MedlinePlus Drug Information: Thyroid

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Other drug names:	A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9

Thyroid

(thye' roid)

Brand name(s): Armour Thyroid; S-P-T; Thyrar; Thyroid Strong; Westhroid
Other name(s): Dessicated thyroid; thyroid extract; thyroid gland

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know?

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Thyroid hormone should not be used to treat obesity in patients with normal thyroid function. Thyroid medication is ineffective for weight reduction in normal thyroid patients and may cause serious or life-threatening toxicity, especially when taken with amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks associated with this medication.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Thyroid is a hormone produced by the body. When taken correctly, thyroid reverses the symptoms of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Without thyroid hormone, the body cannot function properly, resulting in poor growth, slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry thick skin, and increased sensitivity to cold. Thyroid also is used to treat goiter (enlarged thyroid gland).

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Thyroid comes as a tablet and a capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken as a single dose every day before breakfast. To control the symptoms of hypothyroidism, you probably will need to take thyroid for the rest of your life. It may take about 2 weeks before you notice any change in your symptoms. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take thyroid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take thyroid even if you feel well. Do not stop taking thyroid without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking thyroid,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to thyroid; foods such as pork, beef, soybean oil, or corn; or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amphetamines, anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), arthritis medications, aspirin, cholesterol-lowering resins such as cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), diabetes medications (insulin and tablets), digoxin (Lanoxin), estrogens, oral contraceptives, steroids, and vitamins.
if you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 4 hours before or 1 hour after taking your thyroid medication.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis); kidney disease; hepatitis; cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), arrhythmias, or heart attack; or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking thyroid, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking thyroid.
tell your doctor if you drink alcoholic beverages. It is important not to drink alcohol while taking thyroid.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from thyroid are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

weight loss
tremor
headache
upset stomach
vomiting
diarrhea
stomach cramps
nervousness
irritability
insomnia
excessive sweating
increased appetite
fever
changes in menstrual cycle
sensitivity to heat
temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

severe skin rash
difficulty breathing or swallowing
chest pain (angina)
rapid or irregular heartbeat or pulse

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to thyroid.

Learn the brand name and generic name of your medication. Do not switch brands without talking to your doctor or pharmacist, as each brand of thyroid contains a slightly different amount of medication.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer