Nature-Thyroid (Oral)

Thyroid is used to treat hypothyroidism, which is a condition where the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. It is also used to help reduce the size of enlarged thyroid glands (called goiter) and to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid is also used in certain medical tests to help identify issues with the thyroid gland.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important for your doctor to check the progress of you or your child during regular visits. This will help your doctor see if the medicine is working correctly and decide if you should keep taking it. Blood tests will be required to check for any unwanted effects.

Thyroid should not be used to treat obesity or to lose weight. This medicine does not work for weight loss and taking more than prescribed may lead to more serious health issues.

Hypothyroidism can sometimes cause infertility in both men and women. Thyroid should not be used to treat infertility unless it is due to hypothyroidism.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, a fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, nervousness, or any other unusual medical symptoms.

For patients with diabetes: It is very important to monitor your blood or urine sugar levels as directed by your doctor. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your sugar levels.

A temporary loss of hair may happen during the first few months of thyroid therapy. Talk to your doctor about this if you have any concerns.

Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor may advise you or your child to gradually reduce the dose before stopping completely.

Do not take any other medicines unless you have talked about them with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will consider the risks compared to the benefits. For this medicine, keep the following in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Studies have not shown any specific problems that would limit the use of thyroid in children.

Geriatric

Studies have not shown any specific problems that would limit the use of thyroid in older adults. However, older patients are more likely to have heart and blood vessel problems related to age, which may require caution when using thyroid.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to assess the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before using this medication during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together, while others may be used together even if interactions might occur. In such cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. It is particularly important for your healthcare professional to know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions are significant but may not be all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be necessary in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed, your doctor may adjust the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Midodrine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may increase the risk of certain side effects, but using both may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may adjust the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Kelp

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or specific types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical conditions may affect how you can use this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Untreated adrenal insufficiency or
• Untreated thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid)—This medicine should not be used in patients with these conditions.

• Adrenal gland problems or
• Angina or
• Blood clotting problems or
• Diabetes or
• Heart or blood vessel disease (e.g., coronary artery disease)—Use with caution. May worsen these conditions.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may occur, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Get emergency help right away if you experience any of the following symptoms of overdose:

• Changes in appetite
• Changes in menstrual periods
• Chest pain
• Diarrhea
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Fever
• Hand tremors
• Headache
• Irritability
• Leg cramps
• Nervousness
• Sensitivity to heat
• Sweating
• Trouble breathing
• Trouble sleeping
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, talk to your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Armour Thyroid
• Nature-Throid NT-1
• Nature-Throid NT-1/2
• Nature-Throid NT-2
• Nature-Throid NT-3
• Nature-Thyroid
• Westhroid

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Thyroid Supplement

This medicine will need to be taken for the rest of your life or your child's life. Do not stop taking this medicine or change your dose without first checking with your doctor.

If you are taking cholestyramine (Questran®), take it at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage form (tablet):For hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer: Adults—At first, 30 milligrams (mg) once a day. Then, your doctor may increase your dose a little at a time up to the usual maintenance dose of 60 to 120 mg a day. A lower starting dose of 15 mg per day may be given to patients for certain conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated. Children older than 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually more than 90 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated. Children 6 to 12 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 60 to 90 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated. Children 1 to 5 years of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 45 to 60 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated. Children 6 to 12 months of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 30 to 45 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated. Children 0 to 6 months of age—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 15 to 30 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed or tolerated.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.