Thyroid (desiccated)
Generic name: thyroid (desiccated) [ THYE-roid ]
Brand names: Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, Westhroid, Thyroid Porcine
Drug class:Thyroid drugs
What is desiccated thyroid?
Desiccated 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). It is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), and is also given as part of a medical tests for thyroid disorders.
This medicine should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.
Warnings
You may not be able to use desiccated thyroid if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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 have any 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 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 this medicine 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 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?
Take desiccated thyroid exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
While using desiccated thyroid, you may need frequent blood tests.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.
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.
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