Armour Medication for the Thyroid

Armour thyroid is a prescription medication used for the treatment of hypothyroidism and goiter and thyroid cancer. Unlike other medications used to treat these conditions, Armour is a natural product derived from the thyroid glands of pigs.

Function

• Because the thyroid hormones produced by pigs are similar to those that occur in your body, Armour is able to supplement your body's supply of thyroid hormones. When cancer or goiters is caused by your thyroid working too hard to try to compensate for a shortage of the hormones, Armour removes some of the burden from the gland.

Time Frame

• Typically, patients require Armour for life-long use for the treatment of hypothyroidism. The treatment time for thyroid cancer varies depending on the size and type of the tumor, and for goiters, doctors usually prescribe Armour for seven days, according to RxList.

Features

• It is not uncommon for Armour to have a very pungent, strong odor, according to the makers of the drug. This is not an indication that the drug has spoiled or is unsafe and occurs because of the smell of the porcine thyroid hormone.

Risks

• Though it is less prevalent than in synthetic thyroid supplements, Armour has the potential to cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism is you dosage is too high. Signs of taking too much Armour include nervousness, tremors, anxiety, sweating, muscle weakness and insomnia.

Considerations

• If you have a history of diabetes, blood clotting disorders, adrenal insufficiency or heart disease, it may not be safe for you to take Armour, warns the Mayo Clinic. Additionally, taking Armour with blood thinners like warfarin poses a risk for excessive bleeding following an injury or surgery, cautions RxList.