To all doctors and pharmacies: cellulose IS a problem with desiccated thyroid

(Though this post was originally written in 2010, it’s been updated to the current day and time, because it still applies!)

A patient reported on Facebook that a particular large and well-known health center in Texas decided to make their own compounded natural desiccated thyroid for their hypothyroid patients…with cellulose.

Having read my blog posts about certain negative patient experience with cellulose, she told the pharmacy that many of us have noticed distinct problems with the addition of cellulose in our desiccated thyroid medications–exactly why the newly formulated Armour in 2009 caused too many patients to see a return of their hypothyroid symptoms. Naturethroid has not escaped the same fate for some.

(There is also wonder if, after Activas bought out Forest in 2014 and patients then reported that Armour wasn’t working as well for them in 2015, if added cellulose was the problem. We’re not sure.(

When she asked if they could remove the cellulose, she received a firm and condescending “No” from the pharmacist, referring to cellulose as “a common ingredient in many medications and not a problem.”

Not a problem? Once again, patients are dismissed as if we couldn’t possibly know what works, and what doesn’t work, in our treatment and in our own bodies. A shameful reality. She left disappointed.

What is cellulose?

Cellulose is the most common organic substance found on our planet–a fiber abundantly found in plants and trees, and most especially in cotton.

Where is cellulose used?

You wear it and you write on it! You eat it when you consume celery, potatoes, or mushrooms. It’s used to stabilize and thicken processed foods, and may be found in many cheeses, dry milk, puddings, and more. And since it’s difficult to find anyone allergic to wood, it’s been a common ingredient in medications, used as a filler.

So where’s the problem for thyroid patients?

  1. Unlike the happy cows in their pastures chewing their cuds, human stomachs have a limited ability to break cellulose down. Cellulose is a fiber. And what does fiber do? It “binds”. It binds to the desiccated thyroid that has gone down with it. i.e. the life-changing effects of desiccated thyroid are clearly dampened by the presence of cellulose. In 2009, after Armour was reformulated with an increase of cellulose in the mix, a great deal of patients started to report problems, and to some degree, on Naturethroid, whether the latter switched to microcrystalline cellulose or not (as compared to the larger celled methylcellulose).
  2. Hypothyroid patients do not digest well. As one of many complications of hypothyroidism, especially due to the inadequate treatment of T4-only medications and poor diagnosis from the TSH lab test, low stomach acid and poor digestion is COMMON in hypothyroid patients. So when you add cellulose to the mix, you are further damning thyroid patients.
  3. Though not specific to just thyroid patients, we are not too comfortable with finding out that cellulose can collect in our lungs, as revealed in pubmed articles here and here. (Thanks to thyroid patient Danny for alerting me to this.)

Bottom line, desiccated thyroid is a quality and superior treatment medication which has changed the lives ten-fold for thyroid patients around the world. But cellulose and desiccated thyroid DO NOT MIX for certain patients, it appears. And BRAVO to those compounding pharmacies who have listened and have used the beneficial probiotic acidophilus as a filler. We appreciate you.

JanieSignature SEIZE THE WISDOM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to know your options for better thyroid treatment?? Go here.

Need help finding a good doctor? Go here.

Think desiccated thyroid didn’t work for you?? Go here.

See common Questions and Answers here.

Important notes: All the information on this website is copyrighted. STTM is an information-only site based on what many patients worldwide have reported in their treatment and wisdom over the years. This is not to be taken as personal medical advice, nor to replace a relationship with your doctor. By reading this information-only website, you take full responsibility for what you choose to do with this website's information or outcomes. See the Disclaimer and Terms of Use.

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57 Responses to “To all doctors and pharmacies: cellulose IS a problem with desiccated thyroid”

  1. Ari

    What are peoples’ experiences/thoughts on ALCAT intolerance testing to “rule out” trigger foods, excipients, chemicals, etc.??? Accurate at all? Helpful for any of you?

    Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  2. Jennifer

    Hi
    Just wanted to know if you use acidophilus as a filler in the compounded T3 does it have to be refrigerated? Sometimes I’m running errands and always carry my T3 with me to take in the afternoon so this could be a bit of an obstacle. Just would like to know your thoughts? Also, has anyone heard of xylitol as a filler?

