Armour Thyroid

Armour Thyroid is a combination of thyroid hormones obtained from pig thyroid. Often called desiccated thyroid, it is a naturally occurring blend of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) produced by your thyroid gland. Your metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and other vital processes are all regulated by thyroid hormones. Taking thyroid replacement hormones, such as Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid), can help restore normal hormone levels when they are too low.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Armour Thyroid. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Armour Thyroid:

• If you use desiccated thyroid extract, you might require regular blood tests to measure hormone levels.
• Even if you feel well, continue taking this medication as prescribed. For the rest of your life, you might need to take thyroid medicine.
• If you have any symptoms of thyroid toxicity or hyperthyroidism, such as sweating more than normal, feeling heated or anxious, fast or pounding heartbeats, or chest pain, call your doctor.
• Inform the surgeon that you are using desiccated thyroid extract if surgery is necessary. For a brief while, you might need to cease taking the medication.

The most common side effects of Armour Thyroid are similar to symptoms of too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) and include:

• Tiredness.
• Nervousness or anxiety.
• Irritability and mood swings.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Muscle weakness.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Diarrhea.
• Weight loss or weight gain.
• Hair loss.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Armour Thyroid. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• If you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, get emergency medical attention.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Armour Thyroid. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Armour Thyroid, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• If you have an adrenal gland issue that is not under control or a thyroid condition known as thyrotoxicosis, you might not be able to take Armour Thyroid.
• If you have symptoms of thyroid poisoning, such as sweating more than normal, feeling heated or anxious, fast or pounding heartbeats, or chest pain, call your doctor.
• Antacids should not be taken four hours before or following the use of desiccated thyroid. Your body may find it more difficult to absorb desiccated thyroid if you take certain antacids.
• Armour Thyroid can change the required dose of your diabetes medications. Be sure to check your blood sugar levels as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Tell your doctor if you have any of the following to ensure Armour Thyroid is safe for you:
• Angina (chest discomfort) and heart illness.
• Coronary heart disease.
• Heart failure is caused by congestive heart failure.
• Diabetes of any kind.
• Issues relating to your adrenal glands.

Certain medical disorders or circumstances are known as contraindications, and they raise safety concerns about a medication's use. Inform your healthcare professional of any conditions you may have or if any of the following apply to you, as Armour, You cannot safely ingest thyroid (desiccated thyroid).

• Adrenal insufficiency left untreated.
• Without treatment, thyrotoxicosis.

After taking Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid), it usually takes two to three weeks for your thyroid hormone levels to return to normal.

When Armour Thyroid is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Avoid taking cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid) concurrently with desiccated thyroid for four hours before or after taking it.
• Hormone replacement treatment or birth control tablets (estrogen).
• Blood thinners such as Jantoven, Coumadin, and Warfarin.
• Diabetic medicine or insulin that you take orally.
• Iodine-containing medications (like I-131).
• Aspirin, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, and Trilisate are examples of salicylates.
• Certain steroids, including prednisone.

What you are using Armour Thyroid (thyroid tablets, USP) for and your hormone levels will determine your dosage.

• For hypothyroidism, 30 mg taken orally per day is the usual starting dosage. Depending on your body's requirements, the dosage may increase to 120 mg daily. If you have specific health issues, your dosage may be reduced. Children's first dosage is determined by their age and weight.
• Reducing TSH: Your doctor will determine the dosage based on your body weight, and it will usually be administered for seven to ten days.

When you remember to take the missed dose, do so. If your next dose is almost here, skip the missed one. Never take more medication to make up for a missed dosage.

Store Armour Thyroid at room temperature, away from the reach of children.

Allergan Sales, LLC, an AbbVie company, is the manufacturer of Armour Thyroid.

Armour Thyroid is a name-brand drug. There isn't a generic version of it yet.

Never try to quit taking your thyroid medicine by yourself. Rapid weight gain, exhaustion, depression, and heart issues are just a few of the hypothyroid symptoms that might develop if you abruptly stop taking your thyroid medication.

Speak to your healthcare provider for a safe way of stopping your medication.

Although the thyroid is not thought to be detrimental to a developing fetus, your dosage requirements may change when you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while using this medication, let your doctor know. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Armour Thyroid can enter breast milk in trace amounts, but this shouldn't hurt a breastfeeding infant. However, if you are nursing a newborn, do not take this drug without first talking to your doctor. In infants, excessive doses of thyroid hormone preparations may produce craniosynostosis (premature closure of the head bones).