Adthyza for Weight Loss: The Ultimate Guide to Desiccated Thyroid Medication Benefits

Desiccated thyroid, including brands like Adthyza, Armour Thyroid, and NP Thyroid, is a replacement hormone therapy used primarily for individuals with low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism). It supplies thyroid hormone to patients who do not produce enough on their own, addressing conditions such as enlarged thyroid (goiter) and thyroid cancer. It's crucial to understand its uses, potential side effects, and interactions before considering this medication.

What is Desiccated Thyroid?

Desiccated thyroid is a natural preparation derived from animal thyroid glands (usually a pig's). It contains both levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3), which are thyroid hormones found naturally in the human body. This medicine provides a source of thyroid hormones in people who do not make enough on their own. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the label of desiccated thyroid, since the FDA has not found this medicine to be safe and effective.

Common Uses of Desiccated Thyroid

Desiccated thyroid is commonly prescribed for the following conditions:

Hypothyroidism: To address low thyroid hormone levels.
Enlarged Thyroid (Goiter): To help stop the growth of the thyroid gland.
Thyroid Cancer: To stop the thyroid from producing its own hormones, and therefore help to stop the growth of thyroid cancer.

A health care provider may determine other uses for desiccated thyroid.

How Desiccated Thyroid Works

Desiccated thyroid works by providing a source of thyroid hormones to individuals whose bodies do not produce enough. Taking this medicine tells the thyroid to stop producing its own hormones, which can help to stop the growth of the thyroid gland or thyroid cancer. This, in turn, helps regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism and energy levels. The thyroid hormones enhance oxygen consumption by most tissues in the body, increase the basal metabolic rate, and the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. The steps in the synthesis of the thyroid hormones are controlled by thyrotropin (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, TSH) secreted by the anterior pituitary. This hormone's secretion is in turn controlled by a feedback mechanism effected by the thyroid hormones themselves and by thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), a tripeptide of hypothalamic origin. The mechanisms by which thyroid hormones exert their physiologic action are not well understood.

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Available Forms and Strengths

Desiccated thyroid is available in oral tablet form, with various brands offering different dosages:

Brands: Adthyza, Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid
Dosage Forms and Strengths: 15 mg, 16.25 mg, 30 mg, 32.5 mg, 60 mg, 65 mg, 90 mg, 97.5 mg, 120 mg, 130 mg, 180 mg, 240 mg, 300 mg oral tablets

Storage Instructions

Desiccated thyroid should be stored at room temperature, between 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C), in a tight container, protected from light and moisture.

Common and Serious Side Effects

Like all medications, desiccated thyroid can cause side effects.

Common Side Effects:

Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
Heart attack
Shortness of breath
Headache
Nervousness
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Tremors
Muscle weakness
Increased appetite
Weight loss
Diarrhea
Trouble tolerating heat
Menstrual changes
Skin rash
Hair loss

Serious Side Effects:

Severe Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include breathing problems, wheezing, racing heart, fever, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, trouble swallowing, itching, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, stomach cramps, and joint pain.
Heart Problems: Increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, and chest pain.
Weak Bones: Reduced bone density (osteopenia) or osteoporosis, leading to an increased risk of fractures.

Warnings and Precautions

Certain individuals should avoid using desiccated thyroid:

Allergies: People allergic to desiccated thyroid or any of its ingredients.
Reduced Adrenal Function (Adrenal Insufficiency): Individuals with untreated reduced adrenal function.
Thyrotoxicosis: Those with too much thyroid hormone in their blood.

Important Considerations Before Using Desiccated Thyroid

Only take desiccated thyroid if prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Do not use it for weight loss or obesity.
Do not share the medication with others.
Keep it out of the reach of children.
Older adults may be at greater risk for side effects.

What to Tell Your Healthcare Provider

Inform your healthcare provider about all health conditions and any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.

