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Armour Thyroid vs Cytomel
Introduction
For patients with hypothyroidism or other thyroid-related disorders, certain drugs that adjust the levels of thyroid hormone in the body can help manage symptoms and restore normal bodily functions. Armour Thyroid and Cytomel are two such medicines prescribed for these conditions. They each have a different composition but both aim to replace or provide more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland.
Armour Thyroid is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands, containing both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), hormones normally produced by your body's own thyroid gland. On the other hand, Cytomel contains only synthetic T3 and no T4. This makes it helpful for people who have difficulty converting T4 into active T3 within their bodies due to genetic mutations or other reasons.
Armour Thyroid vs Cytomel Side By Side
| Attribute | Armour thyroid | Cytomel |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Armour Thyroid | Cytomel |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken if using or have recently used Amiodarone | Should not be taken if using or have recently used Amiodarone |
| Cost | Around $25 for 30 tablets (60 mg), approximately $0.83/day | About $130 for 30 tablets (50 mcg), roughly $4.33/day |
| Generic Name | Desiccated Thyroid | Liothyronine Sodium |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Overactive thyroid symptoms, heart disease symptoms, low adrenal gland hormones | Allergic reactions, chest pain or rapid pounding heartbeat, unwanted weight loss |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Amiodarone | Amiodarone |
| Typical Dose | 15-120 mg/day, starting dose often 30 mg/day | 25 mcg/day, increasing by 12.5 to 25 mcg every one or two weeks, up to 50 to 100 mcg/day |
What is Armour Thyroid?
Armour Thyroid is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands, and it replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the human thyroid gland. This medication primarily treats hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and can also be used to prevent goiters (abnormal growth of the thyroid gland). Armour Thyroid contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), thus providing a more comprehensive treatment for those with low levels of these hormones.
On the other hand, Cytomel, whose generic name is liothyronine sodium, only contains T3 hormone. It was first approved by the FDA in 1956. Cytomel augments levels of free T3 in the body by supplementing this specific type of hormone directly. It's prescribed for similar conditions as Armour Thyroid but may have different effects due to its singular focus on one particular type of thyroid hormone. As such, side effects may vary between patients who take these two medications: some might experience better symptom management with Armour’s balance of T4 and T3 while others find that direct supplementation with Cytomel works best for them.
What conditions is Armour Thyroid approved to treat?
Armour Thyroid and Cytomel are both approved for the treatment of specific thyroid conditions:
- Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid (both Armour Thyroid and Cytomel)
- Goiter (enlarged thyroid), including prevention or management (specifically Armour Thyroid)
- Treatment or suppression of certain types of euthyroid goiters, such as nodular tissue, subacute or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and in multinodular goiter (specifically Cytomel)
How does Armour Thyroid help with these illnesses?
Armour Thyroid is used to manage hypothyroidism by providing a combination of both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), two hormones naturally produced by the thyroid gland. It does this by using desiccated pig thyroid, so levels can be maintained higher for longer periods of time. T3 and T4 are hormones that play an important role in metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, growth and development among other things. Individuals with hypothyroidism have relatively lower levels of these hormones due to an underactive or impaired thyroid gland. Therefore, by supplying both T3 and T4 hormones, Armour Thyroid can limit the negative effects of hypothyroidism and help patients manage their condition.
On the other hand, Cytomel only provides synthetic T3 hormone which is considered more potent but also has a shorter half-life than its counterpart - the T4 hormone. This means it needs to be taken more frequently throughout the day for consistent hormonal balance.
What is Cytomel?
Cytomel is a brand name for liothyronine, which is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3). It works by supplementing or replacing the T3 hormone in your body, which can be beneficial if your thyroid does not produce enough on its own. Liothyronine was first approved by the FDA in 1956 and it's often used when levothyroxine (T4) alone doesn't seem to be managing hypothyroid symptoms adequately.
Unlike Armour Thyroid, Cytomel does not contain any T4; it only provides T3. This means that its effects are likely to be more potent but also faster acting compared with those of Armour Thyroid. Some people find this helpful for relieving their symptoms quickly while others may experience side effects like rapid heartbeat, nervousness, or irritability due to sudden changes in hormone levels.
