All About Armour Thyroid

What are some frequently asked questions about Armour Thyroid?

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Armour Thyroid.

How does Armour Thyroid compare with NP Thyroid or levothyroxine?

Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, and levothyroxine are all used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid level). In addition, these drugs can be used to decrease thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in people with thyroid cancer or in people with nodules or goiters.

Levothyroxine is FDA-approved for these uses, but Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid have been available since before the FDA began its drug approval process. That means these drugs have not been approved by the FDA. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, and levothyroxine all come as oral tablets. In addition, levothyroxine is available as a solution or a powder that’s mixed into a liquid solution and given as an intravenous (IV) injection.

All three drugs work by replacing thyroid hormones in your body. Levothyroxine contains a synthetic (human-made) version of one thyroid hormone. Armour Thyroid and NP thyroid are made using the thyroid glands from pigs and contain two types of thyroid hormones. Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid have the active ingredient* desiccated thyroid. Because of this, these drugs are expected to have similar side effects.

Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid are both only available as brand-name drugs. Levothyroxine is a generic drug that’s also available in the brand-name versions Levoxyl, Synthroid, and Unithroid. Generics typically cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you have other questions about how Armour Thyroid compares with NP Thyroid or levothyroxine, talk with your doctor. They can help find the best treatment option for you.

* An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Does Armour Thyroid cause long-term side effects?

It’s unlikely. But it’s important to note that Armour Thyroid has been available since before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began its drug approval process. As a result, studies were not done to gather details about the drug’s side effects.

If you’re concerned about possible long-term side effects from Armour Thyroid, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Similar drugs

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. If you’d like to explore an alternative to Armour Thyroid, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Armour Thyroid:

• desiccated thyroid (NP Thyroid)
• levothyroxine (Synthroid, Unithroid, Levoxyl)
• liothyronine (Cytomel)

What is Armour Thyroid’s dosage?

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Armour Thyroid that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strength

Armour Thyroid is available as an oral tablet that comes in the following strengths:

• 15 milligrams (mg)
• 30 mg
• 60 mg
• 90 mg
• 120 mg
• 180 mg
• 240 mg
• 300 mg

Recommended dosages

Your doctor will recommend the best dosage of Armour Thyroid for you to take before you start treatment.

Dosage for hypothyroidism

You’ll usually take Armour Thyroid once daily to treat hypothyroidism. Your doctor will likely have you start taking a low dose of this medication. Then, they may increase your dose until the medication is working for you.

Dosage for thyroid nodules and goiters

If you have a thyroid nodule or goiter, your doctor will determine the best dose of Armour Thyroid based on your condition. Then, they may adjust your dose over time to reach the dose that works for you.

Dosage for thyroid cancer

If you have thyroid cancer, your doctor will recommend the best dose of Armour Thyroid for you. Then, they may adjust your dose over time until you reach the right dose for your condition.

To learn more about Armour Thyroid’s dosage, see this article.

Questions about taking Armour Thyroid

Below are some common questions about taking Armour Thyroid.

• Can Armour Thyroid be chewed, crushed, or split? The manufacturer of Armour Thyroid hasn’t specified whether the tablets can be chewed, crushed, or split. But, if you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to help you or other medications that you can take to treat your condition.
• Should I take Armour Thyroid with food? No, you should not take Armour Thyroid tablets with food. In fact, you should take your dose of Armour Thyroid at least 30–60 minutes before your first meal of the day. This is because food can make Armour Thyroid less effective.
• Is there a best time of day to take Armour Thyroid? Armour Thyroid should be taken in the morning, at least 30–60 minutes before your first meal of the day. You should try to take your dose around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent level of the drug in your body, which helps Armour Thyroid work effectively.
• What if I miss a dose of Armour Thyroid? If you miss a dose of Armour Thyroid, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its usual time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
• Will I need to use Armour Thyroid long term? Typically, Armour Thyroid is used as a long-term treatment. You can talk with your doctor to learn more about your treatment plan.