    Reply
  3. Christophe Van Breusegem

    I come from Belgium and I am 37 years old and I speak little English so I am using the google translator for this message. I have always been sensitive to gluten with fatigue and moments of depression. I started taking intestinal candidiasis capsules 5 years ago to help my digestion and get better. Over time, I started to have special symptoms that I never had before in my life. I had times when I had trouble walking normally, times with a huge pallor in my face (white face) with runny or red eyes. Big digestion problems which I could never find the cause of. A few months ago I had tremendous dizziness and neurological problems. I had to go to urgency at hopital several times, but all tests was ok for the doctors. since 5 years, I swallowed a lot of capsules, a lot. I realized a short time ago that there is cellulose in all my capsules. I have been on sick leave for two years. I think cellulose may have been linked to all of this. I’m on facebook if you want to talk to me about it … Christophe Van Breusegem. courage to you.

    Reply
  4. KRISSY SLAWINSKI

    So I recently switched to natural desiccated compounded and the filler is Avicell microcrystalline cellulose powder.
    About 2 weeks after starting at I started developing a daily nonstop headache for 9 days in a row and also developing sinus issues which I’ve never had in my life I decided to only take one dose today instead of the 2 and my headache was gone until I took the 2nd doze can this filler because ing these severe headaches if so what is the other option to use I was feeling great before this

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Krissy, that’s not necessarily due to the Avicel. That can be due to you being underdosed, or it’s revealing an adrenal problem.

      Reply
    • Lisa Anderson

      microcrystalline cellulose powder can cause headaches if you bring up side affects online this is one of them that you could get. I switched my thyroid medication from Armour to NP because NP doesn’t have microcrystalline cellulose powder or Titanium Dioxide, I think both of those ingredients were what was causing me to not feel good and also I had extreme burping issues with Armour thyroid for over two years. The first day I started NP which is genetic for Armour, What a major difference this made!!! my constant burping stopped.
      NP thyroid medication is so much better for me and does Not have those bad ingredients in it.

      Reply
  5. Lyndy

    Microcrystalline cellulose is one of the fastest growing excipients in the supplement and pharmaceutical markets. It’s getting more and more difficult to find a supplement or medication that doesn’t contain it. The larger particle “cellulose” didn’t seem to bother me. I assume it is passed through. But the micro sized particles almost put me in the ER. It started with dizziness, then headache, the headache became severe, then gastro distress that I thought was appendicitis. I could hardly function, but had no idea for two weeks that it was mcc. It’s been over a year and I’m still suffering. I also was told that you “can’t react to cellulose”. That happens to be the most ridiculous statement. Belmar Pharmacy in Golden CO knows that many people are reacting to Avicel’s mcc.
    Of course, reactions rarely get reported so we will continue to see its usage grow.

    Reply
  6. Rachel

    Cellulose is wood pulp, and it’s considered a vegetable! I cannot take anything that has cellulose. It actually causes me to have arthritis in my wrists, even at a very young age. Glad I was able to figure out what the problem was! And my supplements have been very limited as to what I can take, or I open the capsule and try to down it in something and push past the grossness, of course that’s always short lived, it’s just too gross! And I always wonder what this stuff is doing to other people! And if arthritis actually stems from taking the ingredient! My grandmother eventually died after having severe complications from arthritis, so that’s the biggest reason I wonder about it. It’s even on paper plates and cups, I cant use those either! I hope everyone in the world can read this because I think cellulose should be banned altogether!! And no offense but they mainly use it for vegans. They can also use animal gelatin from the animal joints, I never get a reaction to that when I take those kind of supplements. I really wish our government would encourage and oversee healthier products!! Deer can digest wood pulp, humans cannot!! Please stop taking this product!!

    Reply
  7. Irina

    OMG! I am taking handfuls of supplements with every meal! And stupid cellulose is ALL OVER!! In almost every over-the-counter supplement !!! What do I do now? I need all those supplements! and i can’t afford to compound ALL of them without cellulose. What’s the way out???

