thyroid

Generic Name: thyroid desiccated (THYE roid (DES i kay ted))
Brand names: Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, Westhroid, Thyroid Porcine

What is desiccated thyroid?

Desiccated (dried) thyroid is a combination of hormones that are normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Desiccated thyroid is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

Desiccated thyroid treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Desiccated thyroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), and is also given as part of a medical tests for thyroid disorders.

Desiccated thyroid should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

Desiccated thyroid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about desiccated thyroid?

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take desiccated thyroid. However, you may not be able to use this medication if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

Before taking desiccated thyroid, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, angina (chest pain), coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or problems with your adrenal glands.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking desiccated thyroid?

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take desiccated thyroid. However, you may not be able to use this medication if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

To make sure you can safely take dessicated thyroid, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease, angina (chest pain);

• coronary artery disease;

• congestive heart failure;

• any type of diabetes; or

• problems with your adrenal gland.

FDA pregnancy category A. Desiccated thyroid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, tell your doctor if you become pregnant, since your dose needs may change. Small amounts of desiccated thyroid can pass into breast milk, but this is not expected to harm a nursing baby. However, do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take desiccated thyroid?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

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 dessicated thyroid. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

See also: Thyroid dosage (in more detail)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

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

Overdose symptoms may include headache, sweating, diarrhea, irregular menstrual periods, confusion, weakness, swelling in your hands or feet, fast heart rate, chest pain, feeling short of breath, fainting, or feeling nervous, restless, or irritable.

What should I avoid while taking desiccated thyroid?

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

Desiccated thyroid side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include temporary hair loss (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: thyroid side effects (in more detail)

Thyroid Dosing Information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypothyroidism:

Initial: 30 mg orally once a day on an empty stomach. Increase by 15 mg per day every 2 to 3 weeks to achieve normal serum T3 and T4 levels.

Maintenance: 60 to 120 mg per day.

Usual Adult Dose for Thyroid Cancer:

In follicular and papillary carcinoma of the thyroid:
Doses larger than the ones suggested for replacement therapy (30 mg to 120 mg per day) are required . TSH should be suppressed to low or undetectable levels.

Usual Adult Dose for TSH Suppression:

Doses higher than those produced physiologically by the gland results in suppression of the production of endogenous hormone.

Iodine (131) uptake is determined before and after the administration of exogenous hormone. A 50% or greater suppression of uptake indicates a normal thyroid-pituitary axis and thus rules out thyroid gland autonomy.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Hypothyroidism:

Administered orally on an empty stomach:
0 to 6 months: 4.8 to 6 mg/kg/day

6 to 12 months: 3.6 to 4.8 mg/kg/day

1 to 5 years: 3 to 3.6 mg/kg/day

6 to 12 years: 2.4 to 3 mg/kg/day

>=12 years: 1.2 to 1.8 mg/kg/day

What other drugs will affect desiccated thyroid?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

• insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;

• medications that contain iodine (such as I-131);

• salicylates such as aspirin, Backache Relief Extra Strength, Novasal, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Doan's Pills Extra Strength, Tricosal, and others; or

• steroids such as prednisone and others.

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with dessicated thyroid. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about desiccated thyroid.