Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Select a question from the list or scroll down the page.

• How do thyroid hormones work?
• What is TSH?
• What should I tell my doctor if I still don’t feel well
  while using a synthetic thyroid medication?
• How do I switch to Armour Thyroid?
• How is Armour Thyroid made?
• What are the ingredients in Armour Thyroid tablets?
• Does Armour Thyroid contain gluten or lactose?
• Does Armour Thyroid have an odor?
• Does Armour Thyroid meet federal health standards
  for thyroid tablets?
• How and when should I take my Armour Thyroid?
• How soon will I see improvement with Armour Thyroid?
• What if I have more questions about Armour Thyroid?

Thyroid hormones, T₄ and T₃, affect the body's use of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, electrolytes, and water. They regulate the body's immune response. They can also alter the actions of other hormones and drugs.

TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone. Using a blood test, your doctor looks at the level of TSH in your body to see how your thyroid gland is working. Normally, the TSH in your body tells your thyroid gland to make T₄. In the most common type of hypothyroidism the TSH is too high; in the most common type of hyperthyroidism, the TSH is too low.

It is important that you speak openly with your doctor or other healthcare professional. They need to know how you feel. Tell them what your symptoms are and what medications you are taking. The goal is to get your body in proper balance. Sometimes it takes a while to get the correct dosage. You may need an exam and blood tests repeated. Also, some patients may not do well on one thyroid medication but may respond well to another.

Be sure to talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional before changing medications. A dosage conversion table is provided below for guidance.

The basic "rule of thumb" in converting thyroid doses is that 100 mcg of T₄ is roughly equal to 25 mcg of T₃, or 1 grain (60 mg) of Armour Thyroid.

Please refer to the table below for approximate equal strengths of various thyroid medications (taken from the USP-DI).¹

Note: Please keep in mind that dose adjustments may be required. Thyroid dosing is highly specific and will need to be individualized by your doctor to get the best result.

Notes:
a. Thyrolar is a registered trademark of Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
b. Cytomel is a registered trademark of Jones Pharma Inc./King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
c. Unithroid is a registered trademark of Jerome Stevens Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
d. Levoxyl is a registered trademark of Jones Pharma Inc./King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
e. Levothroid is a registered trademark of Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
f. Synthroid is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories, Inc.

First thyroid glands are collected from USDA-approved grain-fed pigs. The thyroids are processed, dried, powdered, and compounded to produce Armour Thyroid tablets. Since the amount of thyroid hormone present in the thyroid gland may vary from animal to animal, the T₄ and T₃ are measured in both the raw material and in the actual tablets. This ensures that Armour Thyroid tablets are the same from tablet to tablet.

The Armour Thyroid product available from Forest Pharmaceuticals contains:
1. Thyroid Powder, USP
2. Dextrose, Anhydrous
3. Microcrystalline Cellulose, NF
4. Sodium Starch Glycolate, NF
5. Calcium Stearate, NF
6. Opadry White (titanium dioxide used as a whitening agent)

Armour Thyroid does not contain gluten or lactose.

There is no gluten or lactose in Armour Thyroid.

Armour Thyroid is a natural product obtained from porcine thyroid glands. Much like other products obtained from natural sources, Armour Thyroid may have a strong, characteristic odor. This does not indicate that it is spoiled or defective in any way.

Armour Thyroid Tablets, USP, contain the labeled amounts of T₄ and T₃. These standards are established by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). To meet quality standards, Armour Thyroid must also pass bacteriological testing and must meet other product quality tests.

Armour Thyroid should be taken as your doctor or other healthcare professional prescribes. Treatment typically consists of a specific dose taken daily, usually in the morning.

If you forget to take a dose of your thyroid hormone medication, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule; do not take a double dose. Call your doctor or other healthcare professional if you miss two or more consecutive doses.

Again, for best results, it’s very important to follow your doctor's or other healthcare professional’s advice regarding how and when to take your thyroid medication.

Most patients taking thyroid medications at effective dosage levels experience positive changes within the first few days to several weeks. Occasionally, your doctor may need to make an adjustment of the dosage that was initially chosen before these results occur.

Your doctor or other healthcare professional should be able to answer any questions you may have about Armour Thyroid and your hypothyroidism treatment.

1. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Vol. 1, 26th ed. Greenwood Village, Co: Thomson Micromedex; 2006:2817—2824.