NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid are two of the most popular brands of natural thyroid medication on the market. They are both effective at treating a thyroid disease called hypothyroidism, as they contain the same Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient called Thyroid (USP). This ingredient is delivered from animal thyroid glands.
A lot of people are wondering if there is a difference between these medications and if one is better than the other. In this article, we will explore the differences between Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid and help you decide which medication is best for you.
Natural desiccated thyroid, also known as NDT or desiccated thyroid extract NDT, is a type of thyroid hormone replacement therapy that uses hormones derived directly from the thyroid gland of pigs to supplement an individual's own natural thyroid hormones.
Water extracts made of animal thyroid glands were the first hormonal medications available for hypothyroidism. They have been used for over a century. Since the 1960s, when synthetic thyroid medication was introduced to the market, the popularity of NDT gradually decreased.
However, this natural treatment is again gaining popularity among people diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease.
Knowing the basics of NDT can help you determine if it's right for you or your loved one. NDT contains a combination of two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), while synthetic thyroid medications such as Synthroid contain only levothyroxine (a synthetic version of T4 hormone).
Our body's transformation of T4 into active thyroid hormone, known as T3, is the key to alleviating hypothyroidism symptoms and restoring overall health. Because this conversion process is not always smooth and efficient, NDT can relieve symptoms better by providing our body with T3 directly without relying on the conversion process.
NDT also contains other hormones, such as T2, T1, and calcitonin. When taken correctly, these hormones provide natural regulation of body functions associated with hormonal balance.
NP Thyroid is a brand of natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) prescription drug which has been gaining in popularity with healthcare providers and patients due to its availability and efficacy. Unlike other medications for treating hypothyroidism, NP Thyroid is derived from porcine-sourced thyroid hormones instead of lab-created synthetic alternatives, making it much closer to the properties of the hormones produced by our bodies. As explained above, aside from T3 and T4, this medication also contains T2, T1, calcitonin, and other proteins.
NP Thyroid is also known for its ability to help improve metabolic health by providing higher levels of energy and as well as improved cognitive function throughout the day. In short, NP Thyroid provides an effective and natural solution for individuals seeking a reliable source of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
NP Thyroid is a medication that is used to treat underactive thyroid hormones, also known as hypothyroidism. The manufacturer of NP Thyroid is Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC. It contains the same active ingredient (Thyroid, USP) as Armour Thyroid.
Many people consider NP Thyroid just a cheaper generic of Armour Thyroid.
Armor Thyroid is a natural medication containing Thyroid (USP), which comes from the thyroid glands of pigs. This thyroid hormone treatment provides the body with a source of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and restore normal functions.
Doctors typically prescribe Armor Thyroid for people who cannot produce enough thyroid hormones independently and who do not respond well to levothyroxine (synthetic T4-only medication) due to an underlying medical condition or surgical removal of the thyroid gland. It is also sometimes used to treat goiters, which are enlarged thyroid glands that can cause swelling in the neck.
To use Armor, patients take one pill once daily, either on an empty stomach or with a meal. Doctors determine the dosage based on the individual's symptoms, blood tests, and medical history.
It's important to note that Armor is not a cure for hypothyroidism but rather a treatment that can help manage the condition. Patients must continue taking it for the rest of their lives unless a doctor directs otherwise. Additionally, patients may need to have their thyroid hormone levels regularly monitored to ensure that they receive the correct dosage of the medication.
Overall, Armor Thyroid is a safe and effective treatment option for people with an underactive thyroid gland. It can help relieve symptoms and restore the body's normal functions, allowing individuals to live a more comfortable and productive life.
Armour is manufactured by AbbVie in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid are both medications used to treat an underactive thyroid gland, also known as hypothyroidism. While both NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid are designed to provide the body with a source of thyroid hormones, they differ in their composition of inactive ingredients, a possible source of the active ingredient, and methods of production.
Both thyroid medications contain the active ingredient Thyroid (USP), which is derived from pig thyroid glands.
Armour Thyroid tablets come in 8 strengths (doses):
1/4 grain (15 mg)
½ grain (30 mg)
1 grain (60 mg)
1 ½ grain (90mg)
2 grains (120 mg)
3 grains (180 mg)
4 grains (240 mg)
5 grains (300 mg)
NP Thyroid tablets come in only 5 strengths (doses):
1/4 grain (15 mg)
½ grain (30 mg)
1 grain (60 mg)
1 ½ grain (90mg)
2 grains (120 mg)
Thyroid (USP)
calcium stearate
dextrose
microcrystalline cellulose
sodium starch glycolate
opadry white
Thyroid (USP)
calcium stearate
dextrose (agglomerated)
mineral oil.
