Treatment
What Is Hypothyroidism?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located on your neck, in front of your windpipe.
The role of the thyroid gland is to produce two key hormones called
levothyroxine (T4)
and L-triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones affect the function of every organ in your body.
If you have an underactive thyroid gland, or if your thyroid has been partly or completely removed,
you may have hypothyroidism. If left untreated, this condition will worsen.
Once you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism your physician will start treatment.
This generally consists of a specific daily dose of a thyroid hormone replacement medication.
Sometimes, the dose level may need to be adjusted or the medication changed based on your individual response.
To read more about hypothyroidism, click here.
Armour Thyroid Is Natural Combination Thyroid Hormone
Replacement Therapy
There are different types of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Some are synthetic and some are natural.
Some contain only one of the key thyroid hormones, T4. Other therapies contain both T3 and T4.
Drugs like Levothroid®, Levoxyl® and Synthroid® are synthetic and contain only T4.
Armour Thyroid is a natural thyroid replacement therapy containing both T4 and T3. 1
Hypothyroidism Requires Lifelong Therapy
Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is usually a lifelong treatment.
Be sure you always have a fresh supply of medication on hand and always remember to follow your doctor’s directions.
Do not stop taking your medication or switch medications unless told to do so by a doctor.
Tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.
Dosing
Most thyroid hormone medications are taken once daily, usually in the morning.
If you miss a dose of your thyroid hormone medication, take it as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the dose you forgot, just continue with your regular schedule;
never take a double dose. Call your doctor if you miss two or more doses.
Levoxyl is a registered trademark of King Pharmaceuticals.
Synthroid is a registered trademark of Abbott Laboratories.
Armour Thyroid and Levothroid are available by prescription only. Armour Thyroid and Levothroid are registered trademarks of Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
1. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Vol. 1, 26th ed. Greenwood Village, Co: Thomson Micromedex; 2006:2817—2824.
Thyroid hormones, either alone or combined with other medications, should NOT be used for the treatment of obesity. An abnormal increase in thyroid hormone can result in hyperthyroidism. Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and hair loss are just a few of the potential effects of hyperthyroidism.
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