What is this medication for?
Thyroid tablets are a thyroid hormone supplement most commonly used to treat people who do not produce enough thyroid hormone on their own, to treat and prevent certain types of goiters, and to manage thyroid cancer. They may also be used to diagnose certain thyroid hormone problems. Thyroid tablets help to reduce the symptoms of low thyroid hormone such as weight gain, sensitivity to cold, lack of energy, and dry skin.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Armour® Thyroid is available as:
- tablets
- 15 mg
- 30 mg
- 60 mg
- 90 mg
- 120 mg
- 180 mg
- 240 mg
- 300 mg
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
You should take this medication once a day, at the same time every day, to ensure a consistent effect. The dose of thyroid tablets depends on how much of the hormone is needed to bring blood levels back to the normal range. This is determined by blood tests that are done in a laboratory. The starting dose will depend on the general physical condition of the person taking the medication, the severity, and how long symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels have been present.
Thyroid tablets are most effective when taken upon awakening on an empty stomach and one hour before a meal or other medications.
Signs that you may be getting too much thyroid hormone may include chest pain, increased heart rate, palpitations, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, and nervousness. If you think your dose of thyroid hormone may be too high, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take thyroid tablets if you:
- are allergic to thyroid tablets or any ingredients of the medication
- have uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency
- have untreated thyrotoxicosis (too much thyroid hormone in your system)