It's important to note that using Cytomel requires careful monitoring and regular blood tests as too much T3 can lead to hyperthyroidism with serious health risks such as irregular heartbeats and osteoporosis. However, under appropriate supervision, Cytomel can provide an effective solution for individuals who need supplemental T3.
What conditions is Cytomel approved to treat?
Cytomel is an approved medication for the treatment of:
- Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones
- Goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland
- Thyroid cancer after surgery and other treatments to reduce the levels of thyroglobulin (a specific type of protein produced by the thyroid gland) in order to monitor thyroid cancer recurrence.
How does Cytomel help with these illnesses?
Triiodothyronine, commonly known as T3, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays crucial roles in body's metabolism, heart function, digestion and bone maintenance. Low levels of T3 can lead to hypothyroidism with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and depression. Cytomel works by supplementing the body's natural thyroid hormones with synthetic T3 hormone thereby relieving some of the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. Its direct action on metabolic processes may also play a significant role in its effectiveness for treating thyroid disorders. Since it primarily affects T3 levels only, it is sometimes prescribed when a patient does not respond well to levothyroxine (a synthetic form of another thyroid hormone called thyroxine or T4), which is found in Armour Thyroid along with natural forms of T3. In certain cases it might be combined with levothyroxine for more balanced supplementation.
How effective are both Armour Thyroid and Cytomel?
Both Armour Thyroid and liothyronine (Cytomel) are effective in treating hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid gland. They were initially approved by the FDA several years apart, with Armour Thyroid being the older of the two medications. Since they contain different types of thyroid hormones - desiccated pig thyroid (containing both T4 and T3) for Armour Thyroid and synthetic T3 for Cytomel - they may be prescribed under different circumstances.
The effectiveness of Armour Thyroid and Cytomel in managing symptoms of hypothyroidism has been studied extensively over many decades; these two drugs have demonstrated similar efficacy in terms of restoring normal hormonal levels as well as similar safety profiles. However, studies do not typically compare these two drugs directly since their uses can differ based on individual patient needs.
A 2006 review concluded that treatment with levothyroxine plus liothyronine (like what you'd get from taking a combination of Synthroid, which is pure levothyroxine, or "T4," while also taking some amount of Cytomel), did not result in improved wellbeing or quality-of-life compared to treatment with levothyroxine alone.[1]
Armour Thyroid has a long history dating back to the late 1800s when it was first used to treat goiters before its use extended into treating other symptoms related to an underactive thyroid gland like lethargy, weight gain among others. The standard starting dose varies based on factors such as age, weight and severity of condition but usually falls within 15-120mg per day taken orally.
On the other hand, liothyronine sodium is a synthetic hormone replacement drug that treats hypothyroidism by replacing or providing more triiodothyronine (T3), one type of hormone produced by your thyroid gland. It’s available as both generic forms and brand-name versions including Cytomel and Triostat. Doctors might prescribe this medication if you need immediate relief from severe symptoms due to low levels of thyroid hormone because T3 acts faster than thyroxin(T4).
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1531889/
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At what dose is Armour Thyroid typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Armour Thyroid range from 15-120 mg/day, but studies have indicated that a starting dose of 30 mg/day is often sufficient for treating hypothyroidism in most adults. Children and adolescents may be started on lower doses based on their weight and age. In either population, dosage can be increased every two to three weeks if there is no or little response. The maximum dosage varies greatly depending on individual factors like body weight and the severity of the condition but should not exceed prescribed limits established by your healthcare provider.
At what dose is Cytomel typically prescribed?
Cytomel treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 25 mcg/day. Dose can then be increased by 12.5 to 25 mcg every one or two weeks until the desired response is achieved. The average full replacement dose of Cytomel is approximately 50 to 100 mcg/day, divided into two doses, spaced out evenly throughout the day. Maximum daily dose generally does not exceed 75-100mcg for adults and should be lesser in elderly patients and those with underlying cardiovascular disease. This may be adjusted if there's no sufficient response to treatment after several weeks at this level.
What are the most common side effects for Armour Thyroid?
Common side effects of Armour Thyroid and Cytomel can include:
- Nervousness, anxiety or irritability
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Tremors (shaking hands)
- Sweating excessively
- Sensitivity to heat
- Diarrhea, vomiting or nausea
- Weight loss despite normal eating habits
- Hair loss (this is usually temporary)
It's important to remember that these medications should be used as directed by a healthcare professional. If any of the side effects persist or worsen, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Armour Thyroid?
