Thyroid’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about Armour Thyroid or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Do I have any health conditions that interact with Armour Thyroid?
- What side effects should I expect while taking Armour Thyroid?
- Will I take Armour Thyroid along with other treatments for my condition?
Article resources
- Armour Thyroid – thyroid, porcine tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/227e445c-b03d-44a3-b911-f00d3b2e118f/spl-doc
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.
- Brand
- Tablet
- 60mg
- 60 Tablets
Dosage settings
Name
Thyroid, Desiccated
Pronunciation
(THYE roid DES i kay tid)
Brand Names: US
Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, NP Thyroid, Westhroid, WP Thyroid
Warning
Do not use this drug to treat obesity or for weight loss. Very bad and sometimes deadly side effects may happen with this drug if it is taken in large doses or with other drugs for weight loss. Talk with the doctor.
What is this drug used for?
It is used to add thyroid hormone to the body. It is used to treat or prevent an enlarged thyroid. It is used to manage thyroid cancer. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had. If you have any of these health problems: Overactive thyroid gland or weak adrenal gland. This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. Do not run out of this drug. It may take several weeks to see the full effects. 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. This drug is made from pork (pig) thyroid tissue. There is a very small risk of getting a viral disease from this drug. No cases have been reported. If you have questions, talk with the doctor. If you are 65 or older, use this drug with care. You could have more side effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
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. Fast or abnormal heartbeat. Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs. Lump on the neck. Headache. Feeling nervous and excitable. Shakiness. Trouble sleeping. Bothered by heat. Sweating a lot. Feeling more or less hungry. A change in weight without trying. Diarrhea. Stomach cramps. Throwing up. Feeling irritable. Fever. Leg cramps. Muscle weakness. Period (menstrual) changes.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away: Hair loss may happen in some people in the first few months of using this drug. This most often goes back to normal. These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely. It is best to take this drug on an empty stomach. There is more than 1 brand of this drug. One brand cannot safely be used for the other. The doctor will tell you about any needed change. Do not take colesevelam, colestipol, or cholestyramine within 4 hours of this drug. Some foods like soybean flour (infant formula) may change how this drug works in your body. Talk with your doctor. Take this drug at the same time of day. Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
Store at room temperature protected from light. Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
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. Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this drug, 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.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine 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 this medicine. 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.