Both NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid contain the active ingredient Thyroid (USP), which is derived from pig thyroid glands. Because of this, the potential side effects of these two medications are generally similar. Some common side effects that may occur when taking either NP Thyroid or Armour Thyroid include:
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
Nervousness or anxiety
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Tremors or shakiness
Weight loss
Increased appetite.
It's important to note that not everyone who takes NP Thyroid or Armour Thyroid will experience side effects. Many people tolerate these medications well and do not experience any adverse reactions. However, if you experience any side effects while taking either of these medications, you must talk to your doctor immediately.
In some cases, side effects from NP Thyroid or Armour Thyroid may be a sign that the medication's dosage is incorrect. In this situation, your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of the drug to suit your needs better.
In rare cases, NP Thyroid or Armour Thyroid may cause more severe side effects, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately, as they may be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Overall, NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid are generally safe and effective medications for treating hypothyroidism. While they can cause side effects in some people, most people tolerate these medications well and do not experience any adverse reactions.
Getting regular thyroid lab tests will help you avoid any side effects. If you have any concerns about the potential side effects of NP Thyroid or Armour Thyroid, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Although Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid can both effectively treat hypothyroidism, they can potentially interact with other medications you may be taking.
For example, some medications, such as antacids and calcium supplements, can interfere with the body's ability to absorb levothyroxine. As a result, a person may need to take these medications at different times of the day in order to minimize the risk of drug interactions.
In addition, certain medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, can affect the way that the body metabolizes triiodothyronine or thyroxine. This can lead to an increased or decreased level of the hormone in the body, which can impact the effectiveness of the medication.
It is important for a person taking desiccated thyroid extract like Armour Thyroid or NP Thyroid to inform their healthcare provider about all of the medications they are currently taking in order to avoid potential drug interactions.
Overall, Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid are effective thyroid hormone treatments, but they can interact with other medications. It's important for a person to inform their healthcare provider about all of the medications they are taking in order to avoid potential drug interactions and ensure that their treatment is as effective as possible.
If a person is currently taking Armour Thyroid and their healthcare provider recommends switching to NP Thyroid, it's generally safe to make the switch. They both contain the same active ingredient, which is a natural form of thyroid hormone. Because they contain the same active ingredient, they are expected to have similar effects on the body and to be equally effective at treating hypothyroidism.
However, some hypothyroid patients may prefer one formulation over the other. For example, some people may find that they tolerate one medication better than the other, or they may prefer the way that one medication is formulated (such as a capsule versus a tablet). In these cases, a person may want to stick with the medication that works best for them, even if their healthcare provider recommends switching their thyroid medications.
Another issue to consider is insurance coverage for thyroid hormone treatment. In some cases, a person's insurance provider may only cover one of these medications, which may necessitate a switch. For example, if a person's insurance covers NP Thyroid but not Armour Thyroid, they may need to switch to the covered medication in order to save on costs. Additionally, Armour Thyroid is generally more expensive than NP Thyroid, so switching to the cheaper option may be more cost-effective for some people.
In some cases, a person's prescription for Armour Thyroid may be filled with NP Thyroid without their knowledge. This is because NP Thyroid is considered a generic version of Armour Thyroid, and pharmacies are allowed to fill prescriptions for brand-name medications with their generic equivalents unless otherwise specified. If a person has concerns about this, they should discuss it with their healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Overall, it's generally safe to switch from Armour Thyroid to NP Thyroid, as they contain the same active ingredient and are expected to have similar effects on the body. However, some people may prefer one formulation over the other, and insurance coverage can also impact the decision to switch. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider and discuss any concerns or preferences before making the switch.
If a person is currently taking NP Thyroid and they want to switch to Armour Thyroid or a different brand like WP Thyroid, they should consult with their healthcare provider before making the change. Because they contain the same active ingredient, they are expected to have similar effects on the body and to be equally effective at treating hypothyroidism.
If a person's healthcare provider is not willing to listen to their request to switch from NP Thyroid to a different brand of Desiccated Thyroid Extract, they may want to consider an alternative option. One option is VitaliThy, which is a natural desiccated thyroid supplement that can be purchased online. Like NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid, VitaliThy contains Thyroid (USP).
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