Specific Health Conditions to Discuss:

Any food allergies
Heart or blood vessel disease
Reduced adrenal function
Diabetes
Thyroid nodules
Myxedema coma
Low red blood cell levels (anemia)
Weak bones (osteoporosis)
Recent radiation therapy with iodine
Postmenopausal status
Upcoming surgery or dental procedures
Pituitary problems
Clotting problems

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

It is essential to inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as desiccated thyroid can affect pregnancy and pass into breast milk.

Interactions with Food and Other Medications

Desiccated thyroid can interact with certain foods and medications, affecting its absorption and effectiveness.

Food Interactions:

Take desiccated thyroid on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before the first meal of the day.
Certain foods like soybean flour, cottonseed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, and grapefruit juice may affect absorption.

Drug Interactions:

Desiccated thyroid interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Certain OTC vitamins/minerals such as calcium carbonate and ferrous sulfate
Orlistat, which is used for weight loss
A bile acid sequestrant, such as colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine (Prevalite), or colesevelam (Welchol), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
Kayexalate, which is a medicine used to treat high potassium in the blood
Sevelamer, which is a medicine used to treat high phosphate in the blood
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), or rabeprazole (Aciphex)
An antacid (or supplement or laxative) containing calcium, aluminum, magnesium, iron, or simethicone
A hormone, such as estrogen (in birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy) or testosterone
Methadone, which is an opioid medicine used to treat pain or opioid use disorder
5-fluorouracil (5-FU), asparaginase, mitotane, tamoxifen, or a medicine known as a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, which are used to treat or prevent certain cancers
A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
Slow-release nicotinic acid, which is a medicine used to treat high cholesterol
A salicylate, such as diflunisal or salsalate, which is a medicine used for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin
Furosemide, which is a diuretic, also called a water pill. This is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
Rifampin, which is a medicine used to treat certain infections
A beta-blocker, such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL, and others), or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL), which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to lower blood pressure
Amiodarone (Pacerone and others), which is a medicine used for an irregular heart rhythm
Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
A medicines for diabetes
A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
A tricyclic antidepressant or tetracyclic antidepressant, even if it is not used for depression
A weight loss medication, such as diethylpropion, phendimetrazine, or phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira, Qsymia)

Dosage and Administration

Thyroid hormones are given orally. In acute, emergency conditions, injectable levothyroxine sodium (T4) may be given intravenously when oral administration is not feasible or desirable, as in the treatment of myxedema coma, or during total parenteral nutrition. Therapy is usually instituted using low doses, with increments which depend on the cardiovascular status of the patient. A lower starting dosage, 16.25 mg/day, is recommended in patients with long-standing myxedema, particularly if cardiovascular impairment is suspected, in which case extreme caution is recommended. The appearance of angina is an indication for a reduction in dosage. Most patients require 65 to 130 mg/day. Failure to respond to doses of 195 mg suggests lack of compliance or malabsorption. Maintenance dosages 65 to 130 mg/day usually result in normal serum T4 and T3 levels.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up unless your doctor tells you to do so. Call your doctor if you miss 2 or more doses in a row.

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Adthyza: A Closer Look

Adthyza is a natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) drug that includes natural forms of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It is federally regulated but not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Adthyza's Ingredients

Adthyza is free of lactose, corn, dyes, and latex.

Adthyza vs. Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid

Adthyza is similar to its competitors, Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid. The main differences are in their inactive ingredients, pricing, and dosage sizes.

Armour Thyroid: Contains calcium stearate, dextrose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and Opadry white.
NP Thyroid: Contains calcium stearate, dextrose, and mineral oil.

Adthyza is priced more closely to NP Thyroid.

Important Note on Weight Loss

It is crucial to understand that thyroid hormone medications, including desiccated thyroid, should not be used for weight loss. Thyroid hormone is used to treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Risks of using thyroid hormones for weight loss include heart problems, bone loss, and other adverse effects.

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