Armour Thyroid works by replacing the thyroid hormone when your body does not make enough on its own. It is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands (usually from pigs).
There are different brands of thyroid supplements, including Westhroid, Nature-Throid, and Armour Thyroid. You should not change brands without first consulting with your doctor.
In February 2014, Forest Laboratories, the makers of Armour Thyroid, was bought by the drug company Actavis for $25 million.
Armour Thyroid Warnings
Armour Thyroid should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems. Incorrect use of this medication could cause serious or sometimes life-threatening side effects.Large doses of Armour Thyroid may cause symptoms of toxicity, especially if it is combined with diet pills. This medication should not be used to treat infertility unless it is caused by low thyroid hormone levels.
Before taking this hormone, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
You should also tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of the following conditions:
- Heart problems
- Diabetes
- Adrenal gland problems
- Overactive thyroid
- Pituitary gland issues
Children who take Armour Thyroid may experience temporary hair loss during their first few months of treatment. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication.
This medication works best when taken at the same time each day. You should take Armour Thyroid on a regular basis to get the most benefit, and do not stop taking it even if you feel well.
You should also tell your physician if you are allergic to pork products or any of the ingredients in Armour Thyroid before taking it.
Tell your doctor you are taking this medication before having any type of surgery, including dental surgery.
Armour Thyroid Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Armour Thyroid
When used in small doses, there are no common side effects reported with Armour Thyroid.Serious Side Effects of Armour Thyroid
You should seek medical help right away if any of the following severe side effects occur while taking Armour Thyroid:- Allergic reaction (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue)
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Chest pain
- Diarrhea or increased bowel movements
- Excessive sweating
- Fainting
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Inability to tolerate warm or hot temperatures
- Nervousness
- Tremor
- Trouble sleeping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Unusual weakness
Armour Thyroid Interactions
Armour Thyroid and Other Drug Interactions
You should tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal and nutritional or dietary drugs you are taking, especially:- Estrogen, birth control pills or sucralfate because they may decrease the effectiveness of this medication
- Blood thinners (such as warfarin) because your risk of bleeding may be increased
- Digoxin, insulin or other oral medications for diabetes because their effectiveness may be decreased by this medication
- Thioamides (such as propylthiouracil) because the effectiveness of both medications may be decreased
Armour Thyroid and Food Interactions
Certain types of foods such as soybean products may affect how well your body absorbs Armour Thyroid. You should check with your doctor about what foods may interact with this medication.Armour Thyroid Dosage
You should take Armour Thyroid on an empty
stomach, 30 minutes to one hour before breakfast. Armour Thyroid comes
in tablet form, in 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 milligrams. Dosage
is typically based on your medical condition, lab results, and response
to treatment. Thyroid replacement treatment is usually taken for life.
Armour Thyroid Overdose
If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately. You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.Missed Dose of Armour Thyroid
If you miss a dose of Armour Thyroid, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.Armour Thyroid Pictures
