Armour Natural Thyroid Treatments

Armour natural thyroid medication is used to treat patients with thyroid problems, most often hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid stimulating hormones for the body to function properly. The thyroid controls metabolism and growth, so when it isn't functioning properly, medication is required. Armour thyroid medication is the preferred alternative to synthetic medications for treatment of hypothyroidism.

Drug Information

• Armour thyroid is derived from porcine (pig) thyroid glands. It contains T-3 (Liothyronine) and T-4 (Levothyroxine). The drug has a strong odor. Strengths range from 15 mg to 180 mg a day. The tablets are light tan in color, round, and have a mortar and pestle beneath the A, along with the strength code letters, embossed on them. Medication should be stored at room temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees. For full prescribing information, see the link in the resources section.

Dosage Determination

• Blood tests are run to determine the levels of thyroid hormones still being produced by a patient's thyroid gland. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), T-4 (both free and bound), T-3, and thyroid antibody tests are common tests used. Patients are started on low doses of Armour thyroid, with adjustments made until all blood tests are in normal parameters.

Considerations

• Armour thyroid medication should be used with caution in people with heart conditions, such as the elderly and those with angina pectoris. Anyone with these conditions should be started on low doses and watched very closely for adverse effects.

Warning

• Symptoms of diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, and cortical insufficiency may be increased when taking Armour thyroid.

  Infants should be watched closely when on Armour thyroid because excess doses can cause craniosynostosis.

  Thyroid hormones should not be used to promote weight loss. Doing so can lead to life threatening conditions.

Patient Information

• Most patients that require thyroid hormone replacement will be on the medication for life.

  Any adverse side effects such as chest pain, increased heart rate or palpitations, intolerance to heat and sweating, nervousness, sleeplessness, or any other unusual symptoms should be reported to a physician at once.

  Patients should check with their physician before taking any other medications, including over the counter medications, along with Armour thyroid. Other medications can slow the absorption or otherwise interfere with thyroid hormones.

  Blood tests should be run on an empty stomach to avoid contaminating the results.

  Pregnant women are advised to continue Armour thyroid replacement.

  Nursing mothers should know that some thyroid hormone is secreted in breast milk. A nursing mother should talk with her physician to see about continuing the medication.

  If hypothyroidism symptoms continue, or recur, after treatment, patients should inform their physician and have blood tests ran.