Brand Names: 

• Armour Thyroid,
• Nature-Throid,
• NP Thyroid,
• Westhroid,
• WP Thyroid,
• Thyroid Porcine,
• ERFA Thyroid (Canada)

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) and myxedema (the body’s changes associated with prolonged low blood levels of thyroid hormone). Desiccated thyroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).

What are the available dosage forms and strengths?

Tablet

Armour Thyroid

• 30mg, 60mg, 90mg

Erfa Thyroid

• 30mg, 60mg, 125mg

Nature Thyroid

• 16.25mg, 32.5mg, 48.75 mg, 65mg, 81.25, 97.5 mg, 113.75 mg, 130mg
• 146.25, 162.5mg, 195mg, 260 mg, 325 mg

NP Thyroid

• 30mg, 90mg

Westhroid

• 16.25mg, 32.5mg, 48.75 mg, 65mg, 81.25, 97.5 mg, 113.75 mg, 130mg
• 146.25, 162.5mg, 195mg, 260 mg, 325 mg

WP Thyroid

• 16.25mg, 32.5mg, 48.75 mg, 65mg, 81.25, 97.5 mg, 113.75 mg, 130mg
• 146.25, 162.5mg, 195mg

How should you take ERFA Thyroid (Desiccated Thyroid)?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The usual starting dose of desiccated thyroid for adults to treat hypothyroidism is 60 mg daily.

The usual starting dose to treat myxedema for adults is 30 mg daily.

Desiccated thyroid should be taken once daily at the same time each day (usually in the morning before breakfast).

The dosage of desiccated thyroid is determined by the indication and must in every case be individualized according to the patient response and laboratory findings. While using desiccated thyroid, you may need frequent blood tests.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. Desiccated thyroid must be taken on a daily basis to be effective.  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 desiccated thyroid. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature; away from moisture and heat.

Who should not take ERFA Thyroid (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.

What to avoid while taking ERFA Thyroid (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.

Avoid taking an antacid within 4 hours before or after you take desiccated thyroid. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb desiccated thyroid.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ERFA Thyroid (Desiccated Thyroid)?

To make sure desiccated thyroid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, angina (chest pain);
• coronary artery disease;
• congestive heart failure;
• any type of diabetes; or
• problems with your adrenal gland. 

Desiccated thyroid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.

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.

What are the possible side effects of ERFA Thyroid (Desiccated Thyroid)?

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

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• chest pain
• signs of a heart attack (example; chest pain, or pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest; anxiety; paleness; shortness of breath; pain spreading to shoulders, neck and jaw)

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

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome:

• abdominal cramps;
• diarrhea;
• headache;
• heat intolerance;
• sleep difficulties;
• sweating; or
• weight loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention

What other drugs interact with ERFA Thyroid (Desiccated Thyroid)?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with desiccated thyroid, especially:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
• a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
• insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;
• medications that contain iodine (such as I-131);
• digoxin;
• salicylates such as aspirin, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate;
• some antacids (those containing aluminum or calcium); or
• steroids such as prednisone and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with desiccated thyroid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, recreational and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information about ERFA Thyroid (Desiccated Thyroid)?

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