Armour Thyroid
Generic Name: Thyroid
What is Armour Thyroid?
Armour Thyroid is prescribed when the thyroid gland is unable to make enough hormone. It is also used to treat or prevent the following: goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland); certain thyroid cancers; or thyroid hormone deficiency due to surgery, radiation, or certain drugs.What is the most important information I should know about Armour Thyroid?
Although Armour Thyroid may speed up your metabolism, it is not effective as a weight-loss drug and should not be used for this purpose.Too much Armour Thyroid may cause severe--and possibly life-threatening--side effects, especially if you are also taking appetite suppressants.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: rapid or irregular heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath, leg cramps, headache, nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, tremors, change in appetite, weight gain or loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, fever, changes in menstrual periods, hives, or skin rash.
If you are taking Armour Thyroid to make up for a lack of natural hormone, it is important to take it regularly at the same time every day.
Who should not take Armour Thyroid?
Do not take Armour Thyroid if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this drug; your thyroid gland is overactive; or your adrenal glands are not making enough corticosteroid hormone.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Armour Thyroid?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with this drug. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you are elderly and suffer from angina (chest pain), or if you have heart disease, diabetes, or an underactive thyroid. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults and children: The doctor will adjust the dose based on the condition being treated and your age and weight.
How should I take Armour Thyroid?
Thyroid medications are usually taken once a day in the morning. Take Armour Thyroid exactly as prescribed by your doctor, preferably at the same time every day.What should I avoid while taking Armour Thyroid?
Avoid changing the dose or missing doses. Take no more or less than the amount your doctor prescribes.What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Armour Thyroid?
If Armour Thyroid is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Armour Thyroid with the following: blood thinners such as warfarin, cholestyramine, colestipol, estrogen preparations (including some birth control pills such as conjugated estrogens), insulin, and oral diabetes drugs such as chlorpropamide and glipizide.What are the possible side effects of Armour Thyroid?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: changes in appetite, diarrhea, fever, headache, increased heart rate, irritability, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating, weight loss
Children treated with Armour Thyroid may experience temporary hair loss.
Can I receive Armour Thyroid if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you need to take Armour Thyroid because of a thyroid hormone deficiency, you may continue using the medication during pregnancy, but your doctor will test you regularly and may change your dosage. Small amounts of thyroid hormone are excreted in breast milk; talk with your doctor if you plan on breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Armour Thyroid?
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. If you miss two or more doses in a row, consult your doctor.How should I store Armour Thyroid?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.
I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
