As you read this, we are having a shortage of desiccated thyroid from demand being greater than supply, and the unfortunate timing of the FDA in shutting down two generic makers. But there are several options to look at with your doctor until this is resolved, which could be by the end of this year. Use the Contact Me form to let me know what else I may add.
As of November, 2009, several below are also carrying Armour.
1) CANADIAN PHARMACIES: patients are finding good luck with ordering the Canadian “Thyroid” made by Erfa from website pharmacies. You will need your doctor’s prescription. If one site is closed down, check others:
*77canadapharmacy.com As of 9-09, $81 for 300 tabs of 60 mg, plus a flat $14 express shipping fee. Patient states these people were wonderful. As of 11-09, $119.97 plus 10.99 for shipping for 300 tabs. of 60 mg “Armour”
www.canadamedicineshop.com Shipping to US 9.95.
*universaldrugstore.com 60 mg – 100 pills $11: as of 11-09, Sells 300 tabs of 60 mg Efra for $58.50 including shipping
*canadadrugsonline.com 60 mg – 100 pills $45
*pharmacy-online.ca 60mg – 100 pills $22.64
*northwestpharmacy.com -60mg 100 pills $34.99
*doctorsolve.com/ – 60mg 100 pills $47
*candrugstore.com/ 60 mg 100 pills $47
*discountrxmart.com/ 60mg 300 pills $49 (this one doesn’t say Erfa) but it’s that by the description.
*crossborderpharmacy.com (same as canadameds.com) 60 mg – 500 pills $62 (as of 9-15-09, this has gone up to $119 on canadameds.com. Ludicrous)
With a little more required as far as paperwork, you can order directly from the makers of Erfa with a prescription: http://thyroid.erfa.net
2) COMPOUNDED DESICCATED THYROID: Some compounding pharmacies have plenty of powder in stock. Others will compound synthetic T3 and synthetic T4. Use this link to find a compounding pharmacy and you’ll need a prescription: http://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Compounding-Pharmacy Be sure to ask what you are actually getting in case it matters to you. Also, many compounders are adding a slow release filler, and patients report bad results. A better alternative can be to ask for ascorbic acid powder (Vit. C)
3) A GERMAN PHARMACY will send the medication abroad, prescription required and credit cards accepted. They source the thyroid from Europe and have no shortages. They will also compound any strength and combination you require. GERMANY’S THYREOGLAND from Munchen (Munich), Kloesterl Apoteke, Waltherstrasse, 80337 Muenchen. Phone: 089 54343211
4) NUTRI-MEDS: available for several years, Nutri-Meds is an OTC desiccated thyroid product in both bovine and porcine. It’s far weaker so you’ll have to take a lot more. Tell you doctor you are using it to maintain the relationship. http://www.nutri-meds.com/
5) THYROID-S or THIROYD: This is a desiccated thyroid made in Thailand that many patients swear by. Google “thyroid-s Sriprasit” or “thiroyd greater pharma” to find sources. Information on ingredients here. Keep your doctor informed of your use.
6) SYNTHETIC T4 and SYNTHETIC T3 (Cytomel): Yes, it will seem a bit nauseating for some to have to get a particular name brand of T4 that you can’t stand. But the combo will help you, and you’ll have to play with amounts to find the most optimal amount.
7) HEALTH FOOD STORE products: There are good over-the-counter products with raw thyroid you can check out. But as it true for Nutri-Meds, they are far weaker. Additionally, to raise these products high enough to get some relief of hypothyroid symptoms can result in you getting too much of added substances in these products. Check the labels.
Let me know of other options you have discovered and I’ll add them.