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Cellulose just means and you take a little more to counter its effect.

      Reply
      • Irina

        sorry Janie, you didn’t say what exactly cellulose means. Maybe missed few words? Or I am missing it? Thank you for your answer though!

        Reply
        • Janie Bowthorpe

          Probably will be best to tell you to google it. Lots of good info.

          Reply
        • Irina

          Oh, I think I’ve got it. Cellulose binds to what it is mixed with, and reduces the effectiveness of the supplement, right? That’s why I have to take more. But then won’t I be overstuffed with cellulose?
          I’ve just read your reply. I’ll google it, OK. No need to reply anymore :-)) Thank you so much for your answers and your time!!!

          Reply
    • Eileen

      Pure encapsulations supplements does not use microcrystalline cellulose. Some life extension supplements also avoid it.

      Reply
      • Ari

        Eileen. Your comment is entirely false!!! They absolutely do use mc cellulose as well as HPMC veg capsules which are cellulose based. Please don’t misinform people.

        Reply
  8. Kay

    Thank you for your post. I have had a very hard time getting my dessicated porcine thyroid filled. I have gone through 2 local pharmacies who ran out. I found a pharmacy out of state, but when I tried their compounding, I had a headache, foggy brain, dizziness, and fatigue. When I contacted them, they said there should be no side effects to the microcystaline cellulose (Avicel). I paid $100 for 2 month supply. Fighting for the quality of my life, I researched online and tried to find alternatives to Armour which I cannot take due to the fillers. I found an independent pharmacy in my area that fills scripts locally and ships to many states: Compounding Pharmacy of America in Knoxville. There is also another independent pharmacy in Nashville. The pharmacist recommended an olive oil or coconut oil filler. I wanted to share my negative experience with the cellulose and let folks know independent pharmacies have the dessicated porcine thyroid and can give you options on types of fillers. I was so afraid of losing the quality of my life. I am sure many of you know what I mean. I hope the new compounding will work without any side effects. Thanks for your info!

    Reply
    • Lisa Anderson

      Hi, sorry to hear of you trouble getting thyroid medication without microcrystalline cellulose, I get my NP thyroid tablets at Walmart pharmacy and I think that other pharmacy’s would have this to its generic for Armour Thyroid and was covered with my Medicaid Insurance,
      And although my original prescription was for Armour the pharmacy substituted this instead with no problem.
      It might be something you might want to check into with your regular pharmacy it has fewer binders and fillers than Armour without the microcrystalline cellulose powder or Titanium Dioxide it’s under a different name but that is what it is, both of those are Not good.

      Reply
  9. Judith Auerbach

    Great article on cellulose. Thanks very much. I told my compounding pharmacy to use inulin as a filler instead of cellulose and they did so (charged me $10.00 more as they usually use cellulose as a filler. However, I did start to have constipation and sleep disturbances and someone else on your blog mentioned that it could be the capsule itself. I had switched to Thyro-Gold and had the same problem…also a cellulose capsule. I opened the capsule, mixed the contents with about 5 oz of water and the next day, no more problems. Is it possible to be that sensitive to cellulose? Does anyone sell desiccated thyroid loose?

    Reply
  10. Nancy C

    Thank you for this article. Due to the recent backorder of WP Thyroid I was switched to Armour. While I took Armour previously (pre 2015) without many issues, this time I suffered greatly. Shooting pain all over, tightness and pain in my arms, anxiety, foggy head, hot flashes and almost an inability to move ensued over 6 weeks. After switching again to another NDT without cellulose, the pain subsided and I may be getting my life back. My Dr and I have determined that it is likely the cellulose that was causing my misery.This article and its comments only confirm our suspicion.

    Reply
  11. Michele mente

    I have been having problems with cellulose in my lorazepam from Actavis they bought out Watson company I have been very sick and my Dr does not believe me all my meds I was taking have cellulose in it he thinks I’m crazy so I’m looking for a new Dr . And cellulose does get in your lungs.

    Reply
    • Daphne

      Microcrystalline means tiny & it’s so tiny it can & does get into places it shouldn’t…like your lungs.

