NP Thyroid is a prescription medication containing thyroid hormones used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It is derived from animal thyroid glands and provides a source of thyroid hormone for individuals whose thyroid gland doesn't produce enough on its own. While NP Thyroid is essential for managing thyroid hormone deficiencies, it's crucial to understand its appropriate use, potential side effects, and interactions with other medications.
What is NP Thyroid and What is It Used For?
NP Thyroid is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands. It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid hormone levels can occur naturally or when the thyroid gland is injured by radiation/medications or removed by surgery. Having enough thyroid hormone is important for maintaining normal mental and physical activity. NP Thyroid is primarily used to treat:
- Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. NP Thyroid helps restore normal hormone levels, alleviating symptoms like tiredness, muscle aches, constipation, dry skin, weight gain, slow heartbeat, or sensitivity to cold.
- Enlarged Thyroid (Goiter): NP Thyroid can be used to manage certain types of goiters, including those caused by thyroid nodules or Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
- Thyroid Cancer: It may be used in the management of thyroid cancer.
It is important to note that the FDA has not found this medicine to be safe and effective, and the label is not approved by the FDA.
Dosage and Administration
The dosage of NP Thyroid is individualized and based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment. It is crucial to use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting with your doctor.
- Administration: Desiccated thyroid should be taken on an empty stomach, one-half to one hour before the first meal of the day.
- 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 two or more doses in a row.
Why NP Thyroid Should Not Be Used for Weight Loss
NP Thyroid should not be used for weight loss. This warning is of utmost importance. Thyroid hormone, including NP Thyroid, is not an effective weight loss medication for individuals with normal thyroid function (euthyroid patients). Using thyroid hormone for weight loss purposes can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.
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In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
Potential Side Effects of NP Thyroid
While NP Thyroid is generally safe when used as prescribed, it can cause side effects.
Common Side Effects:
- Hair loss may occur during the first few months of treatment. This effect is usually temporary as your body adjusts to this medication.
- Arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Trouble sleeping
- Tremors
- Muscle weakness
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Trouble tolerating heat
- Menstrual changes
- Skin rash
Serious Side Effects:
- Heart-related issues: Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, pounding or racing pulse. Call your doctor right away if you start to have chest pain, fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, nervousness, or any other unusual medical condition.
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Desiccated thyroid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking desiccated thyroid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction - Breathing problems or wheezing, Racing heart, Fever or general ill feeling, Swollen lymph nodes, Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, Trouble swallowing or throat tightness, Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives, Nausea or vomiting, Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting, Stomach cramps, Joint pain
- Weak Bones: Desiccated thyroid may cause your bones to become weaker, leading to reduced bone density (osteopenia). It may also cause a more serious condition called osteoporosis, which can cause your bones to break (fracture) more easily.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Note: Medication side effects may be underreported.
Precautions and Warnings
Before taking NP Thyroid, it is crucial to inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking.
- Allergies: Before taking thyroid hormone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to pork products; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Heart Conditions: NP Thyroid should be used with caution in people with heart disease.
- Diabetes: For patients with diabetes: It is very important that you keep track of your blood or urine sugar levels as instructed by your doctor. Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your sugar levels.
- Adrenal Problems: Do not use NP Thyroid® if you have uncorrected adrenal problems
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Current information shows that this drug may be used during pregnancy. Thyroid hormone passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant.
- Other medical conditions: Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following - 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), Recently received radiation therapy with iodine, You are postmenopausal, Upcoming surgery or dental procedures, Pituitary problems, Clotting problems
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. Certain medications (cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam, antacids, sucralfate, simethicone, iron, sodium polystyrene sulfonate, calcium carbonate, orlistat) can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone that is absorbed by your body.
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This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
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.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking desiccated thyroid:
- 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)
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of desiccated thyroid. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with desiccated thyroid. Always check with your health care provider.
Read also: Eating with Thyroid Nodules
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed.
Important Considerations
- Regular Monitoring: It is very important that your doctor check the progress of you or your child at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. Blood tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.
- Brand Consistency: There are different brands of thyroid hormone available. Consult with your doctor before switching brands, as dosages may need adjustment.
- Medical Advice: This information is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional.