Tuesday, March 26, 2024

What Is The Difference Between Np Thyroid And Armour Thyroid

Types Of Thyroid Hormone Replacement Treatments

NP Thyroid vs Armour Thyroid: Cost & Ingredient Differences

There are two types of thyroid replacement medicines. These medicines are available by prescription only.

The first type of therapy is synthetic medicine containing only levothyroxine. FDA-approved levothyroxine is available from several manufacturers.

The second type of therapy is made from dried ground thyroid glands from pigs. This is called desiccated thyroid extract , which is sold in the United States as Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, Nature-Throid, and Natural Thyroid, among other names.

Why Did Doctors Switch From Armour Thyroid To Synthroid

Desiccated thyroid extract was the original medication used to treat hypothyroidism.

During this time, thyroid hormones were not completely understood and there was a lack of reliable diagnostic tools to measure circulating levels in the blood.

This lead to the following problems:

  • Difficulties determining the correct dose for the individual.
  • Difficulties measuring the exact amount of T4 and T3 present in desiccated thyroid extract.

As a result, the dosage was often too high and serious side effects were often reported. Also, due to inconsistencies in the strength of medication, some people were not seeing any improvements.

Conversely, Synthroid was thought to offer a safe and consistent dosage. Two things lead to this switch:

  • The discovery that most T3 was converted from T4 via an enzyme in the body. This meant medication need only contain T4 to be effective.
  • The diagnostic tools for measuring blood levels of thyroid hormones advanced. Scientists were able to see that Synthroid was effective at normalising blood levels of thyroid hormones .
  • Summary: Desiccated thyroid extract was the first type of medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Eventually, a synthetic T4 medication was created and found to be a safer and more effective option.

    Which Medication Is More Affordable

    Whithout insurance Thyroid-S is more affordable

    What are the side effects of Thyroid-S vs. Armour Thyroid?

    • Both drugs treating underactive thyroid may cause increased sweating, nervousness, weight loss, diarrhoea, headache, and shortness of breath.
  • Which drug has a bigger content?
  • When compared, Nature-Throid has a higher grain content .
  • Also Check: What To Expect After Thyroid Cancer Surgery

    Which Is Better Thyroid

    Both Thyroid-S and Armour Thyroid are considered to be safe and effective options for treating an underactive thyroid. Thyroid-S is manufactured in Thailand, while Armour Thyroid is manufactured in the USA.

    Both products contain the same active ingredient, Thyroid USP. Thyroid-S is just as effective as Armour Thyroid.

    In addition, Thyroid-S is typically less expensive than Armour Thyroid. Therefore, Thyroid-S may be a better option for people who are looking for a cost-effective way to treat their condition.

    Q: My Pharmacy Said Wp Thyroid Or Nature

    Pin on Health

    A: Neither Nature-Throid nor WP Thyroid are discontinued, but we are currently working out of a backorder. Click here to see a list of strengths that are currently in production. If you are having trouble getting your prescription from your usual pharmacy, we recommend contacting some other local pharmacies, or any of the mail-order pharmacies listed on our website.

    What about the difference between NP thyroid and levothyroxine or Synthroid?

    Is NP thyroid better?

    And I think the best, and easiest, way to say this is

    Most likely, yes, and probably.

    A bit ambiguous, I know, but the truth is that MOST patients who switch to NP thyroid from levothyroxine will probably prefer this medication over what they were previously using.

    How can I make such a statement?

    Well, I have my own personal experience to draw from but I also have research studies to draw from as well.

    From these studies , we know that approximately 50% of people who switch from levothyroxine to DTE prefer the DTE or thyroid extract.

    This doesnt GUARANTEE that it will happen to you, after all, there are about 50% of patients didnt notice a difference.

    But I would argue that doses being equal, you will most likely do better on NP thyroid over levothyroxine.

    And the reason is simple:

    As I mentioned earlier, NP thyroid contains BOTH active thyroid hormones as well as minor amounts of the lesser active thyroid hormones T1 and T2.

    Thats why I said that all things being equal you will probably prefer NP thyroid.

    Recommended Reading: What Is Thyroid Peroxidase Ab

    What Is Armour Thyroid

    Armour Thyroid is a medication that has been used as a treatment for hypothyroidism for over a century. The active ingredient in Armour Thyroid is desiccated thyroid extract, which contains both thyroxine and triiodothyronine . In addition, Armour Thyroid also contains small amounts of thyroxines T2 and T1, as well as calcitonin and iodine.

    These cofactors help to ensure that the thyroid hormone is properly metabolized and utilized by the body. Armour Thyroid is currently manufactured in the USA by AbbVie. It is available by prescription only and should be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

    Armour Thyroid comes in 8 different strengths:

    How To Take Np Thyroid

    • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often

    • Take your medicine at the same time every day.

    • Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

    • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often

    • Take your medicine at the same time every day.

    • Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

    • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often

    • Take your medicine at the same time every day.

    • Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

    • Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor, you may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

    • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often

    • Take your medicine at the same time every day.

    • Take the medicine on an empty stomach.

    • Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor, you may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping the medicine.

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    What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Desiccated 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.

    To make sure desiccated thyroid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

    • heart disease, angina
    • coronary artery disease
    • any type of diabetes or
    • problems with your adrenal gland.

    Desiccated thyroid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.

    Small amounts of desiccated thyroid can pass into breast milk, but this is not expected to harm a nursing baby. However, do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

    Which Thyroid Medication Is Best For You

    Armour thyroid – 10 things you should know BEFORE using it

    For some patients, levothyroxine works well to resolve hypothyroidism. In other cases, you may feel best with the addition of T3, whether by adding synthetic T3 to your levothyroxine treatment or taking NDT.

    Suppose you take levothyroxine and need a better resolution of your symptoms. In that case, you may want to discuss with your thyroid doctor if natural desiccated thyroid might be a good option for you.

    As a thyroid patient, you’re probably asking the operative question: “Which thyroid medication is best for me?” There’s no definitive answer. Ultimately, the best thyroid hormone replacement regimen for you is the medication, brand, and dosage that best and safely manages your hypothyroidism and relieves your symptoms. Finding out which medication and dosage will work best for you is often a trial-and-error process. It’s essential to be informed about all of your options and work with a thyroid doctor who is open to all treatment options to determine if NDT drugs are right for you.

    Also Check: Doctors Who Specialize In Thyroid

    Nature Throid And Wp Thyroid Availability In 2023

    Will Nature Throid be available in 2023? It is hard to say right now but a good guess is that it will not be available at least at the beginning of the year. All lots are currently not in production per the RLC Labs website and there is no indication that the company is going to restart production anytime soon. Until it does become available, RLC Labs is selling Thyroid USP to compounding pharmacies like National Pharmacy so patients can continue their treatment.

    Looking to send a prescription for compounded NDT capsules? Contact us here.

    A Pharmacists Review Of Medications For Hashimotos And Hypothyroidism

    Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

    2020 has been a crazy year. I know many of us have had some health set-backs .

    Some of us may be struggling with more symptoms due to our thyroid hormones. Stressful times and infections can increase our need for thyroid hormones, as well as the co-factors we need to make those hormones work properly.

    Furthermore, some of us have been affected by a recent recall of natural desiccated thyroid medications. This may have resulted in having unstable thyroid hormones and needing to switch to a different medication.

    Due to the various thyroid medication recalls, I wanted to provide a comprehensive overview of the available medication options, and how you can be sure to get the best outcomes from using each of the medications.

    For those with Hashimotos, optimizing thyroid hormones is one of the keys to feeling our best, while we work to remove the underlying triggers that caused and/or are worsening the autoimmune component of the condition.

    The right thyroid hormone medication can reduce thyroid antibodies and slow down the progressive thyroid destruction, as well as provide the energy needed to continue to work towards ones health. Thyroid hormone medications can also reduce the size of thyroid goiters and nodules, as well as reduce the likelihood of thyroid cancer.

