More on Acella desiccated thyroid….plus RT3 ratio calculator fine tuned!

 

Screen Shot 2015-11-09 at 12.21.12 PM(This post has been updated to the present day and time. Enjoy!)

In 2011, I had a friendly and informative conversation with Philip Vogt, the President of Acella Pharmaceuticals, and Ellen Gettenberg, Director of Marketing. Acella is the company which brought out what is often termed a generic form of desiccated thyroid, but appears to be simply another great brand name of NDT. It first caught the eye of thyroid patients in November, 2010. And I want to pass onto you what I learned:

Acella is different

Acella Pharmaceutical of Georgia, USA, is not like the gigantic pharmaceuticals we often hear about. Instead, they attempt to target the under-served markets, producing medications for particular niches of treatment, or those which are low-profile medications. They also seek to produce lower-priced competitive versions of certain medications while keeping the quality. Thyroid patients appreciate that, especially after seeing the 2015 horrible rise in price for Armour desiccated thyroid after Forest Labs was bought out by Activias–often triple the original price–besides the fact that patients began to report a return of symptoms.

How they make their version of desiccated thyroid

When it specifically comes to its desiccated thyroid, they go by older version “recipes” – using more dextrose (sugar) and less methylcellulose, which we love But in their case, the tablets are stated to contain NO cellulose. That is actually good. Their tablets are also not as hard-pressed as Armour seems to be now. That means patients who like doing their NDT sublingually can make the Acella version work.

The ingredients

Acella started out with a 65 mg tablet to represent a grain, but by 2011, became a 60 mg tablet for its “grain”. They also make a 30 mg tablet (1/2 grain) and a 90 mg tablet (1 1/2 grain). The desiccated thyroid is speculated to come from the same manufactured source as do other brands.

Says the website:

The tablets contain both tetraiodothyronine sodium (T4 levothyroxine) and triiodothyronine sodium (T3 liothyronine) providing 38 mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 9 mcg liothyronine (T3) per grain of thyroid (or per 60 mg of the labeled amount of thyroid). The inactive ingredients are calcium stearate, dextrose (agglomerated) and mineral oil.

Note that like all manufacturers, they use the “synthetic” names for T4 and T3, but desiccated thyroid is NOT synthetic.

Reports by patients

They love it. It’s rare to hear anything negative about it. (If you do have a bad reaction to even Acella’s NP Thyroid, here’s your reason: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me). So we say “Keep up the good work, Acella!

JanieSignature SEIZE THE WISDOM

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ABOUT THE RT3 ONLINE CALCULATOR on STTM: My brainy techs have added three more combinations to the calculator, so it is now ready-to-go to help you figure out your ratio: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/rt3-ratio So far, the feedback is very positive and we have seemed to remove “most” kinks. REMEMBER: you need to put your Free T3/total T3 in first, then all the measurements will appear for the RT3.

WHEN TESTING YOUR THYROID LEVELS: remember NOT to take your desiccated thyroid, or your T3-only, before labs, we learned the hard way. The T3 rises consistently after you take it, giving you false-high reading and freaking your clueless doctor out. **Picture doctor, eyes bugged out like a giant wasp, looking at lab result** With desiccated thyroid, the T3 will peak in approx. 2 hours, then a slow fall; with T3-only, it can take approximately 4 hours to peak. Recommend labwork found here.

NEED A GOOD PATIENT GROUP? Go here. Of course, the groups are free and can be very helpful. Or, you can choose a paid consultation with Janie, which seems to be extremely helpful for those who want more immediate feedback and help.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS about thyroid, treatment, more issues: www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/common-questions-answers

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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198 Responses to “More on Acella desiccated thyroid….plus RT3 ratio calculator fine tuned!”

  1. Barbara T

    Is there any information more current. Wondering about the taste of thyriod np odd. Like iodine?

    Reply
  2. Matt

    I had trouble getting Nature-Throid refilled. Now that I got it I am having trouble with it, something does not feel right – slight Hypo symptoms.
    My doctor agreed to try NP-Throid and sent a prescription to my CVS pharmacy – one of the biggest pharmacies here in California.
    CVS claims it is currently not available, although npthroid.com states it is.
    Any hint what is a reliable source?

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Yes, Naturethroid went south this year. FALSE–NP is available. You have to give the Acella phone number to the pharmacy and tell them to call Acella. Acella will tell them how to get it. (678) 325-5189

      Reply
  3. Julie

    Hi – I was on levothyroxine 112mcg. My doctor switched me to NP thyroid 90mg. I have two questions… 1) Do I just switch over cold turkey and 2) Is that dose of NP thyroid too high? I’m feeling kind of hyperthyroid right now.

    Reply
  4. Elisa Fallon

    I have been on NP thyroid and additional T3 meds now for a year and a half. I havent been feeling well for about 9 months. I recently had labs done T4 total 5.2,
    Free T4 0.9, Free T3 2.9, Total T3 104 and Reverse T3 is 7. I have recently gained 20 pounds over the past 9 months as well. My doctor decided to increase my NP with one additional to 5 pills and 3 of the T3.
    Any advice?

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Hi Elisa. You didn’t put ranges for those frees (the Totals are a waste of your blood, time and money, by the way), but one could guess that you are underdosed by the look of the frees. And most of us don’t need T3 added it. NDT already had plenty of T3. I would strongly recommend studying this page: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101 and teach it to your doctor, as he’s probably still underdosing you. Note what OPTIMAL is on that page, as well.

      Reply
  5. Iris F

    I just switched from Naturethroid 4 grains to NP 4 grains and I feel terrible (leg pains, swollen thyroid, extreme fatigue, headaches etc). I haven’t felt this bad since I was on synthroid many years ago. I switched because I was having issues with the “new” Naturethroid. Does it take some time to adjust?

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      No, it doesn’t take time to adjust. But when switching, it’s always wise to do the free T3 and free T4 after a few weeks in order to tweak either up or down.

      Reply
    • housemaid

      Iris, the 1 grain NP is 60 mg vs 65 mg for the Nature-throid. So taking 4 grains of NP is 240 mg while 4 grains of Nature-throid is 260 mg. You are short 20 mg. Perhaps that little bit is making the difference. You could try cutting a 60 mg pill into thirds with a single edge razor. Or you could cut your 1 grain NP into four pieces with a pill cutter and get 15 mg. I am going to cut mine into fourths to get the extra 15 mg I am missing, as I was formerly on 3 grains of WP. The 3 grains of NP I have been taking is not quite doing it for me.

      Reply
      • Cassie Williams

        i couldn’t get my Nature Throid and my doctor wrote me a prescription for NP Thyroid. The problem is I take 195mg of Nature Throid and my doctor gave me 90mg of NP Thyroid. Per his nurse they say that NP Thyroid is stronger than Nature Throid. From what I see on here they look like they have the same in a dose.
        This is bothering me as I don’t want to get sick from not having enough medicine!!
        If anyone has information it’d be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!!

        Reply
        • Janie Bowthorpe

          It is true that NP Thyroid is stronger than the new Naturethroid. But the bottom line is always achieving the same goal with your lab work i.e. a free T3 at the top part of the range and a free T4 mid-range. Both. So even though you may now only be on 90 mg NP, you wait a couple of weeks, then do the frees and tweak until you achieve the latter goals. And remember: the TSH will go below range and that is fine and NOT a problem.

          Reply
  6. jay

    For the last 2 weeks, I have been transitioning from 4 grains of WP to 4 grains of NP.

    It is NOT a bad transition, however, I am having a few mild symptoms that make me wonder if I need to slightly increase my NP dose to get back to where I was with WP.

    Has anyone had to do a higher dose of NP than WP to feel as well?

    Reply
  7. Molly

    I finally got a doctor to prescribe Acella. However, he only prescribed one pill a day. Based on the research here and in both of your books, this will not be enough. How can I get the thyroid medicine I need? Can I mix with ThyroGold or another over the counter?

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Hi Molly. Yes. If we are forced to mix, we just do labs to keep up with finding the right amount.

      Reply
      • Molly

        Thank you for your response. He only prescribed 1 15mg tablet a day. Is there a conversion chart for ThyroGold since it comes in different amounts than the Acella?

        How often should I have my levels tested? My follow-up visit is in 3 months. Should I get them tested on my own through one of the labs you recommend?

        Reply
  8. Alex Cohen

    I see now that Walgreen’s has access to 1.5 gr Generic Desiccated Porcine Thyroid (which apparently Nature-throid cannot produce). Brand name is either Westminster or Acella.
    Cost is one-third that of Armour Thryoid which has priced itself out of my reach. Anyone have experience with either brand of the generic? Thanks for your reply. Alex

    Reply
  9. DENISLAV J GEORGIEV

    Hi, I am taking natural thyroid hormones – westroid but want to switch to NP. Don’t have a prescription. Anybody knows a place I can buy NP?
    Thanks

    Reply
  10. Angie Bunch

    Is NP Thyroid the same as Armour? I am trying to find a substitute for Nature-throid because it’s virtually impossible to find (plus what I have been taking doesn’t seem like it used to be. Reformulation?) Just worried about going backward after feeling good for a while now

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      NP Thyroid is another brand of desiccated thyroid and excellent. And no matter what brand you move over to, you still have to check if you are optimal on the same amount, or need to tweak.

