Brand Names: Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, Westhroid

Generic Name: thyroid desiccated (Pronunciation: THYE roid (DES i kay ted))

• What is desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?
• What are the possible side effects of desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?
• What is the most important information I should know about desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?
• How should I take desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Armour Thyroid)?
• What happens if I overdose (Armour Thyroid)?
• What should I avoid while taking desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?
• What other drugs will affect desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?

Desiccated (dried) thyroid is a combination of hormones that are normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Desiccated thyroid is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

Desiccated thyroid treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Desiccated thyroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), and is also given as part of a 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 listed in this medication guide.

Armour Thyroid 1 grain

round, beige, imprinted with LOGO TG

Armour Thyroid 120 mg

round, beige, imprinted with LOGO TF

Armour Thyroid 16 mg

round, beige, imprinted with LOGO TC

Armour Thyroid 180 mg

round, beige, imprinted with LOGO TG

Armour Thyroid 240 mg

round, beige, imprinted with LOGO TH

Armour Thyroid 30 mg

round, beige, imprinted with LOGO TD

Armour Thyroid 300 mg

round, beige, imprinted with LOGO T1

Armour Thyroid 90 mg

round, beige, imprinted with LOGO TJ

Thyroid 1 grain-URL

round, beige, imprinted with TCL 022

Thyroid 30 mg-TIM

round, beige, imprinted with 021

Thyroid 60 mg-VIN

round, beige, imprinted with 6058 V

What are the possible side effects of desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects may include temporary hair loss (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Armour Thyroid (thyroid tablets) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about desiccated thyroid (Armour Thyroid)?

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone 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 problem that is not controlled by treatment.

Before taking desiccated thyroid, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, angina (chest pain), coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or problems with your adrenal glands.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Keep using 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.