Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)

Armour Thyroid Description

Armour Thyroid is a preparation of porcine thyroid glands and is marketed in the form of tablets by Forest Lab. Basically; it is nothing but desiccated thyroid extract. The thyroid synthesizes and secretes two hormones – T3 liothyronine and T4 levothyroxine. These two hormones play a major role in the growth and development of an individual. Both over secretion as well as under secretion of the hormones are bad. To control this, the thyroid is under the control of the pituitary gland. A hormone called as thyrotropin controls the synthesis. The hormone thyrotropin itself is under a negative feedback loop. If excess of T3 and T4 hormones are synthesized, then the synthesis of thyrotropin is reduced and consequently the synthesis of T3 and T4 hormones is reduced.

Every gram of the thyroid gland usually contains 200mcg of T4 and 15mcg of T3. Each grain of Armour Thyroid provides 38mcg of T4 and 9mcg of T3 (4:1 ratio). Each Armour Thyroid usually weighs around 60mg. The remaining 59 mg of the grains is made up of the other components of the pork thyroid gland.

Conditions Treated By Armour Thyroid

Armour Thyroid Grains are nothing but Thyroid extracts that contain thyroid hormones. They are therefore used for the treatment of Hypothyroidism. They can act as a replacement for the natural synthesis of thyroid hormones or can supplement the natural hormones in case of decreased synthesis.

They are also used for the treatment of Thyroiditis. Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid. In this condition, the thyroid is infected leading to inflammation. This causes leakage of the thyroid hormones. To compensate for the leakage, Armour Thyroid is consumed.

In case, the thyroid gland is not fully functional or absent, then Armour Thyroid is administered as a replacement therapy. They are also administered in case of hypothyroidism, which are caused due to surgery or drugs.

Exogenously provided thyroid hormones suppress the activity of the pituitary hormones. Armour Thyroid can be therefore used for the prevention of goiter too.

Armour Thyroid Dosage Information

The medication is taken orally. The medication is available in ¼, ½, 1, 1½, 2, 3, 4 and 5-grain doses.

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

The dosage is decided by the condition for which it is being administered. It must be individualized depending on the response of the patient. For hypothyroidism, low doses are administered initially. The initial recommended dose is 30mg. If the dose is well tolerated, you may increase the dose by 15 mg every 2-3 weeks. Usually, patients respond well to 60-120mg/day. If the patient does not respond to treatment even at 180mg/day, then it is due to malabsorption.

b.) Missing a Dose

In case you miss a dose, then take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not overdose to make up for the missed dose.

c.) Overdosing

In case you overdose, then it will lead to the same symptoms as hyperthyroidism. These symptoms are sweating, diarrhea, headaches, irregularity in menstrual cycle, swelling weakness etc.

In case, you overdose then discontinue the medication immediately and take medical help immediately. This will prevent worsening of the symptoms.

Armour Thyroid Warnings

Armour Thyroid should not be administered in patients who suffer from adrenal gland disorders. In addition, if you suffer from thyrotoxicosis, then you must not use the medication.

Armour Thyroid is not recommended for people with cardiovascular problems. The cardiovascular problems include coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, heart failure etc. For these people, the initial doses are kept quite low. At the same time, if there is a chance of aggravation of the cardiovascular condition, then the medication must be reduced.

Similarly, if you suffer from diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, then there are chances of the symptoms getting aggravated. Therefore, caution must be exercised if you have any of these endocrine disorders.

If you are undergoing replacement therapy, then you will have to continue the therapy for life. if during the course of the therapy, you develop any of the symptoms associated with thyroid hormone toxicity such as chest pain, tachychardia, heat intolerance etc. then you should consult your doctor immediately.

If you are diabetic, and you are taking hormone therapy, then you may have to adjust your anti-diabetes medications. In addition, undergoing therapy may put you at an increased risk for hair-loss

Amour Thyroid Side Effects

Armour Thyroid does not give any common side effects, if the dosage is small. Sometimes, however, some serious side effects may be seen. These side effects include Allergic responses developed towards the drug. As a result, you may develop hives, rashes, itching and other symptoms. Other severe symptoms include changes in the menstrual cycle, diarrhea, excessive sweating, changes in the heartbeat etc.

Other side effects of the medicine may be due to overdosage of the drug. This will lead to symptoms that are characteristic of Hyperthyroidism. If these symptoms develop, then you must reduce the dosage or may even have to discontinue the drug depending on the severity of the symptoms.

If you develop any of these symptoms then you must take professional help immediately.

Possible Drug Interactions with Armour Thyroid

Out of the 244 drug interactions for Armour Thyroid, 201 are moderate interactions, whereas the remaining are minor interactions.

The thyroid hormones breakdown the clotting factors in the blood. Therefore, if you are hypothyroid and are on anticoagulants, then when you are starting therapy, you might have to reduce the dosage of the anti-coagulants.

If you are taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic for treatment of diabetes, then you have to monitor the patient during thyroid replacement therapy. There are chances that there might be an increase in the requirement for insulin.

Cholestyramine and colestipol can bind to the thyroid hormones and decrease their absorption. Therefore, the concomitant administration of any one of these and Armour Thyroid is not advisable.

Medications that contain iodine may interact with Armour Thyroid. Similarly, drugs belonging to the salicyclate class of compounds may also interact with Armour Thyroid.

If you have any questions about buying discount Armour Thyroid online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.