      Reply
      • Angie Bunch

        Thank you Janie. I read the other comments and I just called my doc to ask him to call in a prescription for me. Receptionist said she will pass it on to the nurse practitioner and it will be up to her to change it. I said if it doesn’t get changed and I can’t get Nature-throid then I’m stuck with nothing. It’s sad when you have to fight so hard to stay well, it shouldn’t be a fight with your doc as well….

        Reply
        • Janie Bowthorpe

          Oh do we EVER understand. So many doctors are far behind our knowledge and thus, keep us hostage to sickness. We hope you can find a better doctor that you can guide by using patient-to-patient successful information.

          Reply
  11. Joan Bond

    Janie 3 months ago I finally convinced my Dr. to let me try the generic form of Armour. (NP) She prescribed 30 mg, Prior to this I was on 175 mg. Synthroid which I didn’t do any better after being switched from Levothyroxine. I seemed to do a little better but certainly did not get rid of all my hypothyroid symptoms. After the 30 day supply ran out, I asked her for a higher mg. She upped it to 60 mg. Now I feel about like I did when I was taking Levo. My hair loss is worse than it has been in 8 years. My brain fog is worse, my fatigue is worse. Do you think the dose is too high?

    Reply
  12. Danielle

    I switched to NP thyroid 4 days ago from WP thyroid due the she shortage. (Went from 97.5 WP to 90 mg NP). Over the past 4 days I’ve felt increasingly worse, freezing cold legs/feet, restless legs, hypoglycemia, insomnia, fatigue. Prior to this I was doing great on WP for years. Could I require a higher dosage of NP as compared to WP? (I’m taking it sublingually for maximum absorption)

    Reply
  13. Linda Osmond

    I am looking to switch from ERFA to possibly NP Thyroid. I just called my local Walgreens pharmacist who said that NP thyroid was not even in her system anymore. Very strange, as Acella claims no shortage of their product. But what was also very interesting was that she told me that Armour just came out with a generic, as she thought the patent had run out for the brand. Does anyone know anything about the ingredients in the generic Armour? I’m not sure I’d be interested in trying it, since I got away from Armour years ago when they reformulated without notice, but I’d like to know what’s available. I’d love to hear any information on the current status of NP Thyroid and the details of generic Armour that anyone might have.

    Reply
  14. lou

    Wow, just checked on the NP pricing and it is really expensive. Pharmacist is going to run a trial Rx thru insurance to see if they will pay anything. Seems like these days my insurance isn’t paying for much. No compounded drugs paid for, so paying for HRT myself now. What a racket.

    Reply
  15. lou

    Been getting ERFA for several years from Canada. Recent order had one pharmacy saying they were sold out. Another pharmacy could supply it but both were now charging three times the price of my previous orders. Guess they figure we are desperate and will pay anything. And of course insurance will not pay for out of country drugs. So, now I want to check the pricing on NP to see if I can do any better cost wise. Am reading that no insurance will cover NDT anymore, so this will continue to be out of pocket even in country.

    Reply
  16. Paula Carnes

    I have been taking 162.5 mg nature throid – how much Acella’s NP Thyroid would I need to take?

    Reply
  17. Rachel D L Smith

    Janie, I just want to say thank you so much for what you do out here! I was at a loss, when I realized that there was no more naturethroid to be had, and remembered your site, came out here and saw that you were already on top of it. I have switched to NP thyroid by Acella, and I already like it better than the nature throid, and nature throid was an answer to prayer for me. They had me on cytomel and Synthroid, just after my surgeries, and it was killing me. But the NP Thyroid seems even better. It practically melts in your mouth. It’s much easier to chew and to cut, even if it doesn’t always cut very evenly. I am actually so much happier with this. Despite the naysayers, I know from experience that chewing up my nature throid has always helped me. “They” whoever they are, say, the molecules are too big? Maybe. Perhaps it’s because the enzymes in our mouths start to work on it before it gets to our stomachs. Which for me, since my tummy is very messed up and is not processing food the way it’s supposed to, I doubt it’s doing very well with medication either. Personally, I know that chewing It up helps me. The NP thyroid is so much easier to chew! Thank you again, so much.

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Glad you have found out that NP is a great product. I don’t try to promote any NDT, but I can say that I use NP and have found it to be excellent. Yes, I’ve also been just fine on Naturethroid whenever I used it, and same with the old Armour. But today, with NP, I love that it’s like the old Armour and one can do it sublingually. And yes, we DO notice a difference with sublingual, and yes, I think it’s due to the enzymes in our mouth breaking it down, too. Finally, even chewing helps, too! You are very welcome!

      Reply
  18. ellen weir

    hi. just started on NP. should it cost $45. for 100 tablets?

    Reply
    • Darien McGuire

      Ellen – I just switched over from WP to NP today (due to shortage of WP) my NP prescription looks like it’s going to be around $60 for 120 tablets. So I’d say that your $45 for 100 sounds about right. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  19. Sarah

    I am new to this site, but have been reading the last few days desperate for help! I have been doing ok on Erfa the last four years, last October I noticed the 1 grain had changed and I immediately felt horrific symptoms I was on 2 grains a day. I then purchased the 2 grain tablet from the same natural practice and felt the tablet tasted and looked the same as the old 1 grain, and was fine on that until now. I have just purchased another two months supply of 2 grain and the price had gone up dramatically, and the tablets were like the 1 grain I tried last October. I have been in so much pain, nausea, fatigue and every other symptom you can think of! I Bought these in the UK and when I called they said no one else has complained so don’t know what to do. I am super sensitive to any supplements or medication so was thinking the NP might be a good alternative, where can I get it from in the UK or so I need to buy form overseas? I haven’t a prescription for it….any advice welcome, I need to work next week! I thought the Erfa bad batch situation was finished with by now…..

    Reply
  20. maria hodgson

    i am taking np thyroid med and for the whole moth noticed a strong putrid smell but took it anyway.feeling pretty sick with bloating and gas weight gain and just not myself. can anyone tell me if they have experience this probllem. i went to my gp yesterday. we are going to do my ths and t4 test oday. i am afraid the med was rotten.

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Hi Maria. I, Janie, am also on NP Thyroid and haven’t had any problems with it. It smells that way because it’s pig, and Acella doesn’t try to put a coating over it the way other companies may. That lack of coating makes it easier to do sublingually. Just in case, make sure you understand how to raise NDT and what optimal is by studying the green graphic on this page: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101

      Reply
    • Christin

      I’ve had this issue too. I’ve noticed a smelly, fishy odor too. Last month it seemed fine. This month I’m sick! I think there’s consistency issues. I never had this problem before, when I took NP back in 2011 to 2013. I was taking Erfa from 2013 until 2014, and then I got so sick. I’m & i feel awful. taking NP now,

      Reply
  21. Remy

    I just started on NP Thyroid 30 mg 2x a day. I am noticing some stomach cramping, similar to what I get when I’m glutened. Is it possible that NP thyroid is not gluten free? Has anyone confirmed with Acella where they get the dextrose from? I am celiac, so I am super sensitive to gluten…

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Good question. So far, we’ve not seen a lot of complaints about NP Thyroid and gluten reactions. A lot of gluten free folks are using it successfully. You might try making sure you have an acid in your drink when consuming NP Thyroid to rule out that the cramping is because of low stomach acid first, just in case.

      Reply
  22. Raya baum

    I would like to know when is it recommended to take the NP-thyroid. my daughter put a weaker at 6 a.m but only wakes up from bed hours later . I read the NP has a peak after 2 hours so isn’t it better to take it at 10 A.M half an hour before she is out of bed?
    and she takes it under her tongue. Is this means she can eat immediately after it resolves?

    Reply
  23. Vicki LaPinta

    I have been on NP Thyroid for a couple of years, Erfa before that. I just got a letter from my insurance co, CVS Caremark, that they will no longer be covering desicated thyroid meds anymore. Where do you buy your NP thyroid and get the best price from?

    Reply
    • Leah

      Costco

      Reply
    • Miriam W

      I buy NP Thyroid from Walgreens using a GoodRX coupon.

      Reply
    • Anna Kosna

      I just went to CVS and they told me that NP is a back order which is not accurate
      Did call Acela ( the manufacture) and they assure me that is not back order ,CVS just doesn’t want to keep in stock so I called Harris Teeter because it’s close to me and they have it
      Something is going on with this with CVS

      Reply
  24. Louise

    Hi. I had my thyroid removed in 2011. I’m on 120 mg NP Thyroid. Someone said I should take T3 and the np thyroid but I thought the np thyroid had both so I didn’t need to.

    I’m so confused. I want to stay in NDT but am having a problem finding the right dosage info.

    https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/2011/04/13/more-on-acella-desiccated-thyroid/

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Louise, not sure what you meant by “having a problem finding the right dosage info”…do you mean this?? https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101 It explains how we find the right dose, which for a large body, 2 grains isn’t. So we raise.

      Reply
      • Louise

        I’m on 2 grains but still don’t feel well. I have adrenal fatigue and am always tired. My lab results are all over.

        I guess I thought NDT would make me better. I’m wondering if I’m just not taking the right amount or need to take T3 too.

