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Nature-Throid

Generic name: thyroid desiccated [ THYE-roid ]
Brand names: Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, NP Thyroid, Westhroid, WP Thyroid
Drug class: Thyroid drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 2, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is desiccated thyroid?

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). Desiccated thyroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), and is also given as part of a medical tests for thyroid disorders.

Desiccated thyroid should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

Desiccated thyroid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Desiccated thyroid side effects

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

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

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Nature-Throid side effects (more detail)

Warnings

You may not be able to use Nature-Throid if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

Call your doctor if you have signs of thyroid toxicity, such as chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, feeling hot or nervous, or sweating more than usual.

Before taking this medicine

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.

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

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.

How should I take desiccated thyroid?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use Nature-Throid in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

While using desiccated thyroid, you may need frequent blood tests.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. 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.

Detailed Nature-Throid dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking 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 other drugs will affect desiccated thyroid?

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

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

Nature-Throid drug interactions (more detail)

Popular FAQ

There is a shortage or limited availability of Nature-Throid because, during 2020, several recalls for Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) medications, including Nature-Throid occurred. Other brands that were affected included NP Thyroid, and WP Thyroid. The main recall for Nature-Throid happened on September 3rd 2020. It included all lots and dosages of active Nature-Throid (as well as WP Thyroid) and was due to these tablets not containing enough thyroid hormone (these tablets were found to be sub potent). Continue reading

Nature-Throid is made by RLC Labs located at 1850 E Riverview Dr, Phoenix, Arizona. RLC labs manufactures, labels and distributes porcine-derived thyroid drug tablets for human use under the brand names of Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid. Continue reading

Although weight loss can be a side effect of Nature-Throid in people taking it for low thyroid levels you should not take Nature-Throid for the sole purpose of losing weight. Using Nature-Throid to reduce weight in people with normal thyroid levels is dangerous, not safe, and can be life-threatening. Strokes, seizures, shock, coma, and death have been reported in people who have taken higher than recommended dosages of thyroid hormone preparations for weight loss. Some symptoms of Nature-Throid toxicity (overdose), such as confusion, disorientation, sleep disturbances, or heart changes may not appear until several days after ingestion. Nature-Throid should not be used as a treatment for weight loss or obesity. Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Nature-Throid but may occur if the dosage of Nature-Throid is not supplementing your low thyroid levels enough. Continue reading

Nature-Throid's retail price in 2021 was $29.09, but since 2021 there have been problems with the supply of Nature-Throid, and it has been unavailable. Compounding companies can make a compounded version of Nature-Throid that uses Thyroid USP which contains the same active ingredient as in the RLC branded product, but this is more expensive (average price $63). In general, Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) do not cover this drug. Continue reading

Yes, Nature-Throid does require a prescription which must be written by a doctor. Continue reading

More FAQ

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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