Armour Thyroid
(thyroid desiccated)
Replaces thyroid hormones.
Our bottom line
Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) can be used to treat low thyroid hormone for some people, but it's not the first-choice treatment for this condition.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (thyroid desiccated)
Upsides
- Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) is derived from an animal source (pigs), so it's considered natural.
- Available in cheaper generic form.
- Even though Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) isn't a first choice recommendation, some people feel better on this medicine compared to other thyroid hormone medications.
What to expect from Armour Thyroid, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) is not recommended by doctors and the American Thyroid Association because of the inconsistent amounts of thyroid hormone in each tablet and the lack of research studies.
- FDA does not approve Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated); they have not found this medicine to be safe and effective.
- Not recommended for elderly people.
What to expect from Armour Thyroid, on one page
Download Fact SheetArmour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) is a hormone replacement medicine for people with low thyroid levels. It contains T3 and T4, two types of thyroid hormones found in your body.
- Drug class: Endocrine
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (thyroid desiccated)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) for Thyroid supplement
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- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
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- Possible side effects
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Nervousness
- Heat intolerance
- Hair loss
Side effect rates for Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)
Risks and Warnings for Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking other drugs for weight loss
Do not take Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) for weight loss if your thyroid is working normally. Studies show that it's not effective and you can overdose on thyroid hormone, which can be toxic or even deadly, especially if you are taking other medications for weight loss. Talk to your doctor for suggestions to lose weight safely. Symptoms of increased thyroid hormone include irregular heartbeat, tremors, trouble sleeping, vomiting, or restlessness.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats hypothyroidism, as replacement or supplemental therapy.Common concerns from people taking Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Take Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) on an empty stomach (30 to 60 minutes before breakfast) at the same time every day for best absorption.
- Do not take Armour Thyroid (thyroid desiccated) for weight loss if your thyroid is working normally. Studies show that it's not effective and you can overdose on thyroid hormone, which can be toxic or even deadly, especially if you are taking other medications for weight loss. Talk to your doctor for suggestions to lose weight safely. Symptoms of increased thyroid hormone include irregular heartbeat, tremors, trouble sleeping, vomiting, or restlessness.