        Reply
  25. EM Robinson

    I switch to NP Thyroid from Armour, mainly the price. I switch cold turkey and it work fine. I like this a lot better. The Price was Approx. $22.00 in Feb, 2016 and now in Nov, 2016 it is $35.+, that is a %(% increase. Why is this happening, insurance doesn’t cover Thyroid meds, which is ridiculous.

    Reply
  26. Lugrita

    Hi! I just switched to NP Thyroid today. I’ve been taking Armour since 2010. The rising cost of Armour is the main reason I switched to NP. I was on 2 grains of Armour per day (1 grain in the morning, 1 grain in the afternoon), and I’m on the same dosage with NP. My endo said to alternate the first week or so to get my body used to NP – do NP one day, Armour the next, etc. But I’m wondering if that will confuse my body more than just switching straight over to NP. Which is better – alternating, or cold turkey? Or does it matter? Thank you for any insight!

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      I personally made a straight switch to NP from another brand…equal dose, every day, to what I used to be on and had no problems.

      Reply
      • Lugrita

        Thank you so much! I’m grateful to know that – I prefer to make a straight switch if there isn’t a reason not to. And thank you for replying so quickly – you’re so helpful!!

        Reply
  27. Melissa Rabeaux

    I was hyper on 1grain armour thyroid. Went down to .75 and an now experiencing hypo symptoms along with some other strange symptoms. Bloating, diarrhea. I think I might be having a combination of hypo symptoms and a reaction to the new formula. I’m researching Acella. Anyone having similar things going on with new armour.

    Reply
  28. Kathy

    I have been on Armour since the beginning of the year. One day I went to pick up my Medication and I was given NP thyroid. In February my numbers were good and last week Aug. 2016 my numbers came back that my TSH was fine but the T4 was low .. I’m wondering if the change in medicine has something to do with it..

    Reply
  29. Brenda

    Has anyone had a problem with rash with hives from thyroid NP? After 6 months on it, I have had a rash for over Month that doctors not sure why. Monday going to see a skin specalist

    Reply
  30. Gloira

    Do I need a RX for Acella? Or can I just go to Walgreen’s and get it.

    Reply
  31. Susanelizabeth Turner

    Hate np thyroid. Took it for 2 days after taking Armour felt horrible. All over, even my joints ached. Switched back to Armour today.

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Susanelizabeth, that probably wasn’t the fault of NP Thyroid. Instead, as a better NDT than Armour, it was probably revealing this: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me

      Reply
      • Susanelizabeth Turner

        I’m not sure what you mean above: “Instead, as a better NDT than Armour….”:. I was on Armour for yrs and did well. I switched to Levothyroxine when my insurance changed. Then, after months on Levo, went to Armour again, did great, blood work was great as well(I have Hashi’s also). Found out about a cheaper one, NP and switched to same amt(within days after my tests) that I was on for Armour and tanked immediately. I was horribly sick. I’ve already read the article you sent me here. Read it some months back. Thx for the feedback.

        I was on 125 Levo, then went to 60 mg Armour, then to 60 NP. Dr said on the conversion charts I might be able to do the 60 esp since my TSH was way too low. However the more I read(your lit) and others, I wonder if my heart racing and thumping so hard is because it’s too little, not enough. She plans to retest in 4 wks(she’s great and will test and change meds for me as I request since she’s a reg MD not a specialist). However, she’s very supportive of my natural methods since I have healed so many things naturally(and maintain great A1C tho Type 1 on insulin pump)

        Reply
        • Janie Bowthorpe

          Armour went bad for a lot of people beginning in January 2015 after Forest was bought out by Activas. https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/2015/09/19/armour-and-unhappy-thyroid-patients/

          And yes, 60 mg is simply a starting dose we have to raise from to seek our optimal dose, we’ve found repeatedly.

          Reply
          • Susanelizabeth Turner

            Thx! I just got home but will be spending more time on your site, reading (again) some of the material. I saw the conversion charts online(other sites) that’s why I asked her to start me at 60, but even the day on it was bad and second, much worse. Do you have a more accurate conversion chart? I wonder now if it would be safer to go ahead and do 60 and then do another 60 later in the day(never knew about splitting it up till lately). Or maybe I should do 60 and then half of a 60 later. I am just tired of being tired,shaky, jittery and feeling so sluggish, not sleeping. One day about 2 wks ago, I went ahead and popped a 120 armour I had left over here from 11 months ago and I was suffering the same symptoms. Dr won’t retest since I just got tested on the 9th (6 days ago)

          • Janie Bowthorpe

            There’s no such thing as an accurate conversion chart! The 60 mg as a starting dose just seemed to fit most and wasn’t too high to start on for most. We found it better to raise by only half a grain, because one’s body has to adjust to the powerful direct T3, and we don’t want to overwhelm. But there’s another reason for the starting dose and 1/2 grain raises: in case someone has a cortisol or iron problem. And that may be you! Read this: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me

  32. Ramona

    In hindsight, I started noticing lack of energy and more edgy in 2011. Dr Started testing my thyroid. Progressively gotten worse, thought is was pre menopause. They put me on anti depressants, seemed to work for a very short time. The decline was subtle but then I was ready do divorce my very sweet, patient, kind husband. I refused to leave the dr office without something. They tested my Thyroid and it was very high and they put me on 50mg Levothyroxine. The 1st day I felt better! Anything was better but not even close to normal. Within 3 mo. I was not getting out of bed, Anger, critical of EVERYTHING. Joint pain like I had the Flu, Migraines, constipation, dizzy, hot flashes that made my head want to explode. Reported this to my Dr and requested Acella NP. He wouldn’t prescribe it because he hadn’t before and my levels were within range. I requested a referral to an endocrinologist. I had remembered one day I had forgotten to take it and It was an awesome day! So with the cooperation of my husband we started experimenting. I tried 1/2 pill, initially worked but that didn’t work long term, tried 1 day on 1 day off. initially this worked too but didn’t work long term. Now I am not taking it at all, suffered through anxiety, paranoia, anger, futility. But no aches, migraines or severe hot flashes. Waiting to see a endocrinologist and starting to take Thyrogold In an effort to find anything that will work. My symptoms are very severe where they incapacitate me. I hide in my room literally all day on the worst days. The other days it take everything Ive got to do the simplest tasks. I continue to pray that I will be made aware of people/medicine/solutions. I purchased both books, stop the thyroid madness. Now I have to find the energy to get through them….. I am warry to purchase non reputable solutions. I am taking D as I have had problems in the past. Having an ok day, enough to write this. Everything seems to take so long when every day is precious and my 10 yo life is passing us by.

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      We are so sorry you are having problems. But there’s hope! Not only have a huge body of patients discovered that levo is the worst way to treat hypothyroidism (https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/t4-only-meds-dont-work) but you are describing some symptoms of now having an adrenal problem (https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/adrenal-info).

      Reply
      • Ramona

        I was so grateful for your response. I finally went to the endocrinologist last week. Asked for Free T4, Free T3, TPOab, TgAb. She said she would humor me and did them. TgAb-.09, TSH 5.33, Free T4 0.7, Free T3 2.9, TPOab 654.2. My last comprehensive Metabolic Panel was 11/9/15. I couldn’t get the saliva test, she did a 24 hr urine test. Results cortisol uc/gCr 20.75, cortisol ug/L 27.60, cortisol ug/day 29.8, creatinine 24hr 1436 mg/d, creatinine 133 md/gL. She said it was within normal range. She did an ultrasound and it showed a problem with my thyroid. She gave me a prescription for 32.5 MG. That is like 1/2 grain. I told her I had read I needed more and would need to bump up after a couple of weeks. She would not give any more. I did purchase on line some Thyro-Gold 150mg and 300mb. I started taking Ashwagandha Root, I had read if your cortisol is high it will lower it and if its low will raise it. I am taking Vit C 500mg, Magnisium 750mg, Vit D 2000iu. I had more energy and was less grumpy but still unable to rid the anxiety enough to leave my room. I put off taking the low dose nature throid as long as possible in order to try and preserve it as long as possible if I needed to bump it. I have only been on it 3 days and was out of my room the first day and the 2nd day. Not so much third day. I know there is a concern I may have adrenal issues but I can’t wait for different results. I do believe the dose is way too low. I am hoping the Ahwagandha will help my cortisol levels. I am thinking of mixing the dose of 32.5 mg nature throid and 150mg thryo-gold. The Endo. said she did not recommend mixing thyroid brands stating they were not dependable regarding labeling and dosages even though they say 150mg. She stressed how unsure and untrusting she was of this treatment and the nature throid. She said the T3 is very very strong discouraging me from doing anything on my own. It has made me second guess….. What is your opinion? My mind wasn’t clear enough until now to actually find the saliva test. Will any of the supplements I am taking make it so I cannot take the test? I so appreciate your dedication and information and books.

        Reply
  33. Lisa

    Hello All,
    I had my Thyroid ablated a few years ago and have been on the Ride. Started on Levothyroxine then Synthroid currently on Armour Thyroid and I have a continuous cough and nothing comes up. I have joint pain swelling around eyes and blurry vision. Tired all the time. I have been to eye doctors and no body knows what it is? I have gained 30 lbs and can’t get it off no matter what I eat. I just feel Wrecked. Do you think that Acella NP would make me feel normal again? Thanks.

