Armour
Thyroid (Porcine) Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
DESICCATED THYROID 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).
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. Read More ›
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children, precautions do apply.
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
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
hair loss
tiredness
trouble sleeping
weight loss
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
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.
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.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetes
dieting or on a weight loss program
fertility problems
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
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.
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.
Who should not take Armour?
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
acute myocardial infarction, adrenal insufficiency, angina, breast-feeding, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, geriatric, hypertension, hypopituitarism, infants, infertility, neonates, obesity treatment, osteoporosis, pregnancy, surgery, thyrotoxicosis
Copyright: © 2000-2010 The StayWell Company, 780 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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