What is this medicine?
Desiccated Thyroid (DEH-suh-kay-tuhd THIGH-royd)
- Desiccated thyroid is an extract derived from dried porcine (pig) thyroid gland tissue. Desiccated thyroid contains both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) and other triiodothyronine compounds.
- It may be given to patients who no longer produce a sufficient amount of thyroid hormones on their own.
- It may be used to manage an enlarged thyroid gland.
- It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: Do not use this drug to address weight management
Compounded Drug Forms: tablet, capsule
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
- Allergy to desiccated porcine thyroid
- Have any adrenal gland problems like Addison’s disease or adrenal cortical insufficiency, that have not yet been evaluated by a medical professional.
- Have an overactive thyroid gland presenting as hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease, or thyrotoxicosis, that has not yet been evaluated by a medical professional.
- Have myxedema, a long-standing type of untreated low thyroid.
- Have cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
How should I use this medicine?
Follow the package directions provided by Belmar Pharma Solutions and by your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow the dosing schedule provided carefully.
This medication should be taken with water on an empty stomach either 30 – 60 minutes prior to or 3-4 hours after food, drink, or other medications unless otherwise directed by your prescriber. If taking a supplement that contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, or zinc, take it 4 hours before or after the supplement.
Oral dosage forms should only be taken with water.
What if I miss a dose?
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- Do not take double the dose at once.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Belmar Pharma Solutions recommends yearly checkups with your provider, as well as heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac symptom monitoring. Your provider may require more frequent lab work and may recommend monitoring for signs of hyperthyroid.
What may interact with this medicine?
- There are many drugs that interact with this medication. Be sure to tell your provider about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, as well as any supplements or herbs.
- Discuss your complete medication regimen with your healthcare provider to determine the best therapy for you.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
- Hair loss may occur in the first few months of use, but typically reverts to original state.
Serious Side Effects:
Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of high blood pressure such as severe headache, dizziness, passing out, change in eyesight
- Chest pain, or uneven or fast heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet
- Change in appetite
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Bone or muscle pain
- Abdominal or other muscle cramps or weakness
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight changes
- Heat sensitivity or fever
- Changes in mood, such as feeling anxious or irritable
- Shakiness
- Lump in the neck
- Changes in menstrual cycle
You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.
An allergic reaction to this medication is unlikely but seek medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to porcine thyroid; thyrotoxicosis or adrenal insufficiency that have not yet been evaluated and addressed by a medical professional.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Store at room temperature between 59- and 86-degrees F, unless otherwise specified on the packaging.
Additional Information:
- Do not share this medication with others.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- If an overdose is suspected contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Belmar Pharma Solutions are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.
References:
- Thyroid, Desiccated. Lexi-Drugs. Lexicomp. Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. Riverwoods, IL. Available at: http://online.lexi.com. Accessed March 2023.
- Thyroid Extract Professional Monograph. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Stockton, CA. Accessed June 2021.