    Reply
  34. Edie Foss

    I have been taking the NP Thyroid as a sublingual for almost 3 months now. The Armour just “stopped” working as well as it had been over the past year. I love the NP Thyroid as a sublingual….I take 1 grain 3X per day, and this way it doesn’t interact with food and such. Plus, my armour had gone from about $13 a month to $50 over the course of about a year. I can get NP Thyroid at the cost of a generic….$12 for a one month supply. That works for me!!

    Reply
  35. K. McLay

    I love NP Thyroid made by Acella. Several years back I had settled on Armour by Forest. It did ok in comparison to other meds I had tried but I still had trouble with some hair loss and fatigue days. While traveling in 2010 the pharmacy switched me unknowingly to the Acella brand. I started losing weight I had been trying to get ride of for ages and ended up realizing I was on a new thyroid med. My hair stopped falling out as well. When that bottle of meds ran out I got Armor again and my weight started to rise again, and my hair began to fall out all over again. That was when I realized it was the NP Thyroid by Acella that had made such a great difference. I made the switch permanently to Acella and have never looked back.

    Fast forward to 2015… I recently returned home from vacation and felt so wore out. I just thought it was because I had over done it while traveling. A week or so later I realized my hair had been falling out. So, I just checked my med bottle and realized the pharmacy sent me the wrong meds, lol…. Instead of Acella, I’ve been taking Armour by Forest for the last few weeks. It all makes sense now! I’ll be running back into the arms of Acella’s brand.

    Reply
  36. Linda

    Thank you so much for these reassuring comments. I have been on dessicated thyroid for about 5 years. Realizing from your info, that I must have been on erfa. Over the past 6 months I have lost about half of my hair. I also get horrendous muscle cramps. I was doing so great, but there has been a radical change. I also started noticing an unpleasant body odor and smell in my urine. Now I have cut down the erfa to 1/2 tab, the smell is gone, but my test shows dangerously low… hair still falling. An order of synthroid is on it’s way, but I went that route years ago… it wasn’t working for me. Not sure where to turn. Can we lodge a complaint?

    Reply
    • chris

      Linda, I just read your comment on body and urine odor, have had the same experience but no idea why or where it comes from, are you thinking low levels of thyroid causes this, or the drug itself. Curious, I have never come across this until now…..thank goodness for forums.

      Reply
      • Camper

        Re: odor. For what itÊ»s worth… I was raised as a vegetarian. Only started organic beef/chicken/salmon as an adult. Naturopath wants me to eat more! Any time I eat meat, I notice a funky acrid body odor that is never there otherwise. Same with coffee (different scent). We are what we eat. Natural thyroids are animal hormones.

        Reply
        • Janie Bowthorpe

          Hi Camper. That’s too bad about the odor. But luckily, most people don’t have that problem with NDT. One thing you can do is add synthetic T3 to synthetic T4.

          Reply
  37. Ellen

    I am wondering if Acella NP thyroid was recently reformulated. I started on Armour in 2007, and switched to erfa when Armour was reformulated. I then switched to NP thyroid when erfa was reformulated. My lasted batch of NP thyroid looks shinier than my old batch – kind of like when erfa reformulated. I haven’t taken it yet, just wondered if anyone knows anything about this

    Reply
    • François

      Hello Ellen, had you found another source of desiccated hormone ? I was also on Armour, and then on Erfa, but willing to change as my life seems impacted by hypothyroidism symptoms. I’m now looking for another brand (by learning how many times erfa and others have reformulated their pills) Any experience or advice would be great, best regards. François

      Reply
  38. Tracy

    Hi ! is there a website i can order NP Thyroid with out a prescription?. I’ve been ordering Armour from a canadian one but the price keeps going up and up, and they don’t carry NP. I’m ready to switch but need a source to order from. Thanks ! Email me here: aurasutra@aol.com

    Reply
  39. Katie

    Has anyone else heard of T150 by Xymogen? My integrative wellness dr in Florida put me on this back in 2011. It’s not a prescription, just a supplement. Lately, my depression, fatigue and weight gain have all come back.
    I moved to Southern California last year and need to find a good dr here who will help me get on something like NP Thyroid or Armour. I need relief!

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Katie, T150 is bovine NDT, but as happens all the time, doctor’s don’t get their patients to raise it high enough. Thus, symptoms come back. And another problem…T150 has a lot of other ingredients in it that as you raise it to get enough Bovine thyroid, you are also raising those other ingredients. It’s problematic. If it was me, I’d MUCH rather be on ThyroGold if I was going to be on something over-the-counter. You can google it.

      Reply
  40. Harriet Edwards

    I am loving the NP Thyroid. Have been on it since 8-7-21015. It has changed my life. Had been on Synthroid for 15 or so years and felt horrible. Could not get a doctor to change it. Finally found someone who would. Life is so much better.

    Reply
  41. Carol Chase

    I had a total thyroidectomy in March 2013 and was one levothyroxine for 6 months. During that time my hands and feet started to go numb and I had pretty bad joint pain. The doctor sent me to a osteo Dr and he said I needed surgery for carpel tunnel. I refused and asked my Endo to put me on Armour which fixed all the neurological problems, weight gain, and tiredness. I was on Armour for 1.5 years (at $50.00 month). I wanted to try Acella NP Thyroid because everyone said it worked great and is much less expensive ($10.00 month). I have been on it for 6 months and the neurological problems/joint pain are coming back as is the weight gain. I really want to switch back to Amour but it is so expensive. Is there anything else I can do to get the Acella to work better. I am taking 60 mg 2 x day.

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Carol, your problem could be that 120 mg isn’t optimal for you on NP Thyroid. Check this out: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101

      Reply
    • Karen Gardner

      Hi Carol. I had a TT in 2000 for pap cancer and was on Armour for 15 years with the reformulation started to not work right. The latest refill by Actavis did not work at all. Tried Erfa for 3 months and felt like T3 was building and affecting thinking. Started on NP Thyroid 1 grain twice a day and felt better calmer. On two weeks now and notice I get foggy anout 4 hours after taking. Today I took a Vit C. Zinc. Just 10mg and chewed a calcium and my head feels clear and great. If it comes back may try another zinc or the Adrenal Complex and Dhea 10mg compounded time release. I take an Alive Multivitamin at lunch time and in the evening I take a Ferrochel that has some iron and B12 Vit C Folate in it. I don t eat enough beef. I eat mostly chicken and salmon and turkey. I control blood sugar with diet and some cinnamon. Hope this helps Karen.

      Reply
  42. Lisa

    i switched from Synthroid to Acella Thyroid in December 2014. My thyroid levels were good but I was experiencing hair loss which I blamed on the Synthroid. I wanted to go back on Armour Thyroid which I had taken previously with good results. Insurance wouldn’t approve Armour due to cost so I was given Acella Thyroid instead. This medicine is awfull!! My hairloss has gone from bad to horrible. I lose handfuls every day, much worse than I was on Synthroid. My levels hormone levels went from stable to all screwed up. My T3,is at top of range but T4 is at very bottom. TSH keeps rising. The only reason I am still on this drug is that I managed to get pregnant a few months after starting it (that fact is the only redeeming thing I will say about this drug). I am still losing handfuls of hair daily even though I am 5 months pregnant and should be experiencing fuller hair. My son is due Dec 3 2015 and I will be going back on Synthroid the day he comes out. If you are thinking about going on Acella thyroid and having hairloss, I strongly recommend you find something else. This medicine is making me go bald!

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Lisa, how frustrating!! But there’s hope, because what is happening to you is not directly because of Acella. It’s happening because of what Synthroid has done to you, which NDT like Acella “reveals”, as does your high Free T3, which is called pooling and is due to the same problems. Start with this: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/ndt-doesnt-work-for-me

      Reply
    • Joan Fitler

      Hi Lisa,
      Its a miracle I got to see your remark. I say that because that is what the batch I started taking from May has done to me.High T3 and low T4, its not a coincidence. I have spoke to the pharmacist at Acella an well as in the Medicinal part of Acella. I was assured the formula has not changed except one of the fillers was removed last year. When I take I become fuzzy headed and sleepy. I was taking it sub-lingual and that was thought to be the problem but now I am taking it orally and the same reaction. I am about done with this Acella 🙁 I may try Natures Thyroid, which my natural path says he likes anyway. Since you are having the problem as well with funky labs perhaps it would be good for you to call Acella so they can be aware from someone else too. Acella Pharmacist David (678) 325-5306 Hope things workout for you too 🙂

      Reply
  43. nomorebadnews!

    Any news on the situation with inadequate Acella and the so called shortage or back-ordered NP? I just found out-through another patient-that Erfa is going bad all of a sudden, like Armour did back in 2008. Oh the joys of being stuck in a rut of non functional medicine, and the nightmare of being ‘just another thyroid patient’-yes this is the end of my life part two…I really do feel like I am dying a slow death. I have been taking Erfa all this past year, as I felt it was definitely the best option for me, and after having issues with Acella’s shortages way back in 2013, I feared the worst, and went back on Erfa!

