Armour Thyroid

I asked my doctor to move me to Armour Thyroid about 2 years ago. After about 3 months, I noticed an increase in my energy level, I lost about 10 pounds, and my depression was greatly lessened.

Apparently a problem has developed with Armour Thyroid and the company is not shipping. I learned that a few months ago they changed the components of this drug and people started to feel awful. I happened to be one of them. For months I felt that my heart was coming out of my chest, and I was missing beats. I also developed pain all over my body and even memory problems. I went to my endo and the thyroid levels were fine. I went to the cardiologist and they did a Stress test with Contrast and took pictures of my heart. Everything fine. Since I have a pacemaker, I decide to check with the doctor that placed it in me.

They were saying that I have premature heart beats but that maybe is produced by my high blood pressure. I never suspected the Armour. So yesterday I decided to do some research since they put me back on Synthroid and I found that I have been sleeping a lot and did not want to do anything. I found out about the changing of Armour by Forest Lab ( and I assumed that by the problems that the change developed they decided not to provide the pharmacies.) I believe that even the FDA has been involved.

I am kind of desperate, since the doctors keep giving me all kinds of medications to cover up the symptoms that I believe the Armour has produce on me.

Anyone with any other comment?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: FDA DENIES ANY INVOLVEMENT WITH THIS COMPLICATED ISSUE. READ MORE FROM MARY SHOMON:
http://www.savenaturalthyroid.com/

I have taken Armour Thyroid for 53 years and have had very good results. I know my body and could adjust the dosage a bit one way or the other if needed. I had a thyroidectomy as a child due to a toxic goiter. I hate that I no longer can take this medication. I now am on Levothroid and I feel weird. I am looking for a source of natural thyroid and would appreciate it if anyone out there could tell me where I can find some. My doctor will write me a prescription if I can find this med. Please help.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: CHECK WITH ERFA CANADA. IT MAKES A DESICCATED THYROID PRODUCT THAT REQUIRES PRESCRIPTION.

I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroid earlier this year. My TSH 3rd Generation levels were at: 7.26. I am not comfortable taking any medications as I have had so many negative reactions or such awful side effects from most of them that I just plain refuse to take anything other than my one Blood Pressure Medicine of (Cardizem CD/generic Diltiazem CD) for which I take for severe hereditary migraines. My doctor wanted to put me on Armour 30 mg.

This has been the first time I have had any kind or type of Thyroid irregularities in blood work ups. I am 55 years of age and am looking for more alternative ways, noninvasive treatments. I am currently taking a liquid form of Kelp after this diagnosis. The good news is that I have been able for the first time in 20 years to be able to take off 46 pounds through diet and keep it off and am continuing to decrease my weight. I am still 100 pounds over weight and hoping to keep this weight loss going and off.

If I have to take thyroid medications will I gain this already lost weight back? I do not want that to happen as I am feeling so much better than I have in years with this weight loss! Any suggestions?

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: PLEASE WORK WITH YOUR DOCTOR. TAKING KELP IS NOT APPROPRIATE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

WHEN THE THYROID HORMONE LEVELS ARE CORRECTED, IT IS MUCH EASIER TO CONTROL WEIGHT, AND PEOPLE FEEL BETTER, TOO.

My sister in law has also been on Armour earlier this year and as suffering less effects than when she was on the synthetic drugs. She has been taking the new reformulated Armour and went back to severe pain, side effects and allergies. She spoke with her doctor (PCP - because we are having a difficult time locating a Endo that will listen to her and help), and her PCP agreed that going to a Compounding Pharmacy is a good way to go.

Beacon Pharmacy is in Southington, Connecticut. This pharmacy will make the meds from scratch. The components they will use will be the same as the Armour that she was taking earlier this year. It may be more expensive. Not sure. I will keep this site posted.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: A NUMBER OF COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES MAY BE ABLE TO PRODUCE DESICCATED THYROID AT THE APPROPRIATE DOSE. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO ORDER FROM CANADA. THE MANUFACTURER'S NAME IS ERFA.

I told my doctor I could no longer get Armour Thyroid and I didn't want it anyway. It also caused a pounding heart and after wearing a heart monitor it was found to be skipping a beat. Tests showed nothing wrong with my heart. After learning of the reformulation, I found many others having the same symptoms.

My doctor suggested trying Canada, which I did and my order came in a week. I've been on it 2 days now and hope it works as good as the old Armour. I don't want to take the reformulated version again. I tried most of the synthetics and they were terrible. The joint pain was unbearable, plus the weight gain.

