Thyroid Manufactured by Erfa (DesiccatedThyroid)

Desiccated thyroid is a thyroid medication made from dried pig thyroid glands. It contains both T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine), the main thyroid hormones. It is used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid does not make enough hormones. This medication works by replacing or supplementing these missing hormones. When taken as directed, it may help bring thyroid hormone levels in the blood back to normal.

Directions

This medication is taken by mouth, usually once a day on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. Take it 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast so your body can absorb it properly, and try to take it at the same time every day.

The dose is always individualized. Your doctor will decide the amount based on why you're taking it, your blood test results, and how you feel. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to see the full effect of a dose change.

Typical dose ranges from the product label are:

• Myxedema (severe hypothyroidism): usually 30 to 180 mg daily
• Other hypothyroid conditions: usually 60 to 300 mg daily
• Usual maintenance dose: 30 to 125 mg daily

Tablets should be swallowed whole; do not crush or chew them.

Children: Doses for children are based on age and body weight and must follow specific pediatric guidelines. In babies with congenital hypothyroidism, full treatment doses should be started as soon as the condition is diagnosed, with close monitoring by a healthcare provider.

Never adjust your dose on your own. Changes should always be guided by your healthcare provider using thyroid blood tests and your symptoms.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in this drug is desiccated thyroid.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Desiccated thyroid should not be used for weight loss. Using thyroid hormones for obesity is ineffective and can cause dangerous, even life-threatening side effects, especially when combined with stimulant-type diet pills.
• It should not be used for infertility unless the infertility is caused by untreated hypothyroidism. Using it otherwise offers no benefit and may cause harm.
• People with heart problems, including angina, high blood pressure, or suspected heart disease, need to use desiccated thyroid with extreme caution. Doctors usually start with very low doses because increasing thyroid hormone too quickly can strain the heart.
• If treatment improves thyroid levels but worsens heart symptoms, the dose may need to be lowered. The goal is to balance thyroid health without causing heart complications.
• Desiccated thyroid can worsen symptoms in people with diabetes or adrenal gland problems. These conditions may require adjustments once thyroid therapy starts.
• People on blood thinners like warfarin may become more sensitive to these medications while taking thyroid hormone. Doctors may need to monitor clotting tests more often and adjust dosing to prevent bleeding.
• High doses of thyroid hormone in infants can affect skull development, which is why dosing needs to be carefully monitored in babies and young children.
• In severe hypothyroidism emergencies like myxedema coma, thyroid medication must be given together with steroids. This helps the body handle treatment safely during a life-threatening episode.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Uncorrected adrenal cortical insufficiency
• Untreated thyrotoxicosis
• Hypersensitivity to any ingredients in the medication

Side Effects

Common side effects of desiccated thyroid include:

• Nervousness or irritability
• Tremors
• Headache
• Trouble sleeping
• Palpitations or a fast heartbeat
• Diarrhea or abdominal cramps
• Sweating or heat intolerance

These effects are usually related to taking a dose that is higher than your body needs. Symptoms often resemble those of an overactive thyroid, such as feeling jittery, warm, or having trouble sleeping. If these reactions persist or feel intense, the dosage may need to be changed.

More serious side effects, though less common, can include heart rhythm changes, chest pain (angina), or significant weight loss. In rare cases, people may have a sensitivity to the animal proteins in desiccated thyroid, which can cause intolerance or allergic-type reactions. Seek medical care if you experience severe palpitations, chest discomfort, fever, or symptoms that feel unusual for you.