    Well then, I suppose my mental, and physical (chronic infections since May 2014) break down this past year all makes sense now (in part) since Erfa decided to be sneaky, as there is obviously something really wrong with their product, and everyone is talking about it again..This is really sad. And I am only one person out of thousands of other patients!! What gives?

    So, here’s my problem; is there still the issue of shortages with Acella’s NP, and if so, what would be a good sub? Would WP be worth it, or Nature-thyroid? I did really, really well on NP the year of 2011-2013 and a half, but the issue of the shortages was absolutely NOT something I wanted to chance. I took Nature Thyroid before Acella, and did not feel it was working well..although I’ve heard the conversion is slightly less potent? I don’t know..What can I say? Is there anyone out there who does well on WP, or Nature Thyroid? Or does anyone know about the back order issue at Acella? Seriously this is all too much. Can someone please keep this dialogue going..? Are there really shortages, are there back orders nationwide or what? Are there any ANY brands that can help us, and manufacture and deliver a quality and therapeutic hormone replacement? This whole business is really getting to me….what a mess.

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      Erfa was only bad last year. Patients are reporting doing better on it this year i.e. last years batches ran out. As far as others, it’s really individual what NDT you want to take. Some swear by Armour; others swear by WP or NP, etc. Acella’s NP-Thyroid has been reported easily gotten.

      Reply
      • nomorebadnews!

        Thank you, Janie, for the response and helpful feedback…I really should not have ranted so much in my comment-how embarrassing. I just feel so frustrated by all of this. I thought Erfa was a Godsend. I wish these companies would stop playing around with their formulations. I guess I am still not able to forgive the makers of Armour….all of this for what? For money. That’s it. It’s really debased to do this to sick patients in my very bitter opinion.

        Reply
  44. Jim

    I started my sad thyroid journey on Levothyroxine prescribed by a doctor who refused to prescribe a natural alternative. I never wanted to start on synthetic, but she wouldn’t listen. I found another doc who typically prescribed Armour. He was knowledgeable about the formula change. He said his patients initially had some problems but he resolved with a dosage change. I still requested NP by Acella as it sounded like the old Armour, and it paid off for me. I’m doing MUCH better. I contacted Acella and asked how they’re doing as a company and if there was anything I could do personally to help their business grow. I was told business is good and to basically keep using the product. NO problem!

    Reply
    • Darrell

      Jim,
      Several doctors in my town will not prescribe Armour. How did you find a doctor that will prescribe the Armour or NP Thyroid?

      Reply
      • Cody

        Just insist on changing your meds. I live in a very very small town in n Nevada. I asked if the pharmacy could order it and told the doc that I was going to change to this. My symptoms were horrible on nature thyroid and arm our/ forest. Just insist on it and stick to your guns. Today is my first day and I am hoping for the best!

        Reply
  45. Paige

    I’ve been taking NP thyroid by Acella for almost a year now and I like it very much, better than any other thyroid med I’ve taken. I took Levoxyl for many years and wanted to change to natural thyroid but was afraid of the change because of how sensitive my thyroid is to ANY change. But when Levoxyl disappeared I took the plunge. I got the info about NP thyroid from Stop the Thyroid Madness. I do take the NP thyroid sublingually every morning and I am quite happy with it. What it’s done is send my T3 up into good, normal ranges without taking anything other than the NP thyroid, whereas for many years I was taking an expensive compounded bioidentical T3 that just stopped working one day and sent me into a scary hyperthyroid state.

    I highly recommend NP Thyroid by Acella. Problem is, I went to my pharmacy today and they said the 90 mg I take is backordered. No real info on why. Does anyone have any reliable information about this?

    Reply
  46. Irmajean Gaines

    I have taken Armour Thyroid 1/2 gr (30mg) for a number of years after a partial thyroidectomy in 1976. I did great on it until about 3-4 years ago when Armour changed their formula. I have taken the thyroid from Acella now for sometime and I do as well as I use to do on Armour. I have switched back and forth between the Armour and the one from Acella and I definitely do better on the Acella brand. I asked for generic Armour and they said they didn’t have it and the Acella is what they gave me. I like it better. Actually, my feet started tingling and it seems to do it more often when I am taking Armour. They don’t tingle as much when I am taking the Acella, in fact, none. SOOOOOOOO…..I guess I am trying to say, I am doing fine on it. Just my
    take, from my experience……!! It is much cheaper also!!

    Reply
  47. Laray

    Hello,

    Does anyone out there have any clues as to why my thyroid medicine stopped working? It appears to be in my blood but not my cells. I was on compounded T3 for 7 years and apparently was told that the T3 receptors can burn out. I tried Nutri Meds porcine Glandular a few months later and it worked! However, I was allergic to it. Eight months later I was cleared of the allergy through N.A.E.T. so I went back on it with no side effects; however, it stopped working too! I am now taking WP Thyroid 2 grains or more and my eyebrows have not grown back and I still have a very sluggish metabolism and insomnia. In Feb. 2014 the T3 only stopped working within ONE week. I did not do anything drastic nor did I lose blood. I still can’t figure it out. It’s almost like people with diabetes when insulin doesn’t get into the cells only the T3 remains in my blood and I believe is not getting into my cells. HELP ANYONE? Does ANYONE have any clues as to what I need to do? ~Laray

    Reply
  48. Rosemary Archer

    I live in a small rural community. I read so many good reviews on NP thyroid that I requested my doctor to switch me from Synthroid to NP thyroid. I have been taking the 60 MG of NP thyroid for approximately 6 months. It was time to increase the NP dosage (which we know I would) but my pharmacy told me that the 90 MG is on back order. Now I read from other people that CVC are saying that the 60 MG is on back order. Hope it is truly just a big demand and nothing more going on that has put the product in a shortage situation.

    Reply
  49. Sonia Tolson

    CVS did not have the 60 mg in stock and has told me they are on back order from Acella. They haven’t heard anything else from Acella. They called around to all the CVS in Tucson and it was the same at all of them, they were out of stock. =(

    Reply
  50. Cathy Poland

    I live in Canada, have been taking Erfa for years. I just started on a new batch and don’t feel very good. I’d like to get something from the US but don’t know how to get it as I need a US MD prescription. Help!

    Reply
  51. Anna

    Still no news on the alledged reformulation of Erfa? I find it so strange that the company cannot find out what is wrong with it, or at least admit something seems to be wrong…I got a 500 ct bottle of 125 mg pills which made me feel like I had taken nothing all…all hypo symptoms returned with a vengeance.

    Reply
  52. Cathy Poland

    How can I get Acella desiccated thyroid in Canada?

    Reply
  53. Tammy

    I switched to Acella since Erfa is dealing with reformulation problems. I have been taking Acella for almost 2 months so far. I’m not having any problems taking it sublingually. They did not have Acella at any of the pharmacies where I live. I called my doctor & told them of the Erfa problem & I needed to find something else to take & I wanted to try Acella. The doctors office sent CVS pharmacy a script for the Acella. CVS ordered it & had it the next day. I paid $20 co-pay for 180 90 mg tablets, over a 90 day supply. I take 1 1/2 pills per day. I was paying $80 for 500 Erfa Thyroid tablets & it went up to $175. I would imagine the price increase has something to do with the porcine virus that ended up with millions of pigs slaughtered & another reason would be greed of course. I like the NP so I’m sticking with it.

    Reply
  54. Krista

    I started taking Armour a few months after switching from Levothyroxin. When I went in for a recent refill, my pharmacy gave me NP Thyroid without even asking me. I made them change it back to Armour. Not sure why they decided to change. It was more expensive…so maybe??

    Reply
    • Joan Fitler

      Actually the Thyroid Np is a very good med…for me anyway. I took Armour for awhile and all of a sudden it stopped working for me so now its Thyroid NP by Acella 🙂

      Reply
      • Joan Fitler

        Update on the Acella Thyroid NP. It used to work really good BUT This batch I started taking mid aug was from May 2015 and it has done some strange things to me. For one my labs I just took at the end of Aug 2015 made my levels all over the place ,High T3 and low T4 and TSH rising. I have spoke to the pharmacist at Acella an well as in the Medicinal part of Acella. I was assured the formula has not changed except one of the fillers was removed last year. When I take I become fuzzy headed and sleepy. I was taking it sub-lingual and that was thought to be the problem but now I am taking it orally and the same reaction. I am about done with this Acella 🙁 I may try Natures Thyroid, which my natural path says he likes anyway. If you are having the problem as well with funky labs perhaps it would be good for you to call Acella so they can be aware from someone else too. Acella Pharmacist David (678) 325-5306 Hope things workout for you too 🙂

        Reply
        • Annette

          I had my thyroid removed in 2001. It took 10 years and 3 doctors to finally get peace of mind with Armour. Over the past 5 years, I have discovered occasional variations, especially with the naturally dessicated products. . .but my hair/eyebrows never fall out like with Synthroid. Plus, (don’t forget) when Forest Labs sold, Armour was moved twice before it’s new, more expensive home. It sucks getting a “bad batch”…I think variations should be expected from time to time considering how the product is made… Although it’s a little more inconvenient, I found that by only ordering 30 days at a time, instead of 90, it is easier to roll with any variations.

          Reply
    • Anna

      Krista,

      Have you been doing fine on Armour? I have been considering switching to it if I cannot get Acella, but most people seem unhappy with Armour these days…?