Overdose

Do not take more Armour Thyroid than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you take too much Armour Thyroid

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Armour Thyroid. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

What are Armour Thyroid’s side effects?

Like most drugs, Armour Thyroid may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Armour Thyroid may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• your age
• other health conditions you have
• other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Armour Thyroid. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects that can occur with Armour Thyroid are most likely symptoms of having too much thyroid hormone in your system. Examples include:

• feeling anxious or nervous
• sweating more than usual
• frequent bowel movements

A mild allergic reaction is also possible with Armour Thyroid. To learn more, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may adjust your dosage to help relieve certain mild side effects.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Armour Thyroid can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Armour Thyroid, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Armour Thyroid may include:

• hyperthyroidism
• severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Armour Thyroid.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Armour Thyroid. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

What should be considered before taking Armour Thyroid?

Below is important information you should consider before taking Armour Thyroid.

Interactions

Taking a drug with certain medications, vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Armour Thyroid can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain foods.

Before taking Armour Thyroid, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

For more information about Armour Thyroid and interactions, see this in-depth article.

Drug interactions

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Armour Thyroid. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Armour Thyroid. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Other interactions

Armour Thyroid can also interact with other substances, such as:

Foods: Armour Thyroid may interact with soy baby formula. Your child’s doctor may recommend that you avoid giving them soy formula during their Armour Thyroid treatment.

Alcohol: Alcohol is not known to interact with Armour Thyroid. It’s likely safe to consume alcohol while taking Armour Thyroid.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Armour Thyroid typically isn’t used during pregnancy. Instead, doctors usually prefer prescribing levothyroxine. This is because levothyroxine contains more of the T4 thyroid hormone than Armour Thyroid. This hormone is useful for the brain development of a fetus.

It’s not known whether the drug may be safe to take while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether Armour Thyroid may be a safe option for you.

Birth control

Some birth control pills may interact with Armour Thyroid. This could mean that your birth control becomes less effective at preventing pregnancy while you’re taking Armour Thyroid. Talk with your doctor about the best birth control option for you.

Boxed warning

Armour Thyroid has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

This drug should not be used as a weight loss aid. In fact, if you don’t have a thyroid condition, taking Armour Thyroid may not help you lose weight.

Taking Armour Thyroid for weight loss can lead to harmful effects that may be life threatening. Examples include chest pain and heart palpitations.

If you’re interested in a weight loss treatment, talk with your doctor. They can recommend a treatment plan to help manage your weight.

Other warnings

Armour Thyroid can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Armour Thyroid is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Armour Thyroid. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

• heart disease
• diabetes
• adrenal insufficiency
• previous allergic reaction to Armour Thyroid
• pregnancy
• breastfeeding

What does Armour Thyroid cost?

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Armour Thyroid. What you’ll pay for Armour Thyroid may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.

Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:

• Cost information and savings coupons: You can visit Optum Perks* to get price estimates of what you’d pay for Armour Thyroid when using coupons from the site.
• Savings program: If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline. Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

What is Armour Thyroid used for?

Armour Thyroid is used in adults and in certain children to:

• treat hypothyroidism, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• decrease thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in people with thyroid goiters, nodules, or thyroid cancer

With hypothyroidism, your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This condition may cause symptoms such as depression, fatigue (low energy), weight gain, and constipation.

In addition, Armour Thyroid can be used to decrease TSH levels in people with thyroid goiters, nodules, or thyroid cancer. Symptoms of these conditions may include a lump in the neck, a scratchy throat, or difficulty swallowing.

Armour Thyroid works by replacing thyroid hormones that are low or missing in your body. Replacing these hormones also lowers your TSH levels. This helps slow or stop the growth of the nodule, goiter, or thyroid cancer.

If you have additional questions about how Armour Thyroid works to treat your condition, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Armour Thyroid has been available since before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began its drug approval process. Because of this, Armour Thyroid has not been approved by the FDA. To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.