      Reply
  12. Loulou

    I know this is an older post but I felt compelled to at least leave a comment to say thank you. Without the articles and information on this site I would have never discovered what was wrong with me. My hair has fallen out so badly…my nails all broke off…unexplained weight gain and swelling…unexplained depression…and more. And it all started months ago when I began getting my thyroid meds compounded with microcrystalline cellulose. Thank you so very much.

    Reply
    • Connie Miller

      I am highly allergic to cellulose. I have to have all my medicines compounded with lactose. I was sick from March of 2016 till
      November 2016. It gave me an asthma attack. Then inflamation. I had pneumonia and then pleurisy.I went to lung specialist had lung wash. They tested for mold in lungs among many other things. I was scheduled for knee replacement in both knees. They could not find a pain medicine to compound for surgery. My surgery was cancelled. I desperately need to have it done. Cellulose has destroyed my life. No one knows all I have been thru. These are just a few of the problems of cellulose. If I could find an attorney I would try to eliminate cellulose.

      Reply
    • Sawara

      Since trying to go to ndt ive had a sore throat.. is it possible to be cellulose? Or could it actually aggrevate my hashimotos? I have heard it can increase immune activity for some but nothing about this in the stop the thyroid madness book so im at a loss! Thanks

      Reply
  13. Maryanne

    Interesting filler information, since I am also struggling with cellulose malabsorption and cystic acne reactions to an acidophilus compounded porcine NDT. I plan to use a rice based, dye free powder next since an oil base isn’t available at any local compound pharmacies. Does anyone have experience with a rice based filler/ have information regarding possible mal absorption with this filler? I hope you find this link as helpful as I did.
    http://www.onu.edu/files/celiac.pdf

    Reply
  14. melissa creel

    does anyone know how long after taking thyroid meds you need to wait before taking anything that may have cellulose in it such as vitamins, etc?
    Thanks,
    Melissa

    Reply
  15. Zak Fisher

    well we do have some lactose intolerance in our family and we just cut out on dairy products.

    (From Janie: One tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in water or juice, once or twice a day, will soon take away lactose intolerance)

    Reply
  16. Kathleen

    @”Anonymy”

    Thyroid-S is excellent (I take it myself) and does NOT have aluminum in it. You can see the ingredient list right here on STTM. Please do not put out false information in order to push the other Thai-made competitor, Thiroyd. Thank you.

    Reply
  17. thycan

    Having been without a thyroid for many years, I will not tolerate the inferior thyroid replacement products that are being touted as efficacious when in fact, they are useless to me. A thyroid cancer patient needs to be fully suppressed (low TSH) in order to discourage any cancer growth. But it is more than a low TSH. If Free T4 and Free T3 are not optimal, the product does not work, period! When people play with a thyroid formulation that has worked for over 100 years and try to tell the patient to “just adjust the dose” this angers me no end. The reformulation of Armour thyroid was a complete debacle. Compounded versions that do not take into account the patient’s needs are equally destructive, bordering on cruel and unusual punishment.

    Reply
  18. DC

    Tammy,

    Not only did the new Armour formula effect my adrenals in a negative way, I also had an allergic reaction as well. It was very scary and very damaging to my health. It took weeks to get out of my system. I had been taking the old formula for 2 1/2 years at that point with only good results.

    Seems a bit irresponsible to make a blanket statement to just raise a med without knowing the problems/symptoms that people had or without seeing labs first.

    If it wasn’t the cellulose in the new formula then what was it that caused such a reaction in so many?

    Reply
  19. jpatti

    If you can’t digest cellulose well, increasing the dose is a bad solution. Digestive problems can vary in severity, so the dose you’d be getting would vary as well. Increasing until you’re unhypo today could make you hyper tomorrow as the thyroid improves your digestion, not a good solution.

    Furthermore, some folks with digestive problems can not tolerate cellulose at all. I’ve recently been talking to a woman who found her digestive issues worsen significantly with any cellulose at all. It’s not “inert” if your GI tract is damaged with few villi remaining; any sort of fiber causes further damage by scratching up the surface and causing severe pain.

