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Note: as of late 2009, a shortage of prescription U.S. desiccated thyroid occurred due to demand being greater than supply. Additionally, the FDA in all their wisdom shut down production from the two remaining generic suppliers as they prepare to require clinical trials by RLC and Forest.  But there are options you can look at with your doctor until this shortage is resolved in your area.

Join thyroid patients in this smaller group as they unite to share ways to deal with the shortages: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CoalitionForDesiccatedThyroid/

NATURETHROID and WESTHROID are by RLS Labs (formerly Western Research Labs). Westhroid used to contain cornstarch as the filler, but is now made with the Microcrystalline Cellulose with identical ingredients as NATURETHROID. Both are consistently good products and highly recommended. Ingredients are:

  • Porcine Thyroid Powder, U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP)
  • Microcrystalline Cellulose  (synthetic fiber base to provide volume & bulk)
  • Dicalcium Phosphate  (from mined ore, holds tablet together)
  • Sodium Starch Glycolate (synthetically derived from starch molecule; aids in disintegration in stomach)
  • Magnesium Stearate  (Derived from a vegetable source like palm oil; lubricating agent for tablet compress).
  • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose  (Plant cellulose base, aka cotton or wood pulp; provides bulk with PEG)
  • Stearic Acid  (from vegetable source–typically palm oil; holds ingredients together).
  • Carnauba Wax  (from pores of leaves of Brazilian wax palm tree; provides complete seal of tablet)
  • Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)  (synthetic; used with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose for clear coating)
  • Colloidal Silicon Dioxide  (from mined ore: natural desiccant to protect from moisture and humidity)
  • Lactose Monohydrate (traceable amount as part of desiccated thyroid powder USP)

ARMOUR (Armour was reformulated in 2009, supposedly decreasing the amount of dextrose and increasing cellulose. Unfortunately, numerous patients report problems with it and a return of hypo symptoms. Many are switching to Naturethroid and are not recommending others use Armour). It’s made by Forest Pharmaceuticals. It is made in the following strengths: 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 grain tablets.  The 3 and 5 grain tabs are scored., One grain is 60 mg and contains 38 mcg. of T4 and 9 mcg. of T3, plus unmeasured amounts of T2, T1 and calcitonin. The latter three are not removed, as rumor occasionally states.  Each tablet contains:

  • Porcine Thyroid Powder, U.S. Pharmacopeia
  • Dextrose, Anhydrous (anhydrous means any water has been removed and makes the tablet more stable)
  • Microcrystalline Cellulose, NF
  • Sodium Starch Glycolate, NF
  • Calcium Stearate NF (stabilizer and lubricant)
  • Opadry White (Titanium dioxide used as whitening agent, but also contains trace amounts of PEG (polyethylene glycol), Polysorbate 80, and Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose. See below.) Armour Thyroid does not contain gluten or lactose. But neither do Naturethroid or Westhroid.

THYROID-S is from Sriprasit Pharma Co., Ltd. in Thailand (sister company of Sriprasit Dispensary R.O.P.) Advertising states that Sriprasit Pharma is “a leading importer of pharmaceutical products, and has been a GMP and ISO 9002-certified manufacturer of pharmaceutical products.” Patients report they are quite pleased with this product. Sriprasit states Thyroid-s is gluten-free, but a patient has reported classic gluten digestive symptoms with it.   To see a photo of the tablet, go here. Tablets are light brown, round, coated. The ingredients, according to Pongsak Songpaisan of Sriprasit are:

  • Thyroid extract USP
  • Lactose (a milk sugar and is a filler)
  • PVP K90 (Polyvinylpyrolidone; water soluble coating/binder; no known hazard)
  • Avicel (microcrystalline cellulose; holds product together)
  • Aerosil (silicic acid powder; help disperse the ingredients)
  • Sodium starch glycolate (helps dissolute/disintegrate the pill)
  • Magnesium stearate (filling agent)
  • Eudragit (a common sustain released coating)
  • Methocel (a water soluble cellulose ether-helps bind pill)
  • Talcum (a filler)
  • Ponceau 4r lake (red additive-aluminum)
  • Tartrazine lake (yellow additive-aluminum)
  • Brilliant blue FCF lake (blue additive-aluminum)
  • Sunset yellow FCF (yellow additive)
  • Titanium dioxide (white)
  • PEG 6000 (water soluble polymer; binder)
  • Dimethicone solution  (Thanks to Ruth-Ann for obtaining the ingredients list above; descriptions added)

On 8-09, received an email from a US Doctor who received the following list after emailing Sriprasit:  

Fillers used: Corn starch, actose, Avicel  (microcrystalline cellulose; MCC)
Binders used: PVP K-90 (Polyvinylpyrrolidone)
Preservatives used: Methyl paraben, Propyl paraben
Content in one tablet (60 mg  thyroid  extract): approximately 38 mcg Levothyroxine (T4)  and 9 mcg Liothyronine (T3)
Source of extract: Porcine

Patient states: The Thyroid-S tablets are brown with a hard coating, they do not dissolve well as is, but can be chewed. They have a papaya like taste similar to “Thiroyd” below.

