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What is thyroid?
Thyroid hormones are produced naturally in the body by the thyroid gland. They are important for maintaining normal energy and metabolism. For a variety of reasons, the body may not produce enough thyroid hormone on its own. In these cases, medication is taken to replace the body's natural thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are also used to prevent and treat goiter (growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland) and along with surgery and radiation therapy in the treatment of certain thyroid cancers.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of thyroid?

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking thyroid and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• vomiting; or

• chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take thyroid and talk to your doctor if you experience

• tremor, nervousness, or irritability;

• headache;

• insomnia;

• diarrhea, changes in appetite, or weight loss;

• leg cramps;

• menstrual irregularities; or

• fever, sweating, or heat sensitivity.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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How should I take thyroid?
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. It is best to take thyroid on an empty stomach, one-half hour to one hour before a meal. Take this medication at the same time each day whenever possible. Take thyroid every day as directed, even if you feel well. It is important to take thyroid regularly to get the most benefit.

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What is the most important information I should know about thyroid?
Take thyroid every day as directed, even if you feel well. Do not stop taking thyroid without first talking to your doctor. You may need to take this medication for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone that is not being produced by the body.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

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What other drugs will affect thyroid?
Before taking a thyroid, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: an antacid that contains aluminum or calcium or sucralfate (Carafate) (these medications should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid) (these medications should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); an iron supplement and vitamins with iron (these should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones);

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Thyroid desiccated has been assigned to pregnancy category A by the FDA. There are no controlled in human pregnancy. Clinical experience to date does not indicate any adverse effect on the fetus when thyroid hormones are administered to pregnant women. Thyroid replacement therapy should be maintained during pregnancy.

Pregnant mothers provide little or no thyroid hormone to the fetus. The incidence of congenital hypothyroidism is relatively high (1:4000). Routine determination of serum T4 and/or TSH is strongly advised in neonates in view of the deleterious effects of thyroid deficiency on growth and development.

Small amounts of thyroid desiccated are excreted into human milk. Adverse effects in the nursing infant are unlikely. The manufacturer recommends that caution be used when administering thyroid desiccated to nursing women.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Untreated thyrotoxicosis.
• AMI uncomplicated by hypothyroidism.
• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency.
• Known hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the formulation. (See Sensitivity Reactions under Cautions.)

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of an overdose of thyroid include chest pain, nervousness, trouble sleeping, tremor, rapid heartbeat, nausea, headache, fever, sweating, shortness of breath, heat intolerance, irregular menses, increased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thyroid?
Before taking thyroid, tell your doctor if you have hormonal problems; heart disease such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or angina; or diabetes. You may require special monitoring during treatment with thyroid if you have any of the conditions listed above. Thyroid is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that thyroid is safe for use during pregnancy. Thyroid is safe to take if you are breast-feeding a baby. The drug does pass into breast milk, but it has not been shown to be harmful to a nursing infant.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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