    Read on to learn more about:

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    Medications To Balance Thyroid Hormones

    Choosing the best medications starts with an understanding of our symptoms and labs.

    While our symptoms can provide a clue that something is off, our labs can tell us if the reason were feeling unwell could be due to our medications. Labs will provide information on whether we are absorbing our medications, whether we are on a correct dose of medications, as well as whether our body has issues converting T4 to T3 .

    All too often, conventional doctors simply test ones TSH and T4 levels . However, TSH is a pituitary hormone, and doesnt tell us what level of hormones we have available to use within the rest of the body.

    For this reason, its important to have a full thyroid panel done, which will also help you and your practitioner determine the appropriate medication for you.

    A full thyroid panel checks ones TSH, free T4, free T3, and thyroid antibody levels.

    • TSH: The thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH test, is used as a screening test for thyroid disease, as well as a test for monitoring the correct dose of medication needed for an individual. TSH is elevated in cases of hypothyroidism. While conventional practitioners may have lax reference ranges, functional medicine practitioners have further defined the optimal reference range in which most patients will feel their best.
    • Recommended test:TSH
    • Optimal reference range: between 0.5-2 IU/mL

    Is There A Difference In Hormone Content Between Armour Thyroid And Thyroid

    Pin on Ask Dr

    Both Armour Thyroid and Thyroid-S contain the same amount of T4 and T3 per 1 grain tablet:

    Armour Thyroid strengths hormone content:15mg

    • 30mg 9,5 mcg of T4 and 2,25 mcg of T3
    • 60mg 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3
    • 90mg 57 mcg of T4 and 13,5 mcg of T3
    • 120mg 76 mcg of T4 and 18 mcg of T3
    • 180m 114 mcg of T4 and 27 mcg of T3
    • 240mg 152 mcg of T4 and 36 mcg of T3
    • 300mg 190 mcg of T4 and 45 mcg of T3

    Also Check: Diabetes And Thyroid Center Of Ft Worth

    Choice No : Switch To A Compounding Pharmacy

    You can also switch to a compounding pharmacy to substitute for Nature-Throid or NP Thyroid.

    Thyroid USP from a compounding pharmacy is an excellent alternative to Nature-Throid. It has the same high quality active pharmaceutical ingredient found in Nature-Throid, according to RLC The manufacturer of Nature Throid. Also, it is made in the USA.

    Click here to find out Thyroid Compounding Pharmacy in your area

    You can ask your physician to write you a prescription of T4+T3 per capsule.

    The conversion from Dessicated Thyroid to Compounding pharmacy requires in-depth thyroid knowledge on the part of the physician. One grain of Nature-Throid, WP Thyroid andNP Thyroid contains approximately 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3 .

    Over the years, I have prescribed T4, T3 combination through compounding pharmacies. In general, it works out well.

    The good side is that it gives your physician a lot of room to tailor the amount of T4 and T3 to your individual needs.

    The downside is that compounding pharmacies are expensive. In addition, you need to find a reputable compounding pharmacy in your area.

    What Are The Side Effects Of Np Thyroid

    There are a number of potential side effects associated with NP Thyroid, including weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, and headaches. While most of these side effects are relatively mild and can be easily managed, some people may experience more serious side effects, such as heart palpitations or anxiety. If you experience any side effects while taking NP Thyroid, be sure to speak with your doctor to discuss the best course of treatment.

    Read Also: What Is Thyroid Peroxidase Test

    The Cost Of Armour Thyroid Vs Synthroid

    Thyroid medication needs to be taken for life, so the cost can be an important factor.

    Price typically varies depending on the strength of the dose. Per 30 pills :

    • Synthroid: $27-$36.
    • Generic levothyroxine or other brand names: $12-$35
    • Armour Thyroid: $19.50-$50

    Summary: Generic levothyroxine is cheaper than branded Synthroid, while Armour Thyroid is typically the most expensive option.

    Is Np Thyroid And Wp Thyroid A Natural Or Synthetic Medication

    Thyroid Medications (Synthroid VS Armour)

    Both NP Thyroid and WP Thyroid are natural medications since they are made from animal thyroid glands rather than synthetic resources. This reason is why Desiccated Thyroid medications can be used for T4 and T3 hormone replacement.

    Importantly, as the FDA report, natural and synthetic components may produce a difference , which mainly depends on the individual.

    Also Check: How To Fix Thyroid Problems Naturally

    The T4/t3 Thyroid Drug Controversy

    As noted, the standard treatment for hypothyroidism is levothyroxine alone. The addition of T3 to the levothyroxine/T4-only treatmentor using DTEis controversial and the topic of ongoing research and discussion.

    Once experts realized that T4 naturally converts to T3, there was a great deal of excitement about how modern levothyroxine was compared to DTE, which was considered old-fashioned. At that time, many healthcare providers switched patients over to the synthetic medication and never looked back.

    Still, some of these patients complained after being switched to levothyroxine that their symptoms had worsened or couldn’t be resolved. This led to a number of the healthcare providers who had previously prescribed DTE for their patients putting some of them back on it.

    DTE is prescribed far less often than levothyroxine. But frustrated patients who don’t feel well who are doing their research and talking to other people. As a result, they’re becoming increasingly aware that there are options beyond levothyroxine and that some people feel better on DTE.

    Active And Inactive Ingredients

    NP Thyroid contains the same Thyroid USP active ingredient as all other natural desiccated thyroid brands. Thyroid USP is also the same active ingredient found in compounded natural thyroid. NP Thyroid has inactive ingredients that include calcium stearate, dextrose, and mineral oil. It is manufactured in tablets at a large scale, so measures need to be taken to ensure that the product is stable and reaches patients unaltered. Calcium stearate is a type of calcium that helps the tablets release from the mold they are made in. Dextrose is a simple sugar that helps counteract the distinct taste of the natural thyroid. Mineral oil can have several possible applications that it may be used for in this product.

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    Why Wont Some Doctors Support Thyroid Treatment With Ndt

    The T4/T3 Issue

    Your body needs two primary thyroid hormones made by your thyroid gland: T4 and T3 . T4 is a storage hormone whose only role is to convert into T3âthe active hormone used by cells and tissues in your body.

    The typical daily T3 requirement in a 150-pound healthy adult is around 30 mcg. A healthy thyroid gland itself produces about 5 mcg of that T3. The remaining 25 mcg of T3 needs to be made by T4 to T3 conversion. Mainstream endocrinology believes that if you take adequate dosage of only synthetic T4 , enough of that T4 will convert into T3 to meet your daily needs. â

    Since the introduction of levothyroxine, some patients have anecdotally reported much better symptom relief and management of their hypothyroidism by taking NDT vs. levothyroxine. The likely reason? NDT contains natural forms of both T4 and T3 hormones.

    Experts are beginning to understand thatâfor reasons that include nutritional status, stress, and other hormonal imbalancesâsome patients donât convert T4 to T3 as well as thought. More recently, research has shown that a subset of the population has a genetic defect that impairs the ability to convert T4 into T3. Many of these patients report far better symptom relief and quality of life taking NDT because it includes T3 and doesnât rely solely on conversion.

    Still, some doctors believe that measuring T3 levels and treating low-normal or low T3 is unnecessary or unbeneficial. They prefer not to treat patients with NDT drugs.

    Where To Buy Wp Thyroid In The Us Or Where To Purchase It

    Pay someone write my paper Conversion chart for armour to synthroid

    Nature-Throid is a medication that has been used to treat thyroid conditions for over 80 years. Unfortunately, it is currently unavailable in the United States. However, there is hope that it will be back on the market in 2023. In the meantime, patients can continue to purchase WP Thyroid 65mg alternatives such as:

    • Armour Thyroid 60 mg

    Read Also: How Long For Thyroid Medicine To Work

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