    While ascorbic acid may cause loose stools at high doses, the neutral forms of vitamin C, such as sodium ascorbate, magnesium ascorbate and calcium ascorbate do not. It is very easy to use a form of vitamin C that does not cause this problem and this has been common knowledge for decades, heck even Linus Pauling discussed it.

    I’m not sure how much vitamin C is needed to compound a script, but I suspect it’s not enough to cause loose stools even if using the acid form.

    Certainly it’s not enough acidophilus to cause problems, many of us get more than would fit in a pill in our yogurt and kefir, especially if we do homemade types. Saying the amount of acidophilus in a compounded pill could cause problems is similar to saying it’s unhealthy to drink a pint of kefir – it’s just ridiculous. The vast majority of probiotics do not colonize the GI tract anyway, but pass, so it’s highly unlikely this would cause a problem even if your script was compounded in some silly manner that had you swallowing 10-20 pills a day.

    Similarly, the amount of lactose in a pill would be very small. Unless you’re eating an entirely carb-free diet, this is not going to increase blood glucose significantly, certainly not enough to feed yeast. Those of us eating a more “normal” low-carb diet of 70-100 grams carb per day are not going to be increasing carbohydrate significantly with a pill’s worth of lactose. Though obviously those with lactose intolerance must avoid it in any dose.

    In short, compounding pharmacies ought to deal with customer’s known issues with fillers… some will have issues with cellulose, some with lactose, etc.

    Avoiding those issues is the way to keep customers coming back; insisting they MUST have a filler they know cause them problems is just ridiculous.

    Reply
    • Ari

      Your comment regarding non-ascorbic acid forms of high dose Vitamin C not causing lose stools is entirely false. High dose vitamin C in all forms can and often do cause loose stools.

      Reply
  20. Me

    Well, once again a “well-known health center in Texas” has given their patient the finger. Not listening, as always. I guess it doesn’t matter how well known you are, listening and respecting the experiences of patients and their ability to know what’s going on in their very own bodies, is lost in the mix. I’m not surprised. I guess we have to remember that they think they are in charge and when big brother says “No” then no it is. Very very sad and yet oh so typical. I hope this person finds a doctor/pharmacist who can think outside the box and maybe try something that could potentially help with no possibility of a negative side effect. Yeah, probiotics are really going to kill someone.

    Reply
  21. Janie

    Tammy, raising has not helped the cellulose problem.Instead, it has caused even more problems.

    Reply
  22. Tammy

    I must comment on the use of cellulose in compounded thyroid. Cellulose does not collect in the lungs when taken orally. In the studies referenced above, the cellulose was given by intravenous and intratracheal routes. Cellulose is widely used as a filler because it metabolically inert. Other fillers have drawbacks. Lactose can cause problems for those with lactose intolerance. Ascorbic acid can cause loose stools. Probiotics can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, cramping and diarrhea. Both Vitamin C and probiotics are critical to good health, but they should be taken separately in order to make dose adjustments to bowel tolerance. If thyroid syptoms are unresolved, an adjustment to the thyroid dose should be considered.

    Reply
  23. Dwayne

    All of the more reason I am sticking with ERFA Thyroid- I have to pay more for it but it sure beats feeling like poop and my whole bodily systems run fantastic and I am not about to ruin a good thing after getting myself turned around yet again! LOL I love this stuff and it works nicely with all my other supplementation. It dissolves really nicely under the tongue too. Go Erfa and there isn’t a day I don’t go by that I don’t thank my doctor- she has been wonderful!

