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Does Nature-Throid require a prescription?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Aug 31, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Yes, Nature-Throid does require a prescription which must be written by a doctor.

Nature-Throid is a natural desiccated thyroid replacement therapy obtained from pig thyroid glands. First released in the 1930s, it was one of the first available medications for hypothyroidism. It contains T4 & T3 replacement hormones and is available in 11 strengths ranging from ¼ grain (16.25 mg) to 3 grain (195 mg). It also contains naturally occurring thyroid cofactors T1, T2, calcitonin, and iodine (in trace amounts). Nature-Throid is not FDA approved.


References
  • Nature-Throid (thyroid desiccated) Updated 05/2021. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/nature-throid.html
  • Nature-Throid https://www.naturethroid.com/

Read next

There is a shortage or limited availability of Nature-Throid because, during 2020, several recalls for Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) medications, including Nature-Throid occurred. Other brands that were affected included NP Thyroid, and WP Thyroid. The main recall for Nature-Throid happened on September 3rd 2020. It included all lots and dosages of active Nature-Throid (as well as WP Thyroid) and was due to these tablets not containing enough thyroid hormone (these tablets were found to be sub potent). Continue reading

Nature-Throid is made by RLC Labs located at 1850 E Riverview Dr, Phoenix, Arizona. RLC labs manufactures, labels and distributes porcine-derived thyroid drug tablets for human use under the brand names of Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid. Continue reading

Although weight loss can be a side effect of Nature-Throid in people taking it for low thyroid levels you should not take Nature-Throid for the sole purpose of losing weight. Using Nature-Throid to reduce weight in people with normal thyroid levels is dangerous, not safe, and can be life-threatening. Strokes, seizures, shock, coma, and death have been reported in people who have taken higher than recommended dosages of thyroid hormone preparations for weight loss. Some symptoms of Nature-Throid toxicity (overdose), such as confusion, disorientation, sleep disturbances, or heart changes may not appear until several days after ingestion. Nature-Throid should not be used as a treatment for weight loss or obesity. Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Nature-Throid but may occur if the dosage of Nature-Throid is not supplementing your low thyroid levels enough. Continue reading

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