Armour Thyroid® (Desiccated Thyroid) | Oral Tablet
Important Safety Information: Armour Thyroid® (Desiccated Thyroid) | Oral Tablet
What is this?
This Important Safety Information summarizes key warnings and precautions for Armour Thyroid, a prescription thyroid hormone product derived from porcine thyroid glands and used as replacement or supplemental therapy in patients with hypothyroidism and certain other thyroid conditions . Armour Thyroid is a natural preparation that provides both levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3) . This product is described in labeling as not found by FDA to be safe and effective and the labeling has not been approved by FDA . This summary does not include all available information. Always read your medication label and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Most Serious Warnings
Product can cause:
Hyperthyroidism due to excessive dosing, which may lead to chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, heat intolerance, nervousness, or excessive sweating
Worsening of underlying cardiovascular disease, including angina or cardiac complications, especially in elderly patients
Serious toxicity if used in excessive doses for weight loss; thyroid hormones are ineffective for obesity at normal doses and high doses may cause life-threatening effects
Adrenal crisis in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency
Who Should NOT Take Armour Thyroid
Do not take this medication if you:
Have uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency
Have untreated thyrotoxicosis
Have known hypersensitivity to thyroid hormone preparations
Before Taking Armour Thyroid, Tell Your Healthcare Provider if You:
Have heart disease, angina, coronary artery disease, or are elderly
Have diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, as thyroid therapy may require adjustment of antidiabetic medications
Take oral anticoagulants, as thyroid hormones may increase their effects
Take estrogen or oral contraceptives, which may alter thyroid hormone requirements
Take cholestyramine or colestipol, which may reduce thyroid hormone absorption
Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Thyroid hormone therapy is generally continued in pregnancy under provider supervision
Possible Side Effects
Common or Dose-Related:
Adverse reactions are generally related to excessive dosage and resemble symptoms of hyperthyroidism . These may include:
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Nervousness or irritability
Heat intolerance or sweating
Tremor
Weight loss
Serious (seek medical care immediately):
Severe chest pain
Shortness of breath
Severe palpitations or arrhythmias
Signs of severe overdosage or thyroid storm
While Taking Armour Thyroid
Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you:
Experience chest pain, rapid pulse, palpitations, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, or nervousness
Notice worsening blood sugar control if you have diabetes
Experience unusual bleeding if you take anticoagulants
Do not use thyroid hormones for weight loss. Larger-than-recommended doses can cause serious or life-threatening toxicity .
Overdose
Excessive doses may produce a hypermetabolic state similar to endogenous hyperthyroidism . If overdose is suspected, dosage should be reduced or temporarily discontinued under medical supervision . Seek emergency medical attention if severe symptoms occur.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of your next dose. Do not double doses. Contact your provider if you are unsure how to resume therapy.
Storage
Store at room temperature as directed on the pharmacy label. Protect from heat, light, and excessive humidity . Keep out of reach of children .
Telemedicine Disclosure
This prescription may be issued via telemedicine. Contact your prescribing clinician immediately or seek emergency care if you experience severe or concerning symptoms.
Disclaimer
This summary does not include all information about Armour Thyroid and should not replace medical guidance. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for complete safety information, potential interactions, and individualized treatment recommendations. Armour Thyroid labeling indicates that this drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective and the labeling has not been approved by FDA .
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
