I know we’re all individuals and that the proper (final) dose propably can’t be foreseen. As for myself, I’ve only been on Armour for a few weeks now, so I know I’m not a professional on this subject. But I do know that people (both patients and doctors) are using these charts while changing from Synthroid to Armour and are feeling horrible. I know I started my switch with a way too low Armour dose (compared to the amount of thyroxine I was dropping at the same time) and thought I was about to die. Then I changed my “switch chart” and started feeling much better. I mean, why should you suffer while you’re switching?

(From Janie: I was once on .125 Synthroid, and the conversion charts said 1 1/4 grain. NOT. I ended up optimal on 3 3/4 grains after I had risen up a little at a time!! Ignore the charts. Go by this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101)

I was put on Armour in Dec 11. I had read a lot about how it’s impossible to let the pills melt under your tongue and how they just turn into a disgusting, almost chewing gum like mass in your mouth. I decided to try it just once, expecting the same thing to happen to me, and was surprised when the pill dissolved very quickly in my mouth, in less than a minute. The pills are very soft and it feels like they will turn into dust if I hold them in the palm of my hand for more than ten seconds. As for the smell, they don’t stink, but they definitely have a distinct smell (the first thing that came to mind was manure…).

As far as dosage is concerned, I used a conversion table and concluded that I needed about 180 mg of Armour since I used to be on 200 mcg of thyroxine. But 180 mg wasn’t enough and I started feeling hypo again with two weeks. I need 240 mg of Armour to feel fine, but that seems to be working just fine for me (at least for the time being). Maybe it’s weaker than it used to be, but still effective for some people?

Does anyone know anything about a second reformulation?

I sincerely hope that there will be no shortage of Erfa! I just found out about the shortage of Acella and wonder if Erfa could be next?

(From Janie: Catherine, many patients have expressed the opinion in different forums that Forest appears to care less about patients, or even care less if they lose customers with their reformulated Armour. It’s sad.)

(From Janie: FYI: MANY people had problems on the newly reformulated Armour, but new users do okay and as long as they chew it up to break up the excess cellulose, which was a change that infuriated patients. Also, Erfa has worked very well. You always have to find the right dose for you after changing brands, or make sure your cortisol and iron levels are up to par. Here are all your choices: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/options-for-thyroid-treatment )

(From Janie: use patient groups for feedback: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others )

(From Janie: some try chewing it up in little pieces, and pushing it under the tongue with some sugar)

From Janie: use patient groups for great feedback: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others

Ron: Erfa was slow to work for me when I switched from NT, as I think it has slightly less hormone per dose. I had to up it by about a half a grain per day and after a few weeks it finally seemed to kick in. After 6 months, I went down a half grain and that was good for about 6 months until that “bad” batch. I love NP by Acella now.

Thanks, Janie, for all your great information and activism. You da bomb.