      Reply
  55. David

    I’ve been getting 60 mg tablets of NP Thyroid from my local Publix without any problem. Oddly enough my insurance company classifies 30 mg as a T1 drug and 60 & 90 mg as T3. And my copay due to an increase from Acella just went from $14 to $26 in one month. Anyone have any idea why the dramatic price increase?

    Reply
  56. Laura Fleckenstein

    Jewel Osco and Marianos in Chicago area have it available within one day of request.

    Reply
  57. Shauna

    I don’t know about the other pharmacies, but with Walgreens you really have to go through a few hoops to get it. You call their ON-LINE number (877-250-5823) and specifically ask for NP thyroid by Acella. Just to make sure, I emphasized that it is NOT Armour thyroid. The NP thyroid by Acella is NOT listed in their line up of products on the site (weird huh?) You have to request it. Then there is a funny process you have to go through to get it to your local pharmacy. But on the upside, it is easier the next time! Good Luck!

    Reply
  58. Trisha

    Hi,
    I reside in CA and have called Walgreens
    CVS, Rite Aide & Ralph’s (a grocery store with pharmacies, and NO ONE carries Acella! Just WHERE are you guys (& you
    Janie, mat I ask) obtaining your Acella from ???

    I am going to have to contact the manufacturer! Also, was that an isolated
    comment by Birdschild Nov. 13. 2013 (above) or HAVE they changed the product?

    Hoping fir helpful feedback.
    Thank YOU, Trisha

    Reply
  59. Johana

    I’ve ordered Acella NP Thyroid but I received only the bottle, without a box or a leaflet. Some say this may point to a fake product.
    When you order it you usually receive it with the packing+leaflet or only the plastic bottle?

    Reply
  60. Johann

    I don’t understand what should I put in the calculator since I have in my results both Free T3 and Total T3.

    Should I divide Free T3 by Total T3 as you write it (Free T3/total T3)?

    Reply
    • Johann

      OK, we can insert either Free T3 OR total T3, right?

      The thing is, I cannot find “ng/l” as unit (which is in what my results are) so I converted it to ng/ml (which appears in the calculator) but when I type it and select it, the units in the field below (RT3) dissapear!

      Also, what’s the difference between ng/l and ng/L (both units are available at the first field)?

      Thanks

      Reply
  61. Kristie

    I have had a horrible time trying to fill my np script! Every pharm wants to give me Armour. In southeast michigan. Cvs and Walgreens both told me they don’t carry it and even if they did it’s no longer a generic for armour. Target ordered it special for me. I’m excited to try it.

    Reply
  62. teresa

    so is acella a generic for armour? is it still available now? do you think it works better than naturethroid? cannot take thee armour any more.

    Reply
    • Janie Bowthorpe

      When Acella’s NP Thyroid first came out, it was touted as a generic. Later, they seemed to move away from calling it a generic. But yes, many patients love it. It’s similar to how the old Armour used to be.

      Reply
      • Deb

        Just FYI, both the T4 and T3 in Acella’s NP thyroid are synthetic. I was told by my doc that NP was an “equivalent” generic to Armour, but my tests since then have shown a steady decline in both T4 and, especially, T3. My T3 level has actually plummeted and my T4 level is very, very low in the “normal” range. I don’t trust the ranges of most labs, as they are a lot broader than they should be. Since my doc moved away, my new provider at the same clinic refuses to change anything. On to a new search for a doctor. Anyway, just be aware that this is a synthetic product and, in some cases, doesn’t do much good.

        Reply
        • Janie Bowthorpe

          Deb, NP Thyroid is desiccated porcine thyroid, not synthetic. Pharmaceuticals like Acella only mention the measured amounts of T4 and T3, and they use the typical synthetic names for T4 and T3, but the product is not synthetic. Your numbers fell for another reason.

          Reply
  63. Crazy!

    I tried to refill Armour today at a new place and he told me NP Thyroid came in instead because it was a new generic. What gives? Should I try it? From what I read its been around for awhile.

    Reply
  64. Stacy

    I just got my script refilled last week of NP (still being told there is a shortage) my pharmacy had to call several other pharmacies to fill my script this time just like they have been doing for months. I noticed within two days of starting the new bottle things weren’t right. It has been a week now and my hypo symptoms are back full force! Acella’s fb page is almost completely wiped out and you can’t post anything. I have tried to call them and nobody will return my calls! I have read other people’s comments on other sites saying the same thing. It seems that it has been reformulated and no return phone calls to answer if it has been reformulated for sure, and, if so, what was it reformulated with?! So, once again I am back to square one! So frustrating!

    Reply
  65. Bridschid

    I have a new delivering of NP Thyroid ACella and noticed, that they have change their Fillers! the new is very harder and cannot been taken under tongue –it seemes to be weaker than the old..especially on the T3 Effect..i think so…does anyone else also see this like me? I am thinking about to switch to another company may be RCL oder WP Thyroid…things like this makes me very angry…first armour. than erfa , now Acella…

    Reply
  66. Sheila

    Today my pharmacist told me that Acella will no longer manufacture NP Thyroid. I have used NP for 2 years and actually felt really good after 10 years of being miserable. Can anyone suggest a replacement? Erfa, natur throid, anything that will work???

    Reply
    • Janie

      Do you know how many pharmacists have said that about different NDT’s over the years?? It’s never true. Let’s wait and see. This is not the first time a particular brand got behind for whatever reason.

      Reply
    • Julie

      I just purchased NP Thyroid for the first time yesterday. The only problem I had was that I couldn’t get it in the 60mg size, and had to settle for 2-30mg for my dose. I switched from Armour because I noticed that it upset my stomach at times, and didn’t seem to be working as well.

      Reply
  67. Ivette

    I cannot buy any desiccated thyroid in Spain. They even didn’t know that it exists. (¬_¬) Why? I want to try it because I cannot lose any weight with Eutirox.

    Reply
  68. Nara

    I have been taking NP Thyroid by Acella for almost two years and am doing great! The only problem is that since the first of 2013 I have had problems getting it filled. I am told – continually – that it is on backorder and that I will have to use something else for the time being. I use Walgreens in the US and they routinely give me Armour as the replacement without notice (my script is specifically for the NP Thyroid by Acella) and it does not work as well for me. Whether the issue is with Acella or not, since I am unable to consistently get NP Thyroid I am considering switching to another brand (NOT Armour – it does not work well for me). Any suggestions on what to switch to? I really want something that is gluten and GMO free, but I don’t know if that is available.

    Reply
  69. Keli Riesch

    How come I can only take acella armour thyroid. I tried Forest Labs thyroid and I felt the difference. Shouldn’t they be the same. I feel just great on the one that says 329 on the pill. I take 45 mg a day, 30 in the early morning and the rest early afternoon. I thought I was having a heart attack when I tried synthroid. It has been a long kind of scary road to try to feel like a person again. I think I made it and would like to say thanks to you at accella.
    Keli

    Reply
  70. Debby

    Help please. New Armour no good for me, so I’ve been able, so far, to fill with NP Acella, but now pharmacy can’t find it? I’m going to mexico soon, short vaca, and when I tried to buy “natural” thyroid the last time, they didn’t know what I meant. Does anyone know the brand name of any sublingual (natural) thyroid in Mexico, so I can ask for / get the right stuff????

    Reply
  71. Katherine

    I took Naturethroid for over 10 years. Was on 2 grains and doing fine. Had a baby and could no longer tolerate the Naturethroid. Switched to compounded thyroid- went downhill on that. Dr switched me to Armour and that made my blood pressure shoot thru the roof and felt very hyper on it. That was a year ago.
    Every time I try Naturethroid, Armour, or compounded- I immediately go into hyperthryoid within 3 days. I had a cortisol saliva test and I do have low evening cortisol. I am anemic and have low iron storages as well as low on vitamin D and B12.
    I tried ERFA this week. Same thing – 3 days I felt wonderful and then crashed into hyperland.
    I don’t know what to do at this point. I have lost most of my hair, spent most of my money and have an active 2 year old to run after…. I need to feel better.

    Reply
    • Janie

      Katherine, patients have learned that they need to get their iron up and low cortisol up to tolerate NDT. Compare your saliva and iron results to here: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/lab-values Read Chapter 5 in the revised STTM book about adrenals, and page 181 onwards about iron.

      Reply
    • Karen Gardner

      Hi Katherine. How are you doing now. Did you get your iron, Vit D and vit B up. What are you taking now Im having trouble with Armour. So I am going to start on. Np Thyroid today. Hope and pray it works like the old Armour.

      Reply
  72. Farrell Gibbs

    I had previously been on Levothroid since the 1980’s in August of 2012 they recalled it. The dr. tried me on the generic Levothyroxine 75mcg and it caused me to have irregular heartbeats and many other side effects, then he changed me to Synthroid and I really had a horrible experience. On the 20th of Dec. 2012 he put me on dessicated thyroid. I got it filled and it was Acella 1GR (60mg). The pharmacist suggested I take only half tablet for several days, then a whole one. I have been so weak and have stomach distress when I take it along with feeling cold and few other symptoms. I haven’t been back to the dr. but have an apt. coming up. Could it be that I am not taking enough or too much. My thyroid was removed in the early 1970’s and was on Armour until a dr. put me on the Levothroid in the 80’s for some reason.
    I just feel like I’m going to cave in on myself sometimes. Has anyone else had these reactions, etc.