THIROYD (yes, that’s how they spelled it) by Greater Pharma Ltd., a leading Thai Pharmaceutical Manufacturer. An email to a patient by Greater Pharma states that “thiroyd” at one grain contains T3 at 8.31 microgram; T4 at 35 microgram, which is 0.013% and 0.058% respectively. Thyroid patient Samantha states: The Thiroyd tablets are white and have a sweet taste almost like papaya or a similar fruit. They dissolve very well sublingually and seem to have a very good potency.  Entire paper insert with info is written in English:  Greater Pharma Manufacturing Co. Ltd
55/2 Phutthamonthon, Nakhon, Pathom. Like Thyroid-S, this is ordered over the net.

AUSTRALIA’s compounded thyroid: Desiccated thyroid in Australia is mostly done through compounding pharmacies and is usually called “thyroid extract”.  A patient asked Australian Custom Pharmaceuticals, Australia’s largest compounding-only pharmacy, about their ingredients.  It was stated that the only ingredients put in the capsules are the active ingredient (thyroid extract) and microcrystalline cellulose as the filler. At ACP 60mg (equivalent to 1 grain) contains 33.4mcg T4 and 8.37mcg of T3. However , together T4 and T3 may potentiate each other giving a therapeutic effect equivalent of 25mcg of T3 and 100mcg of T4 per 60mg. The thyroid extract in porcine derived, and it is bought from an overseas supplier. Australian Custom Pharmaceuticals Ph. 1300 853 620 Fax. 02 8536 4155 (Thanks to Juanita for providing this information)

CANADA’S “THYROID”, formerly by Phizer and is now by Erfa. They come in 30, 60 and 125 mg tablets. They contain:

DENMARK’S THYREOïDUM from Biofac in Kastrup, Denmark. Imported into the Netherlands from BUFA/Fargo, importers of pharmaceutical products.

½ grain = 29 mg (12.7 mcg T4 and 4.5 mcg T3)

1 grain = 57 mg (25.3 mcg T4 and 9 mcg T3)

2 grain = 114 mg (50.6 mcg T4 and 18 mcg T3)

Pig thyroid. Some websites state the T4/T3 ratio can vary from 2.3: 1 to 3.8: 1 depending on the lot.  Meets standards of US Pharmacopoeia.  Contains Microcrystalline cellulose as a filler. Also may contain lactose, sodium, chloride, starch, sucrose or glucose.

(Thanks to Julia Hendryx of the Netherlands for alerting me of this desiccated thyroid!)

GERMANY’S THYREOGLAND from Munchen (Munich), Kloesterl Apoteke, Waltherstrasse, 80337 Muenchen. Phone: 089 54343211

1 grain Armour=100 mcg levothyroxine=40 mcg Thyreogland. Clear gelatin capsules with loose powder inside. May have magnesium searate as a filler. The 25 mcg tablet specifies “25 mcg T4 and circa 6 mcg T3″ on the label. Thanks to thyroid patient Amy for the above information.

Anna sent me this: the Kloesterl Apotheke (pharmacy) Munich Tel: 0049 (0)89 / 54 34 32 11 offers 4 different strengths:  25 mcgr T4+5.9 mcgr T3; 50 mcgr T4+11.8 mcgr T3; 75 mcgr T4+17.8 mcgr T3 ; 100 mcgr T4+23.7 mcgr T3. The 75 mcgr one is nearly exactly the equivalent of 2 grains of armour.  Also they add the amino acid tyrosine in  the capsules as a filler. She advises all Germans to phone them and get the leaflet.  It’s more or less the only information about natural thyroid treatment available in German that one can take to a doctor.

Also available in Germany: compounded pork thyroid, aka Schilddruesen-Extrakt, in different grains. Obtained from pharmacy Receptura, Altenhoeferallee 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.  Phone: +49-69/92 880 300 E-Mail: order@receptura.com

ITALY’s “CINETIC” dried thyroid, produced by Teofarma srl – Pavia, Italy, contains:

  • Dried Thyroid
  • Dextrate
  • dicalcium phosphate
  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • magnesium stearate
  • talc
  • sandarac resin
  • gum arabic
  • gelatin
  • saccharin
  • titanium dioxide
  • indigotine (E132)
  • PVP
  • white beeswax

Active ingredients: 75 mg dried thyroid (equal to 25.5 mcg T4 and 7.5 mcg T3); organic iodine 0.150 mg in thyroid combination)

Tablets are coated. 75 mg with 50 tablets in blister pack. Package insert recommends 1-2 tablets, 3 times a day (though that may end up being different according to your needs). They also recommend to swallow pills with water, without chewing and without dissolving. To be stored not above 77F/25C

(Thanks to Beatrice for translating and sending the above information!)