Well my sister in law tried two different compounded versions of the Armour from the compounding pharmacy which didn't elevate her side effects and allergic reactions. They were very kind and helpful though... She did send for the Armour from Canada recently and received it. She has been on it for several days. We hope this works.

If not, we are both trying to find out what the "old" Armour was comprised of to see if we can have the compound pharmacy follow the same recipe... If anyone knows the ingredients and measures of the medicine that was produced back in 2008. Please share.

Thanks,
Christina

To STD:
Even though it seems to be a year (11/09) since you posted, I'm reading of your frustrations with doctors and anti depressants and am glad for you you've found something to alleviate your insomnia/depression/anxiety.

I also suffer from anxiety/insomnia tendencies and get the same thing from doctors - take an SSRI or benzodiazapene. I will not.

I've looked into the possibility that my thyroid needs something, something natural and Armour seems to be the obvious choice. Do you think it will help? I realize it's no magic bullet
'Hope To Hear

I'm so glad my Walgreens has been able to have this in stock for me when I started it last month and for a recent refill. I did have to wait a day. I am having such a great response w/ Armour Thyroid! Even if this is the new formulation, the only side effect I may have is some stomach upset. I'm excited to see what life will be like in a year, because into my second month I've definitely seen myself have more energy and lifting of brain fog.

I am blessed to be working w/ a naturopathic physician who believes in getting people in the ideal range on blood tests, not just the big, wide range the lab companies come back with. My regular doctor has always said the tests say Within Normal Limits, but my ND said I have all the symptoms of hypothyroid, a strong family history for thyroid disease, and my labs were "sub-clinical" so started me on the Armour Thyroid. Bless her.

I was born with very little thyroid, and was on Armour Thyroid, but the pharmacist can't seem to get it in, or the Dr.s won't prescribe it. It worked much better then the synthroid, but Dr won't re-prescribe it to me, and pharmacists can't seem to carry it. Is there a Dr that will prescribe it?

Peggy,
As I posted in October, I got my script through a licensed naturopathic physician. Worth finding one, in my opinion. I am amazed at what is happening. I now have my period every month regularly for the past few months since I went on Armour Thyroid. WOW, didn't expect that outcome. Goes to show all our endocrine stuff is interconnected.
Best of luck,
Jen

I recently got off my Armour Thyroid (the "improved" batch) because I was still losing hair and having body aches and joint pain. That was in November. I just tried using it again and the pain is back (the pain had disappeared while off it). Could I possibly have an old batch that the pharmacy should've disposed of? Does anyone still have the body aches/joint pains on a newer prescription of Armour? Thanks for your help.

Deb

A few years ago, my doctor suggested I take thyroid meds, but not wanting to take more RX's, I tried kelp, iodine, exercise and denial, before I tried Levothrozine (not sure of spelling), then Synthroid. While taking each of these, I've still had hair loss, aching body, brain fog, memory problems, etc.

Since I am hypothyroid, I assumed I would have weight loss once I started taking the meds; this has not been the case, although in the past, I've had no problem with weight control.

Results of my recent blood tests show I am on the correct dosage, but I still don't feel well. I've heard and read that using Armour Thyroid is best, but now I have doubts, after reading some of the above comments.

Would someone with positive results please give me a follow-up.
How do I get a RX for a compound pharmacy?
Why was Armour Thyroid's formula changed?
Thank you.

Help, has any one had an allergic reaction to lovoxion? Itchy rash, sores on your body. (torso and feet). I am going mad! I have been on this meds for over 15 years. The last two have been terrible, insomnia, depression, fatigue,weight gain, living in a fog and more recently sinus, lips, mouth, and tongue were swollen and irritated. My Dr. dose not have a clue. I am going to try Armour Thyroid if I can get my Dr. to change my prescription.

Sounds like your T4 (which is what Levothroxin gives you) is not converting to T3. Have your doctor check your T3 levels and, better yet, check your TSH level, too. If the T3 levels are low, your Levothroxin is not converting and you will still have symptoms. In this case, Armour may be helpful IF they have worked out it's issues.

The rash could be unrelated... check your pH levels for being too acidic or even parasites.... especially if you've been out of the country recently or if you have pets. The swollen tongue sounds like a MAJOR low thyroid symptom.

You can go to Canada and get their version of Armour - it's called EFRA Thyroid. My sister in law is on that - it's the only way she is surviving albeit in constant pain. Better than the other synthetic stuff she was taking. It was literally killing her.

