ERFA Thyroid

The active ingredients in ERFA thyroid are a combination of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) thyroid hormones that are naturally derived from a porcine or pig thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones are important in regulating several metabolic processes in the body.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat several forms of hypothyroidism (due to thyroid cancer, goiter, or other forms of thyroid disease). In most cases, levothyroxine monotherapy is efficacious at treating hypothyroidism; however, in cases of extremes of age (newborn or elderly patients, malnutrition, liver or kidney dysfunction, or chronic illness), triiodothyronine is also required as supplementation.

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 ERFA thyroid. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of ERFA thyroid:

• This medication is typically taken once daily on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast.

• Certain medications like colestipol, cholestyramine, colesevelam, iron, and calcium carbonate can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone absorbed by your body. If you are taking any of these drugs, separate them from this medication by at least 4 hours.

Side effects of ERFA thyroid are rare and, if present, are related to an excess of thyroid hormone in the body (hyperthyroidism). These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Nervousness, tremors, headache, insomnia.
• Heart problems, including palpitations, fast heart rate, and angina (chest pain).
• Diarrhea, abdominal pain.
• Sweating, heat intolerance, fever, and weight loss.

These are not all of the possible side effects of ERFA 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 ERFA 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 whether you have:

• Uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency.
• Untreated thyrotoxicosis.
• Heart problems, including coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, and hypertension - use with caution.

BOXED WARNING: Treatment of obesity - when used in patients with normal levels, thyroid products can lead to life-threatening toxicity. Use of ERFA thyroid for weight loss is not recommended due to this risk.

You should not take this medication if you have a known hypersensitivity to thyroid hormone, untreated thyrotoxicosis, or untreated adrenal insufficiency.

The initial effect of this medication (improvement in symptoms of hypothyroidism), can be seen within a few days, with the full effect being seen in several weeks. It is important to get your TSH and serum T4/T3 levels checked regularly with blood tests while on this medication.

When ERFA 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:

• Oral anticoagulants (warfarin) - thyroid hormones may increase the effectiveness of blood thinners and cause an increased risk of bleeding. If these medications are used together, warfarin INR testing should be monitored closely.

• Insulin or oral hypoglycemics (medications for type 2 diabetes) - you may require more frequent blood glucose monitoring or changes to your diabetic medications.

• Cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol, antacids, simethicone, sucralfate, iron, calcium carbonate, and orlistat, which bind to T4 and T3 and reduce the absorption of desiccated thyroid. If you are taking these two medications, separate administration by 4 hours (before or after).

• Estrogen and oral contraceptives may reduce levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. You may need a higher dose of desiccated thyroid if you take both of these medications.

ERFA thyroid is available in tablets containing 30 mg, 60 mg, or 125 mg of desiccated thyroid.

This medication should be stored at room temperature out of the reach of children or pets.

It is manufactured by ERFA Canada.

ERFA thyroid is the Canadian brand version of American products like Armour Thyroid, NatureThroid, WP Thyroid, and NP Thyroid.

You should only discontinue this medication if advised by your doctor or during situations of acute overdosage.

Desiccated thyroid is not known to adversely affect fetal development. Additionally, normal thyroid hormone levels are essential to normal fetal development. Of note, desiccated thyroid is not the recommended first-line treatment for hypothyroidism during pregnancy, as it does not supply sufficient T4 for a developing fetal brain. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Minimal amounts of thyroid hormones are found in breast milk, and thyroid supplementation is considered safe in lactation. Caution should still be exercised, and the nursing child should be monitored closely. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.