thyroid (desiccated)

Take thyroid every day as directed, even if you feel well.

Do not stop taking thyroid without first talking to your doctor. You may need to take this medication for the rest of your life to replace the thyroid hormone that is not being produced by the body.

Thyroid hormones are produced naturally in the body by the thyroid gland. They are important for maintaining normal energy and metabolism.

For a variety of reasons, the body may not produce enough thyroid hormone on its own. In these cases, medication is taken to replace the body's natural thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are also used to prevent and treat goiter (growth or enlargement of the thyroid gland) and along with surgery and radiation therapy in the treatment of certain thyroid cancers.

Thyroid may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before taking thyroid, tell your doctor if you have

• hormonal problems;
• heart disease such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or angina; or
• diabetes.

You may require special monitoring during treatment with thyroid if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Thyroid is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that thyroid is safe for use during pregnancy.

Thyroid is safe to take if you are breast-feeding a baby. The drug does pass into breast milk, but it has not been shown to be harmful to a nursing infant.

Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass (8 ounces) of water.

It is best to take thyroid on an empty stomach, one-half hour to one hour before a meal.

Take this medication at the same time each day whenever possible.

Take thyroid every day as directed, even if you feel well.

It is important to take thyroid regularly to get the most benefit.

Do not stop taking thyroid without first talking to your doctor. You may need to take this medication for the rest of your life to replace insufficient amounts of thyroid produced by the body.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with thyroid to monitor progress and side effects.

Store thyroid at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an overdose of thyroid include chest pain, nervousness, trouble sleeping, tremor, rapid heartbeat, nausea, headache, fever, sweating, shortness of breath, heat intolerance, irregular menses, increased appetite, decreased weight, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities during treatment with a thyroid unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking thyroid and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• vomiting; or
• chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take thyroid and talk to your doctor if you experience

• tremor, nervousness, or irritability;
• headache;
• insomnia;
• diarrhea, changes in appetite, or weight loss;
• leg cramps;
• menstrual irregularities; or
• fever, sweating, or heat sensitivity.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking a thyroid, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• an antacid that contains aluminum or calcium or sucralfate (Carafate) (these medications should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones);
• cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid) (these medications should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones);
• an iron supplement and vitamins with iron (these should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones);
• warfarin (Coumadin);
• insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as acarbose (Precose), glipizide (Glucotrol), glyburide (Micronase, Diabeta, Glynase), metformin (Glucophage), and others;
• an estrogen replacement product such as Premarin, Estrace, Estratab, Ogen, Climara, Fempatch, and others;
• birth control pills; or
• a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), and others.

You may require a dosage adjustment, special dosing instructions such as not taking certain medicines at the same time as thyroid hormones, or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Many drugs can interact with thyroid or can be affected by your condition. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Your pharmacist has additional information about thyroid written for health professionals that you may read.