    Reply
  24. surfingramma

    I just got off the phone with my compounding pharmacy, Women’s Health in Madison WI. They treat me GREAT! HOWEVER, this is the second time I have spoken with this particular pharmcist and he seem a bit annoyed when I asked questions about my compounded thyroid. There is no corn or gluten involved but when I pushed him about the cellulose he started to hesitate and get defensive! I didn’t tell him WHY I was calling and was not confrontational. He did confirm that there was a minute (and he emphasized MINUTE) amount of crystalline cellulose. When I asked if I could have it compounded with acidophilus he kept saying “um…ummm”. then said since that deals with digestion you do not want that as a base. I said, “well many hypo patients have a] digestion issues. So what you are telling me is that I can’t have my Dr request it?” he could not answer me…I went on to ask him that since they are a compounding pharm that basically whatever I needed to have mixed for me they could potentially do, correct?” He then said, ‘Well of course”. UGH!!!
    I am writing a letter to them today since this same guy last time told me that it was mixed with oil, Even tho today he said that there is no oil base at all.
    I am new to all this and while I have not had alot of the issues many have had I can say that I have learned from those that are having them. I thank each and everyone of you that make comments and discuss your struggles. And I thank you Janie for making this an “easy Read”. it’s get overwhelming with all the info out there.

    Reply
  25. Nickie

    Jenny asked if Lactose was an issue and since it’s sugar it can increase yeast and yeast symptoms. Aren’t most medications in capsule form using cellulose as a filler? I was on Armour and then Nature-throid and didn’t like it as well but have been on the compounded natural thyroid with cellulose and have not noticed any side-effects. Still doing great on it. We are all different so what may work for me may not work as well for someone else. I too wish we could have the original Armour but to me all of the natural is still going to be better than the synthetic forms.

    Reply
  26. Lorie

    Heather,

    Skips pharmacy in Boca Rotan Florida will use whatever filler you want. You cannot transfer a script to them however, they require a new script sent to them. You can fax it to them and then follow up with it in the mail. I learned about them when I was a member of the LDN (low dose naltrexone) board on yahoo. Give ’em a call: 800-553-7429 Fax: 561-218-8873

    http://www.skipspharmacy.com/home.php

    Reply
  27. Kathleen Seay

    I had to have my doctor request the use of acidophilus as a filler…I have a doctor that will listen so it helps. There are 3 compunding pharmacies in Houston that I know will use acidophilus as a filler. Gloyers, Tomball, Compunding Solutions ( FM 1960, and Piney Point Pharmacy onm Fondren.

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      Could you please share your Houston doctor’s name? I’m in need of a new doctor that’s willing to listen. Thanks.

      Reply
  28. Kathleen Seay

    I had to have my doctor request the use of acidophilus as a filler…I have a doctor that will listen so it helps. There are 3 compunding pharmacies in Houston that I know will use acidophilus as a filler. Gloyers, Tomball, Compunding Solutions ( FM 1960, and Piney Point Pharmacy onm Fondren.

    Reply
  29. Jenny

    Everyone, I’ve had success by getting my doctor to prescribe the dessicated thyroid with the instruction not to use cellulose as a filler.

    However, my pharmacy is using LACTOSE as the filler. Is this OK? I’m newly diagnosed so I have no prior experience for comparison with how I feel.

    (From Janie: if you don’t have lactose intolerance, I’m thinking it may be fine. Maybe others can comment. By the way, my husband’s lactose intolerance was completely removed by putting one tablespoon of Apple Cider vinegar by Braggs in water every morning.)

    Reply
  30. Lorie

    DeAnna..

    Have you tried Erfa Thyroid from Canada? It doesn’t contain cellulose, you can take it sublingually and it also doesn’t have aluminum.

    Reply
  31. Anonymy

    The thyroid-s contains fillers with aluminum in it.
    Long term this will make aluminum
    toxicity and you’ll have more problems than you do now.
    I’m taking thiroyd and it’s a dream come true.
    It is like the old armour andfeels very natural.
    Although I don’t know what the fillers are, I would rather not know than take
    something that will worsen my existing aluminum
    toxicity.
    Forget armour or nature. Get the stuff from Thailand!
    Also http://www.drlowe. Just released a natural organic dessicated thyroid product.
    I may try this too. Hope you all find health.

    Reply
  32. Susan Elizabeth Siens

    I keep finding the newsletter very helpful. I have put two and two together, and think my symptoms have worsened since I went to the reformulated Naturethroid. I don’t know if anyone else has my problem, but I have very fast digestion (fast oxidizer), and fibrous foods can pass right through me without a chance for my body to break them down. I have plenty of stomach acid as I have never used antacids or such, and take 10-18 grams of Vitamin C a day. I LOVE the idea of using acidophilus instead of cellulose in the medication; what an excellent idea!