    (From Janie: Go here: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/mistakes-patients-make)

    Reply
    • Dani

      Farrell Gibbs, your symptoms sound very much like the ones I experienced when my Celiac Disease got very bad (bad enough to get diagnosed, and bad enough that it was killing me). Acella does NOT appear to be gluten free. Maybe this is your issue, and maybe not. Hope you get it resolved!

      Reply
  73. Deb

    I think we might need a network of contacts to help steer our friends to Doctors that are open to testing Acella NP Thyroid. My fantastic Doctor believes that each patient is unique, and has to test various brands and formulations until the SYMPTOMS are satisfactorily resolved without risking overdose. He’s in southeast Florida.

    Meanwhile, how do we double check our Doctor’s arithmetic? In switching from Synthroid/ Levothyroxine to the Acella, the measurements and calculations are confusing (to both of us).

    I am taking this sublingually. I find the taste is NOT sweet at all. It is a little bit putrid/meaty, but tolerable. No they do not dissolve on their own. You will have to find a way to break them or they will stay undissolved for ages. The pills are hard to cut in half because they are so incredibly small and powdery, they just crumble.

    (From Janie: Switching information is found in the revised STTM book from here: http://www.laughinggrapepublishing.com. And a great listing of doctors whom patients recommend is within the NTH Yahoo group, plus help from patients about switching: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others )

    Reply
    • Elisbeth

      Would you please share your doctors info., as I live in Southeast Florida as well and I am looking for a new doctor? Thank you and God bless

      Reply
  74. Tammy

    Question I have been taking synthroid for years and can’t get my dr to give me anything else! I have had just about all the symptoms such as weight gain no energy at all muscle cramps very tired all the time and I really want to try something else! I have read all the bad stuff about armour and other thryoid meds so I don’t want anything to make my symptoms worse as in hair falling out more weight gain etc… But I came across the site and everyone seems to have good things to say about this np throid, how can my get my dr to prescribe this since he keeps saying my labs are all in the normal range but I still feel like crap and feel like I am getting worse by the day???

    (From Janie: Order the revised STTM book, read it, highlight it, underline it, and take it to your next appointment totally informed and assertive about what YOU want. http://www.laughinggrapepublishing.com If he won’t let YOU guide him, fire him and find a much better doctor.)

    Reply
  75. Narita

    I was so glad to hear about that I am not the only one having trouble with Erfa. I have been on it a couple of years and done great until my last batch 6 months ago. About 2 weeks after taking it I noticed old hypo symptoms appear. I called them and the Canadian pharmacy and they assured me all is the same.
    During that time my mom died and a lot of very stressful events in my life so I chalked it up to that. Until now I just can’t deny these ARE hypo symptoms returned.
    I saw the NP thyroid here and am waiting on a call from my doctor to see if he will write me a script for it. Praying this will work. Like the old Armour did before they reformulated it. If I can get something in the U.S. that works I am good with that.

    (From Janie: it’s true that a bad batch can appear here or there with any brand, not just Erfa. But also make sure that you haven’t fallen into low iron, which can cause T4 to convert to excess RT3 and thus a return of hypo symptoms)

    Reply
  76. Vikki

    Hi, I’ve been on Erfa, but the last 2 orders I got this summer I went immediately hypo. I think the high heat caused a problem. I am running out of an old bottle of Erfa so my on my request doc prescribed Acella’s NP Thyroid. Kinda scared because New Armour made me very sick. I have no thyroid anymore and for some reason, I can’t take very much. (I take 90 mg’s a day. Split into 2 doses one 7:30 am, 2nd at 12 noon. I split one pill and take 1 and 1/2 pills each time.)Just wondering if this is like Erfa?

    Reply
    • Karen Gardner

      Vicki. How are you doing on NP Thyroid going to start it today. Tried to order Erfa and it is on backorder they don t know how long. Thanks Karen

      Reply
  77. David

    I have been on NP Thyroid by Acella and take it sublingually. It really is very easy to take and practically crumbles in your mouth. I also take Cytomel 5 mcg 2x a day along with 2x a day of NP Thyroid. I have never felt so good. Plus I have lost over 30 pounds and still going. The Hypothyroid had caused me to gain approx 80 pounds over a two year period before it was finally diagnosed correctly. I would recommend the NP Thyroid by Acella to anyone. It’s also extremely inexpensive. I pay less than $5.00 for 60 1 grain tablets.

    Thanks Janie and keep up the good work on getting the word out.

    Reply
  78. Heather

    I was on the old Armour, had to double my dose on the new Armour. It’s 100% legal to get the Canadian meds – just make sure you have a script to send/fax to them. I can also add that not once in 3 years did I have issues getting my Armour. I was just given NP Thyroid without asking in place of Armour today, so I’ll be trying it out & seeing how it does.

    Reply
  79. Brigitte

    Hello all,

    Do You know if NP Thyroid is available just now? I take it since one Year and have heared that there are problems with Acella to order.

    this will be horrable if i cannot take Armour or others because of cellulose…

    thanks for answers
    have a nice day,

    brigitte

    (From Janie: it’s available)

    Reply
  80. Adrienne

    Thank you so so much Janie for such a great website and book! I just switched from Levo. and T3 combo to Armour 6 days ago. I am stil looking for a pharmacy that carries NP Thyroid in my area. So far I feel OK, although my temps have been low and the lowest this morning. I am taking 1&1/2 grains, chewing or letting the pills dissolve. I hope things get better.

    Reply
  81. Melissa

    Just took my first dose of Thyroid NP today (and 1st time sublingually-didn’t know about this procedure until recently)after being on Armour for 12 yrs. Very curious to see if I can see or feel any differences. When doing some research online there were some websites that stated that it did not make a difference to take your thyroid meds sublingually that the molecules were too large to be dissolved. Anyone have any additional info? BTW, I was shocked to see the price of a 3-month prescription was ONLY $2.15 – WoW! If this really works and costs this much it will be a God-send!

    (From Janie: too many folks over the years have noticed a difference when taking NDT sublingually to believe those websites which say otherwise. https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others for patient groups)

    Reply
  82. Hilary

    Just wanted to include an update on ERFA from my last post on Aug. 15. After a year of very good results, I got a “bad bottle” of ERFA and switched to NP from Acella. I really do like the Acella so I stayed on it BUT I did order another refill of the ERFA to see if it was just that one bottle that was bad (or something weird happened in transit, like temperature change, etc.) ANYWAY, the next bottle of ERFA was FINE. So now I’m on both Acella (orally, a.m.) and I’m taking ERFA as my afternoon dose sublingually. Win/win.

    Reply
  83. Sheila

    Janie, first I want to say that your work and website give me more help than I have felt for ten years. Thank you!

    Also, I have a question. I wanted to supplement with Selenium & Milk Thistle seed. I purchased selenium (L-selenomethionine)200MCG and noticed on the ingredients that it contains microcrystalline cellulose & modified cellulose gum. The Milk Thistle Seed 30:1 Extract 150 MCG contains cellulose.

    My questions is, will the cellulose in these supplements cause absorbtion issues with my NP Thyroid? Because I read that some people take their selenium with their thyroid meds to help absorbtion, but I also read that an absorbtion problem with the new Armour Thyroid is caused by the addition of cellulose. I just don’t want to cause myself to go through that again!

    (From Janie: possibly. And I see no need to take them together anyway. It’s your serum and cellular levels of selenium that will. Do NP Thyroid sublingually, too. For further exploration on this, here are great patient groups: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others)

    Reply
  84. Sheila

    I have used the NP Thyroid for about 4 months now. Everytime I refill, I feel great and loose a couple of pounds, but only for 1 to 2 weeks. Then, I start getting the hypo feelings all over again. Is anyone else experiencing this? I wonder, if my refills are from an old lot or have they reformulated since December 2011?

    (From Janie: you may not be on enough. Join patient groups for good feedback: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/talk-to-others)

    Reply
  85. Tiffany

    Is it true that Acella has stopped making np thyroid? Went to get rx filled yesterday at walgreens and was told this!!! I need my meds…i finally feel great and never want to be without them!

    (From Janie: everyone is still able to get NP Thyroid. Try another pharmacy.)

    Reply
  86. Elizabeth

    I switched from Armour to NP thyroid Acella and have been very pleased. The Acella dissolves very quickly compared to the Armour. I feel better since switching to the Acella. I have been taking it for six months.

    Reply
  87. judy Porter

    I’ve had blood work done and all are in a good range with the NP Thyroid made by Acella

    Used Erfa from Canada. I would still be on it except for this. My insurance covers almost all of the cost. Paid under $3 dollars for 120 1 grain tablets. I think out of pocket price would be around $100 by the time it was shipped. That’s the other thing. I do not like my thyroid meds going through the mail system and exposed to all types of temperatures. The Canada store was great to me and meds arrived as soon as three days. You can order by 100s. We usually ordered 500 at a time and they come in the Erfa’s bottle with information and sealed. Erfa has always been the same with each batch. It does have label of Erfa. Of course you need a written doctor scrip for dessicated thyroid. We just sent them email as an attachment. Then I liked paying by phone. We had an account with them after our first order. Erfa or Acella’s thyroid are good.

