Desiccated (dried) thyroid is used to treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone). Symptoms of hypothyroidism include lack of energy, depression, constipation, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, dry coarse hair, muscle cramps, decreased concentration, aches and pains, swelling of the legs, and increased sensitivity to cold. Thyroid is also used to treat goiter (enlarged thyroid gland). Thyroid is in a class of medications called thyroid agents. It works by supplying the thyroid hormone normally produced by the body.

Thyroid comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken once a day before breakfast. Take thyroid at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take thyroid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of thyroid and gradually increase your dose. Thyroid helps control the symptoms of hypothyroidism, but does not cure this condition. It may take up to several weeks before you notice any change in your symptoms. To control the symptoms of hypothyroidism, you probably will need to take thyroid for the rest of your life. Continue to take thyroid even if you feel well. Do not stop taking thyroid without talking to your doctor.

Before taking thyroid,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to thyroid, any other medications, pork, or any of the ingredients in thyroid tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: androgens such as danazol or testosterone; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants; aprepitant (Emend); carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol); diabetes medications that you take by mouth; digoxin (Lanoxin); efavirenz (Sustiva); estrogen (hormone replacement therapy) human growth hormone (Genotropin); insulin; lovastatin (Altocor, Mevacor); nevirapine (Viramune); oral contraceptives containing estrogen; oral steroids such as prednisone (Deltasone); salicylate pain relievers such as aspirin and aspirin-containing products, choline magnesium trisalicylate, choline salicylate (Arthropan), diflunisal (Dolobid), magnesium salicylate (Doan's, others), and salsalate (Argesic, Disalcid, Salgesic); strong iodine solution (Lugol's Solution); and theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theolair, Theo-24, Quibron, others).
• if you take cholestyramine (Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), take it at least 4 hours before taking your thyroid medication. If you take antacids, iron-containing medications or nutritional supplements, simethicone, or sucralfate (Carafate), take them at least 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking your thyroid medication.
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had diabetes; osteoporosis; hardening or narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis); cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and fats, angina (chest pain), arrhythmias, or heart attack; malabsorption diseases (conditions that cause a decrease in absorption from the intestine); an underactive adrenal or pituitary gland; or kidney or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking thyroid, call your doctor.
• talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking thyroid if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take thyroid becasue it is not as safe as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
• >if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking thyroid.

Thyroid may cause side effects including:

• weight loss
• shaking of a part of your body that you cannot control
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• anxiety
• irritability or rapid changes in mood
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• increased appetite
• fever
• changes in menstrual cycle
• temporary hair loss, particularly in children during the first month of therapy

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash; difficulty breathing or swallowing
• chest pain
• rapid or irregular heartbeat
• swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• excessive sweating
• sensitivity or intolerance to heat
• nervousness
• seizure

Thyroid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Q: Why is Thyroid prescribed?

A: Is is used to treat hypothyroidism.

Q: What if I miss a dose of Thyroid?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Tell your doctor if you miss two or more doses of thyroid in a row.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Thyroid should be kept in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).