Thyroid (By mouth)

Thyroid (THYE-roid)

Treats hypothyroidism, an enlarged thyroid gland, and thyroid cancer.

Brand Name(s):

Adthyza, Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, NP Thyroid 120, NP Thyroid 15, NP Thyroid 60, NP Thyroid 90, Nature-Throid, WP Thyroid, Westhroid

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to thyroid, or if you have an uncorrected adrenal gland problem or an untreated thyroid problem.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Some foods and medicines can affect how the thyroid works. Tell your doctor if you are using birth control pills, blood thinners, insulin, or other diabetes medicine.
  • If you are taking cholestyramine, take it at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after you take this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart or blood vessel disease, blood clotting problems, or diabetes.
  • This medicine should not be used to treat obesity or as part of a treatment plan for a weight control program.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Chest pain that may spread, trouble breathing, unusual sweating, fainting
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Leg cramps, headache, nervousness, irritability, tremors, fever, changes in menstrual periods
  • Severe diarrhea

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Appetite changes, weight loss
  • Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

All rights reserved

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and chrome browser.