NEW ZEALAND’S Whole Thyroid, which is compounded desiccated thyroid by Pharmaceutical Compounding New Zealand (PCNZ).   Phone: 09-442-1727  Fax: 09-442-5851  Email: info@pharmaceutical.co.nz   Website: http://www.pharmaceutical.co.nz/

GENERIC NATURAL THYROID (which includes one called Qualitest) by TIME-CAPS LABS (as of 2009, this one appears to have been discontinued). It contained thyroid powder, microcrystalline cellulose, Dicalcium phosphate,  Colloidal silicon dioxide, Sodium starch glycolate, Steric acid, Magnesium stearate, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and “other ingredients” (which we did not know). It was unpopular due to being weaker. Another generic maker is called URL, or United Research Labs, which is a sister company to Mutual Pharmaceutical. As of 8-07, it’s reported by a patient that Qualitest now has the same smell as Armour, which is different than the lack of smell it had before. As of 2009, it may have also been discontinued.  In 2009, an active generic still around by Major Pharmaceuticals, simply called Thyroid, or generic Thyroid, 31778 Enterprise Drive; Livonia, MI. 48150

NUTRI-MEDS PORCINE, a non-prescription brand of natural thyroid, CONTAINS:

  • Whole Dessicated Thyroid Glandular Concentrate – Porcine
  • Raw Porcine Thyroid Tissue 130 mg.
  • Dicalcium Phosphate
  • Magnesium Sterate (Natural Tableting Agent)

Patients report that over-the-counter thyroid products, including Nutri-meds, are far weaker than all the above, so they have to take quite a lot.  Yes, they may be good in a pinch for help. Not sure about long term support.

THYROLAR: Thyrolar (liotrix) is not natural desiccated thyroid. But, since it’s a step up from using T4 alone, it’s worth a mention. Thyrolar is synthetic T3 (L-triiodothyronine) and synthetic T4 (levothyroxine sodium) with a ratio of four parts T4 to one part T3.  No T2, T1 or calcitonin. The tablets need to be kept refrigerated. Patients who’ve tried both Thyrolar and desiccated thyroid report the latter gives them far better results. But, when needed, Thyrolar can be another alternative. Made by Forest Pharmaceuticals.

CYTOMEL, which is synthetic T3 only, and is sometimes needed temporarily by those who have a high RT3 and can’t tolerate the T4 in desiccated thyroid until they correct their adrenals or other issues causing it.  Made by King Pharmaceuticals. (There are other generic versions out there of this.)  Cytomel ingredients include:

Liothyronine (synthetic version of triiodothyronine aka T3)
calcium sulfate
gelatin
starch
stearic acid
sucrose
talc

Want to order your own labwork to later show your doctor??  We have recommended labwork with several lab facilities, plus two on the top with STTM created labwork!

Need help interpreting your labwork? Go to www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/lab-values/

INGREDIENT EXPLANATIONS:

Microcrystalline Cellulose
synthetically derived fiber base (similar to plant-derived). It is typically utilized as a filler in a tablet (to provide volume and bulk).
Dicalcium Phosphate
derived from a mined ore. It is typically utilized as a binder in a tablet (to hold all the ingredients during compression).
Colloidal Silicon Dioxide
derived from a mined ore. Typically utilized as a natural desiccant in a tablet (to provide barrier from moisture and humidity).
Sodium Starch Glycolate
Synthetically derived starch molecule (similar to potato starch). It is typically utilized as a disintegrating agent in a tablet (to aid in proper disintegration of the tablet in the stomach).
Magnesium Stearate
Derived from a vegetable source (typically palm oil). It is typically utilized as a lubricating agent in a tablet (to aid in proper compression of the tablet).
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Derived from a plant cellulose base (typically cotton blend or wood pulp). It is typically utilized as a granulating agent in a tablet (to provide bulk and density to the tablet for proper compression) as well as part of a clear coating solution (with PEG).
Polysorbate 80
An inactive water soluable emulsifying agent which blends the ingredients of mixtures and prevents separating.
Stearic Acid
Derived from a vegetable source (typically palm oil). It is typically utilized as a binder in a tablet ( to hold all the ingredients during compression).
Carnauba Wax
Derived from the pores of the leaves of the Brazilian wax palm tree. It is utilized in the final stage in tablet coating (to provide a complete seal).
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)
Synthetically derived, water-soluble, waxy solid. It is utilized with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose as part of the clear coating solution.
Lactose Monohydrate
Present in traceable amount as part of Thyroid USP (diluent)
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