    I have gone to letting the tablets dissolve/chewing them up before swallowing them (yuk) due to your suggestion. I am hoping that eventually I might see some improvement. How ridiculous to pay for a medication in a form which your body cannot use!

    Reply
  33. Justine

    My new doctor just put me on Priority One’s Thyroid 65 mg. The only other ingredients listed on the bottle are rice powder and gelatin. No cellulose. I’ve only been on it for 5 days but seem to be feeling better. I believe the doctor said the thyroid comes from bovine. Their website is http://www.priorityonevitamins.com but it’s mostly for professional health care providers and there’s no listing of further ingredients. Any one else aware of this product?

    Reply
  34. brad cherson

    As a compounding pharmacist I am interested in providing the needs of each patient. If in your best interest I need to use a different filler, that you know will provide a better therapy, all you have to do is ask….we have the acidophilus, vitamin c, etc.

    Currently, I have had almost all of our patients comment on well they feel using Avicel, however; the info posted here regarding your absorption issues gives me another option to think about when formulating a dosage form.

    To better Thyroid health,
    Brad Cherson, RPH

    Reply
  35. Julie

    I’ve been ordering my “old Armour” from overseas for the past year and never felt better. I brought it to my DO’s attention. She researched it, gave it her blessing, and when she saw what kind of turnaroud I had in less than 90 days on it, she now has many of her patients on the same thing.

    I just want you guys to know it’s out there… you CAN get it, and it didn’t break the bank, or need a prescription. It’s called Thyroid-S, and I have NEVER FELT BETTER. I know I sound like a commercial here, but the US just isn’t giving us many options and the dessicated situation just keeps getting worse. I know there are some compounding pharmacies out there who are doing a GREAT job! And yay for them and those who have found relief!

    It’s got that same sweet taste old Armour did. It dissolves easily under the tongue. And because of it, my symptoms have nearly disappeared altogether. I haven’t felt this good in so long!

    This is my personal testimony that it is true and real. There are others out there who can attest to it too. I never want anyone to feel as hopeless as I once felt. You can never stop being proactive in getting your body the thyroid hormones it really needs.

    Reply
  36. Tony

    So cellulose can get into your lungs from eating it? How would that work?

    Reply
  37. Suzanne Adair

    What are the contraindications for using acidophilus as a filler?

    (From Janie: much less than using cellulose. Acidophilus naturally occurs in our gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and vagina, and as a friendly bacteria, has probiotic, helpful-digestive characteristics. In some, it’s use may increase gas.)

    Reply
  38. Linda

    Is cellulose in supplements a problem for hypo people too?

    Reply
  39. Heather

    Where can I find a compounding pharmacy that doesn’t use cellulose?? This would explain my sudden return of several symptoms – some aren’t dire, but I’ve had to cut a LOT of different foods out of my diet (my blood sugar isn’t regulating as easily as it used to).

    Reply
  40. DeAnna

    Do you think it really will ever get easier to treat or just “deal with” being thyroidless…doubtful. I’m more exhausted everyday and have been dealing with this almost my entire life. Thanks to this reformulation, I’m back to Synthroid – the single worst drug ever invented. I wish I could sit across from the surgeon that ripped my thyroid out at 22 MONTHS old in 1979…alas – I’m struggling daily and the battle continues. Everyday is a challenge…not just struggling to make the mainstream medical society understand…but just us as patients living our everyday lives and trying to make our families understand our pain/struggle and not think we’re crazy. Being a nurse myself, also thyroidless…It’s not looking too good for my lifetime 🙁 I wish there was a real Dr. HOUSE like the television show portrays….

    Thank you for the cellulose information. I for one also had a severe reaction to the reformulation, but mine was immediate hypoThyroid so apparently I cannot absorb a filler such as cellulose. I’m still trying to recover from whatever funk the new armour put me in. Oh how I would also give anything to just get a bottle of the old armour. To feel as good as the one year of my entire life I was symptom free = when I discovered old ARMOUR. I miss that….I hate Forest Labs 🙁
    DeAnna

    Reply

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