Drugs >  Thyroid
Thyroid
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(THYE royd)

Brand Names
Armour® Thyroid; Nature-Throid® NT; Westhroid®

Therapeutic Categories
Thyroid Product

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to beef, pork, thyroid replacement, or any other part of the medicine.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Recent heart attack, uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, over-active thyroid gland.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used as a thyroid replacement or supplement in people whose thyroid does not work well.


How does it work?

  • Thyroid works to fuel some of the metabolic processes (eg, growth, development, and glucose/protein/fat production) in the body.


How is it best taken?

  • Take on an empty stomach before breakfast.
  • Do not take iron products, antacids, sucralfate, or cholestyramine within 4 hours of this medicine.


What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change brand, dose, or stop taking medicine without talking with healthcare provider.


What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

  • Ineffective or dangerous when used for weight loss.
  • If you are 65 or older you will be started on a very small dose.
  • Use caution if you have heart disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are allergic to tartrazine dye, be cautious (some tablets contain). Talk to your pharmacist.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.


What are the common side effects of this medicine?

  • Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, racing heart, shortness of breath, decreased ability to exercise, increased nervousness or agitation.


What should I monitor?

  • Thyroid function tests (blood test) need monitoring. Talk with healthcare provider.


Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Chest pains, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, or decreased ability to walk.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse. It may take 1-2 months to feel better.


How should I store this medicine?

  • Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature. Protect from moisture.


General statements

  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).


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