Desiccated porcine thyroid hormone
Thyroid hormone is used to treat conditions of low thyroid. It is important for normal energy and metabolism.
Take this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Take this medication at the same time each day whenever possible. Thyroid hormone is usually taken in the morning to prevent insomnia at night. Follow your doctor’s instructions. Do not stop taking this medication for any reason without talking to your doctor first. It may take several weeks for you to start feeling better. Once you start feeling all right, do not stop taking thyroid hormone. You will probably need to take this medicine for the rest of your life.
Thyroid hormone is in the FDA pregnancy category A. This means that thyroid hormone is safe for use during pregnancy. It is also safe to take thyroid hormones if you are breast-feeding a baby. This drug does pass into breast milk, but it will not harm a nursing infant.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking thyroid hormone and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your 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 hormone 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. If you have not taken thyroid dose 2-3 weeks, then restart at the initial starting dose or call your physician.
Store thyroid hormone at room temperature (68 to 77 F)
Note: If the brand of your thyroid medication changes and you experience a return of low thyroid symptoms or unusual symptoms, contact your doctor’s office to see if a dose adjustment is necessary.