Nature-Throid

Desiccated (dried) thyroid is a mix of hormones that your thyroid gland usually makes to control your body's energy and metabolism. Desiccated thyroid is prescribed when the thyroid does not make enough of this hormone by itself.

Desiccated thyroid treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). It is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) and may be used as part of 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 mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time to ensure 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 regular blood tests.

Keep taking 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, inform the surgeon in advance 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.

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.

Since thyroid hormone naturally exists in the body, most people 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 issue that is not managed by treatment.

To ensure desiccated thyroid is safe for you, inform 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 harm an unborn baby, but your dosage may need to change during pregnancy. Let your doctor know if you become pregnant while taking this medication.

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 informing your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble 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 happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

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

If you also take cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), do not take these medications within 4 hours before or after you take thyroid desiccated.

Do not take an antacid within 4 hours before or after you take thyroid desiccated. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb thyroid desiccated.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you are using, and any that you start or stop while being treated with desiccated thyroid, especially:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;
• a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
• insulin or diabetes medication taken by mouth;
• medications that contain iodine (such as I-131);
• salicylates such as aspirin, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate; or
• steroids such as prednisone and others.

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 included in this medication guide.