Good Luck

I would find another doctor to take your mother to who will listen and monitor her numbers closely. You can also try armour thyroid - if your religion and/or dietary needs don't prohibit you from consuming porcine products. Armour Thyroid is made from pig (swine) thyroid. Good Luck!

I just started taking Armour Thyroid two weeks ago and am surprised at how much better I am feeling. I read all sorts of stuff on the Internet and had additional discussions with my doctor whom I admire and respect immensely. He told me that when Forrest Labs changed the formula the new coating is harder for the body to absorb so you're not getting the right dosage and to chew the pills and drink some water to wash them down. That made perfect sense to me as why so many people were having problems with the new version of the medication and having symptoms of under-active thyroid.

To give you some back ground I too have had a long history (about 25 years) with hypothyrodism and have been on a wide range of synthroid, switched to the generic version (doesn't work although the doctor said my numbers were right where they needed to be) and then combination synthroid and cytomel over the past 10 years and thought I was falling apart as peri-menopause reared it's ugly head and my old doctor told me I needed to lose weight and then I'd feel better. She too mentioned an anti-depressant & I told her THAT wasn't my problem as I wasn't depressed and didn't want that medication.

So after switching doctors almost two years ago I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and it feels great! My advice to anyone on Armour is to talk to your doctor about chewing it so your body can better absorb the medication. And, if you're not happy with your doctor look around for a new one as I wished I'd made the switch 10 years ago. Do your homework... look on the Internet, ask friends or co-workers or even call a hospital and ask for a recommendation of a doctor. They are out there but are hard to find so don't give up.

Also, know that there are concierge doctor practices where you pay an annual fee for enhanced medical care and appointments can be 60-90 minutes depending upon your needs! My doctor is one of these and spends time with me and treats the patient (mind, body and soul) to find the underlying problem and does not treat the symptoms with more medications as so may other doctors do as they don't have time for patients who are not the norm.

My only hope is that this information will help someone and ease their misery quicker than most of ours has been.

I was told to "watch" my thyroid levels since I was 17... I did but had no clue what I was watching for. A naturopathic doctor put me on Armour Thyroid and it helped with sleeping, dry skin, brittle nails and a number of other things. When it wasn't available my regular doctor prescribed Levothyroxin. That was not good... made me feel foggy, nightmares, just not feeling well. I quit that and asked my doctor to put me back on Armour when it was available again. I didn't realize it was a new formula... I should have because I have been back on it for about 3 weeks now and I feel like crap. My joints hurt, especially my ankles. I am tired and I gained 10 pounds in just a little over two weeks. I would beg for the old formula back. I might try the Canada source if I can get a new RX here soon. Why do they have to mess with something that works?

I was started on the Armour Thyroid about 4 months ago starting at the 30 dose, then to 60, then to 90, and now to 120! The pain is excruciating, I'm having breathing difficulties, and hand tremors, etc. I am 71, and I'm asking my Dr. to go back to Synthroid as it has much less side affects (No pain, and no breathing or hand side affects)! My age may be a detriment to the Armour, and it may work for many, but it sure is not working for me!
Thank you for hearing me!

Just got my armour for the first time, of course my doctor didn't have time or the knowledge to explain everything to me in detail so I'm hoping to get info online, mainly I'm concerned about the chewing scenario?? Should I really chew the pills now as some people here mentioned? Also it does have to be a completely empty stomach, no other vitamins and not even coffee at the time I take it is that correct? Also my labs show my free t3 and t4 to be normal range but the tsh is consistently high, at 7 or 8 so can I still benefit from armour? thanks a lot!

Most HMO's give you the synthetic versions. Armour is very inexpensive.. ask your doctor to prescribe it or you'll go over h is head. Even offer to pay for it. It is so cheap. A 90 day supply at my Costco is around 17.00 and if you ask the Dr to double the dose and then you can split them in half with a splitter and they will last 6 mos. If you find a doctor of Integrative Medicine who is an MD, you will get better care. Naturopaths are also excellent but are not usually covered but it is worth asking your plan administrator.

I started taking Synthroid & then Levothyroxin over 15 years ago (just after I had my first daughter). It was awful. My 20s were a foggy, disorganized mess (and not just because I was in my 20s.) I was recently switched to Armour Thyroid about 4 months ago and I feel AMAZING for the first time in years! I've lost over 20 lbs in that time and finally feel like me again! LOVE Armour Thyroid... do NOT EVER want to have to go back. Does it lose it's potency after a while? Do you have to increase your dosage as the years pass?