$Unique_ID{BRK02155}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{THYROID HORMONE}
$Subject{Armour Thyroid (USV)
S-P-T (Fleming)
Thyrar (USV)
Thyroid Strong (Marion)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Armour Thyroid*0215501.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


THYROID HORMONE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Armour Thyroid (USV)
     S-P-T (Fleming)
     Thyrar (USV)
     Thyroid Strong (Marion)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Thyroid hormone
INGREDIENT:
     thyroid hormone
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (16 mg, 32 mg, 65 mg, 98 mg, 130 mg, 195 mg, 260 mg, and 325 mg)
     Enteric-coated tablets (65 mg and 130 mg)
     Sugar-coated tablets (32 mg, 65 mg, 130 mg, and 195 mg)
     Capsules (65 mg, 130 mg, 195 mg, and 325 mg)
     Note that 16 mg = 1/4 grain (gr); 32 mg = 1/2 gr; 65 mg = 1 gr; 98 mg =
       1 1/2 gr; 130 mg = 2 gr; 195 mg = 3 gr; 260 mg = 4 gr; and 325 mg =
       5 gr.
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
       Discard outdated medication.

USES

     This medication is prescribed to replace natural thyroid hormones that
are absent because of a thyroid gland disorder.  This product is obtained from
animal thyroid glands.

TREATMENT

     Thyroid hormone tablets should be taken on an empty stomach with a full
glass of water.  If this medication upsets your stomach, however, you can
check with your doctor to see if you can take the medication with food or
milk.
     In order to get used to taking this medication, try to take it at the
same time each day.  Try not to miss any doses.  If you do miss a dose of this
medication, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the
next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to
your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.  If you miss more
than one or two doses of this medication, check with your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Constipation, dry puffy skin, fatigue, headache, listlessness, muscle
aches, or weight gain.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  Most of the major side effects associated with this
drug are the result of too large a dose.  The dosage of this medication may
need to be adjusted if you experience any of the following side effects:
chest pain, diarrhea, fever, heat intolerance, insomnia, irritability, leg
cramps, menstrual irregularities, nervousness, palpitations, shortness of
breath, sweating, trembling, or weight loss.  CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

INTERACTIONS

     Thyroid hormone interacts with other types of medications:
     1. Dosing requirements for digoxin, insulin, or oral antidiabetic agents
may change when this medication is used.
     2. The effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners, such as warfarin)
may be increased by thyroid hormone, which could lead to bleeding
complications.
     3. Cholestyramine and colestipol chemically bind thyroid hormone in the
gastrointestinal tract, preventing its absorption.  Therefore, at least four
hours should separate doses of thyroid hormone and one of these medications.
     4. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and estrogen-containing
drugs may change your dosing requirements for thyroid hormone.
     5. Phenobarbital may decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone.
     6. Phenytoin, tricyclic antidepressants, and over-the-counter
(nonprescription) allergy, asthma, cough, cold, sinus, or diet medications may
increase the side effects of thyroid hormone.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to thyroid hormone or to beef or pork products.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had angina
pectoris, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney
disease, or an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland.
     * If you have an underactive thyroid gland, you may need to take this
medication for life.  You should not stop taking it unless you first check
with your doctor.
     * Patients with certain heart diseases may experience chest pain or
shortness of breath while on this medication.  Check with your doctor if you
experience such effects.  Do not overdo physical work or exercise.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking thyroid hormone.
     * Over-the-counter (nonprescription) allergy, asthma, cough, cold, sinus,
and diet medications can increase the side effects of thyroid hormone.
Therefore, be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ANY
of these preparations.
     * Although many thyroid products are on the market, they are not all
bioequivalentthat is, they may not all be absorbed into the bloodstream at the
same rate or have the same overall activity.
     * DO NOT CHANGE BRANDS of this drug without first consulting your doctor
or pharmacist to make sure you are receiving an equivalent product.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Thyroid hormone does
not readily cross the placenta, and the drug appears to be safe during
pregnancy.  However, your dosing requirements of thyroid hormone may change
during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.
Small amounts of thyroid hormone pass into breast milk.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
