Generic Name: thyroid desiccated

Brand Names: Armour Thyroid, Thyroid, Westhroid, Nature-Throid

What is this medicine?

DESICCATED THYROID (DES i key tid THYE roid )is a form of thyroid hormone. This medicine can improve symptoms of thyroid deficiency such as slow speech, lack of energy, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and feeling cold. It also helps to treat goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland).

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• angina
• diabetes
• dieting or on a weight loss program
• fertility problems
• heart disease
• high levels of thyroid hormone
• pituitary gland problem
• previous heart attack
• an unusual or allergic reaction to thyroid hormones, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with water. It is best to take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Take this medicine at the same time each day. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• amiodarone
• antacids
• anti-thyroid medicines
• calcium supplements
• carbamazepine
• cholestyramine
• colestipol
• digoxin
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• iron supplements
• ketamine
• liquid nutrition products like Ensure
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines or herbals used to decrease weight or appetite
• phenobarbital or other barbiturate medications
• phenytoin
• prednisone or other corticosteroids
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• soy isoflavones
• sucralfate
• theophylline
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not switch brands of this medicine unless your health care professional agrees with the change. Ask questions if you are uncertain.

You will need regular exams and occasional blood tests to check the response to treatment. If you are receiving this medicine for an underactive thyroid, it may be several weeks before you notice an improvement. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve.

It may be necessary for you to take this medicine for the rest of your life. Do not stop using this medicine unless your doctor or health care professional advises you to.

This medicine can affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as directed.

Some brands of this medicine may have a strong odor. This does not mean that the drug is spoiled.

You may lose some of your hair when you first start treatment. With time, this usually corrects itself.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• excessive sweating or intolerance to heat
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• nervousness
• swelling of ankles, feet, or legs
• tremors

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• changes in appetite
• changes in menstrual periods
• diarrhea
• hair loss
• headache
• nausea, vomiting
• tiredness
• trouble sleeping
• weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.