What is thyroid (desiccated)?
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.
Thyroid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking thyroid (desiccated)?
Before taking thyroid, tell your doctor if you have
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.
How should I take thyroid (desiccated)?
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.
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 insufficient amounts of thyroid produced by the body.
Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment
with thyroid to monitor progress and side effects.
Store thyroid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of thyroid (desiccated)?
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.
Where can I get more information about thyroid (desiccated)?
Your pharmacist has information about thyroid (desiccated) written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of thyroid (desiccated)?
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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about thyroid (desiccated)?
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.
What should I avoid while taking thyroid (desiccated)?
There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with a thyroid unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
What other drugs will affect thyroid (desiccated)?
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);
-
warfarin (Coumadin);
-
insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as acarbose
(Precose), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), metformin
(Glucophage), and others;
-
an estrogen replacement product such as Premarin,
Estrace, Estratab, Ogen, Climara, Fempatch, and others;
-
birth control pills; or
-
a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil),
imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), and others.
You may require a dosage adjustment, special dosing instructions such as
not taking certain medicines at the same time as thyroid hormones, or special monitoring during
treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Many drugs can interact with thyroid or can be affected by your condition. Talk to your
doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines including
vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
What happens if I have an overdose of thyroid (desiccated)?