    Reply
  88. Connie

    Your website if fantastic, you know I have a new rx from universal drugs and I have been expieriencing symptoms, weight gain, swollen ankles, fatigue, low temp, had a new test and indicates low levels, and now I read Erfa has changed ???

    (From Janie: Rumor. Just raise it)

    Reply
  89. Karen

    I was feeling great on the original Armour. I then was switched to NP thyroid by Acella. It is not working per blood test results and how I am feeling. I am considering Erfa now.

    Reply
  90. Thyroidgirl

    UPDATE TO LAST POST. I called Acella and they told me there were no issues with NP Thyroid availability. Then called my pharmacist. The pharmacist who told me NP Thyroid was not available was mistaken, and was thinking of Nature-throid. Big relief for me, but may be an issue for any of you currently doing well with Nature-throid.

    Reply
  91. Stacy

    Would love to read more comments from people who have been on the NP thyroid for a long enough period of time to see if it is working for them 🙂 Hopefully, people are having good results. This website is a blessing..

    Reply
  92. Roberta Rose

    Is the new NP thyroid gluten free? I see it contains malodextrin as a filler and that can be made with wheat. Does anyone know for sure? I’ve read about some people with celiacs getting sick from it.

    Reply
  93. Hilary

    I’m also having a problem with my latest bottle of ERFA from Universal Drugstore. I’ve been on ERFA about a year (always through Universal Drugstore) and was loving it until the last bottle, which came from Canada instead of New Zealand. Hypo symptoms returned in a week. I’ve ordered another refill to see if it was just a “bad batch” but I’m calling my doc today to get a scrip for NP in the meantime. I’m so happy and relieved to hear good things about it. I’ve been meaning to try it but was loving my nice, cheap, reliable, three-month supplies of ERFA…until now.

    Reply
  94. Cathy

    I switched from Armour to NP a few weeks ago and really like it a lot better so far. I never felt right on the Armour and I was on it for a year…and I am on a lower dose of the NP and feel better. This is very encouraging

    Reply
  95. Kat

    I just started taking Acella NP and really like it. For me, it’s much, much better than Naturethroid or the new Armour, which left me very hypothyroid and sent me into severe adrenal fatigue. I have been taking Acella sublingually and it dissolves just fine. I can feel it kick in and give me an energy boost just like the old Armour did. Back when I took the old Armour, I didn’t get much absorption from it when I took it sublingually, so I’m surprised that the Acella NP works for me in this manner.

    Thanks Janie for this great website. It’s really been a lifesaver for me!

    Reply
    • Karen Gardner

      Hi Kat. Are you still taking NP Thyroid I just started it today and I feel good. Like the old Armour. I just took it with water. Mood is lifted. It s a blessing. Hope this feeling lasts. How much do you take So far I took 1 grain and I will take another 1/2 around 3 pm. Hope this company does not stop making or reformulates. Thanks. Karen.

      Reply
  96. Kym

    I just started Acella’s NP Thyroid today. Will let you know the results as I DESPISE the New Armour! Janie, why can’t other dessicated pills be taken sublingually? What’s the difference? Has anyone been on NP Thyroid long enough to give some updates?

    Reply
  97. Rosie

    I was a happy camper on the old Armour thyroid, since the reformulation, not doing as well but still take it because it doesn’t have talc or mineral oil or cornstarch added to it. These are ingredients that I do not want to put into my body. I break up the Armour with my teeth and let it sit under my tongue for awhile sometimes all of it disappears and other times when I don’t want to wait a long time for it to dissolve, after breaking up the tab will then swallow with water. My daughter takes ERFA and she’s OK with it but I don’t see her doing as well as when she was on the old formula for Armour. Too bad, that we are looked at as $$$$$ instead of fellow human being in need of help.

    Reply
  98. Judy R

    I get my thyroid meds from Canada via Universal Drug. I am not sure, but believe it is ERFA. It was a good substitute for the Armour Thyroid when Armour was no longer available. However, this January I began taking a new refill, and had about 2-3 months of problems that I finally determined was the new prescription. I called Universal Drug and they told me this was the same prescription, however it came from another country because at the time it was renewed, the supply was not available from Canada. Needless to say, I requested another order and specified I wanted no order to come from another country (such as Taiwan). After receiving a new order, my symptoms nearly immediately disappeared. I always recommend to my friends that I take these sublingually along with B12, which made a noticeable difference when I learned on this website to do this. Thank you STTM!

    Reply
  99. Amy Weber

    I just started a half grain of Acella NP Thyroid today-to replace the T-4 I have been on for 12 long years. I am only supposed to be taking a half of a half grain, but the tablet is so small it would not split evenly with my pill splitter.
    I think a quarter grain is too small of a dose to start on, especially since I have been on 112 mcg of levothyroxine for more than six months…so I will have to see. I feel ok so far today. I got mine from Walgreens as well, but I will have to check out the discount card, and ask my doctor to write the script differently so I can get three months at a time. The Acella was no problem to do sublingually. Slightly sweet, took about 15 min. Great idea to do it with a sublingual B-12. Thanks!

    (From Janie: Amy, be very careful with staying on such a low dose much longer than a week without raising. Learn from other patients: https://stopthethyroidmadness.com/things-we-have-learned )

    Reply
  100. Danielle

    Bill T – I contacted ERFA yesterday to inquire about this as I take them, too. This was the reply:

    Thank you for contacting Erfa Canada Inc. I can assure you that our formula has not changed since 30 years and we do not intend to change it. We are regulated by Health Canada and a change in the formulation is something we can’t and do not want to do.

    Reply
  101. Bill T.

    I just recieved my script for ERFA and noticed instantly the tabs were different.I took it anyway within 2 days,I noticed hypo symptoms immediately.So i called them up only to find out what I already knew it also has been reformulated. So it seems ERFA has fallen to the same circumstance.What a shame.

    Reply
  102. Starrie

    Thanks, Janie. Sublingually is a must for me, too. 😉 I might consider trying it later this year as I am currently 6 months pregnant and don’t want to mess with my levels right now.

    Reply
  103. Starrie

    So, is the conclusion that this is something those of us currently on ERFA thyroid can consider switching to? I would really like that because I find ordering from Canada expensive and a hassle. What is your opinion, Janie?

    (From Janie: I think you can consider it. I am personally staying on Erfa for the time being, as I like that I can do it sublingually, no matter if someone else criticizes sublingual administration for the wrong reasons. lol )

    Reply
  104. Tina

    I just started on the NP Thyroid 30mg switched from Synthroid. Switched on April 5th…still very fatigued and low mood. I am trying sublingual much to my pharmacist’s dismay. Since I am new to this method I am not sure if I am doing it right. The pill does not completely dissolve …it leaves particles under my tongue….Is this normal? Very light sweet taste …the residue left under my tongue has no taste….

    (From Janie: not all desiccated thyroid tablets can be done well sublingually. Erfa’s Thyroid from Canada is currently the only one. Armour used to be that way, which we loved, but Forest Labs cares less about patient opinion and changed it. The residue may be the excess and ridiculous cellulose. You can also try adding a little sugar to help with dissolution)

    Reply
  105. Gayle

    I have been taking NP Thyroid by Acella since December. I find it sweet, it dissolves under the tongue in 10-15 min (even faster if I am taking a B-12 sublingually) and I am taking 3 grains instead of the 3-3/4 grains of the new Armour. It does have a faint smell, but who cares! I am buying it from Walgreens with the “W” discount card, which costs $20 a year. My price with the discount card for my last order was $27.44 for 360 one grain tablets (a three month supply–my doctor wrote the prescription for 4 per day so I could adjust if I needed to). It’s always cheaper to buy a three month supply rather than one month–you know, buying in bulk. The regular price without the discount card is around $60. I have “very good” health insurance, but still find that the co-pay for several medications is quite a bit more than buying them with the discount. So anyone without insurance should not worry about the price of their thyroid medication–it is less than $10 a month for 4 grains a day. Can’t beat that for having your life back!!!

    Reply
  106. Sally

    I’m taking Acella sublingually and like it much better than Naturethroid. It dissolves quickly and has a sweet taste, not at all chalky. My dose is 150 mg., so I’m taking 2 and a half 60 grain tablets. It’s not hard to split. I’m going to stay with it!

    Reply
    • NovsLea Bradshaw

      My doctor wants to switch me to NP from Naturethroid I have bad side effects my hair has not stopped falling out. It will 10 months so he told me to research NP. Have you experienced any side effects?

      Reply
  107. Cheryl Benkert

    My 18 yo ds and I are both taking the Acella sublingually –
    -it is sweet
    -it does take a few minutes to break down, so I bite it in half and then stick it under my tongue,
    -it is not as gritty as the Naturethroid (which I was on for 2 months)
    -I did notice a “smell” when I first got the bottles (I never was on the “old” Armour, but wondered if that’s what it smelled like) I don’t notice it now.
    -as far as effectiveness, it seems to be about the same as the others I have taken – (all better than synthetic T4!)

    Cheryl in southern Utah

    Reply

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