While both Armour Thyroid and Cytomel are used to treat hypothyroidism, they can have different side effects. Here's what you need to know about Cytomel:
- Overactive thyroid symptoms: These can include weight loss, increased appetite, palpitations, nervousness, diarrhea or loss of hair.
- Signs of an allergic reaction: Such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Heart disease symptoms: Fast or irregular heartbeat patterns may indicate heart issues.
- Diabetes warning signs: Increased thirst and urination could suggest that diabetes is being affected by the medicine.
- Low adrenal gland hormones warnings: Fatigue or weakness accompanied by nausea, vomiting or diarrhea might mean this medication is affecting your adrenal glands.
If you experience any of these adverse reactions while taking Cytomel (liothyronine), contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What are the most common side effects for Cytomel?
Cytomel, a type of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, may cause the following side effects:
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Headache, nervousness or irritability
- Sweating and increased sensitivity to heat
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Temporary hair loss (mainly in children during first few months of therapy)
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
It's important to note that Cytomel can also increase heart rate. If you feel unusually tired, weak or experience irregular heartbeat or chest pain while on this medication, it is critical to seek medical help immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Cytomel?
While Cytomel is generally well-tolerated, it can cause certain side effects in some individuals. These can include:
- Allergic reactions such as hives, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Chest pain or rapid pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
- Unwanted weight loss
- Tremors or shaking
- Nervousness and irritability
- Heat intolerance (feeling hot all the time) and excessive sweating
- Changes in menstrual cycle for women If any of these symptoms occur while taking Cytomel, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. It's also important to inform your doctor about other medications you are on before starting a regimen with Cytomel since certain drugs may interact negatively with this medication.
Contraindications for Armour Thyroid and Cytomel?
Both Armour Thyroid and Cytomel, along with most thyroid medications, may exacerbate symptoms of hyperthyroidism in some individuals. If you notice an increase in heart palpitations, excessive sweating or weight loss, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Armour Thyroid nor Cytomel should be taken if you are currently using or have recently used a medication known as Amiodarone that is typically prescribed for irregular heartbeat. Always inform your doctor about all the medications you're taking; Amiodarone tends to remain in the body long after discontinuation and can interact dangerously with both Armour Thyroid and Cytomel. While it varies among individuals depending on factors like age and overall health status, it generally takes several months for amiodarone to clear completely from your system.
How much do Armour Thyroid and Cytomel cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 30 tablets of Armour Thyroid (60 mg) averages around $25, which works out to approximately $0.83/day.
- The price for Cytomel (liothyronine sodium), on the other hand, is about $130 for 30 tablets (50 mcg), translating to roughly $4.33/day.
Hence, if you are in the higher dosage range for Armour Thyroid or use a lower dose of Cytomel, then Armour Thyroid could be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. However, it's important to remember that cost should not be your primary consideration when deciding between these two medications.
Moving on to generic versions - liothyronine and desiccated thyroid - costs can be significantly lower:
- Liothyronine is available in packs of 15 up to 1000 capsules with prices starting from as low as $0.20/day (if you buy the largest pack upfront), and not exceeding about $1/day depending upon your dosage.
- Desiccated thyroid comes in similarly sized packs but tends to skew cheaper still: Pricing starts at around just over a dime per day ($0.10) if buying larger amounts ahead of time and doesn't generally exceed more than half a dollar ($0.50) even at higher dosages.
Popularity of Armour Thyroid and Cytomel
Armour Thyroid, a type of natural thyroid hormone replacement made from desiccated pig thyroid glands, was prescribed to around 0.9 million people in the US in 2020. Armour Thyroid accounts for approximately 11% of all prescriptions for hypothyroidism treatment in the US and is favored by some patients due to its natural origin and combination of both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) hormones. However, it's important to note that Armour Thyroid dosage can be less consistent than synthetic formulations as it depends on the hormonal content of animal thyroids.
Liothyronine sodium, available under brand names such as Cytomel, was prescribed to about 1.2 million people in the USA during the same year. In comparison with other treatments for hypothyroidism, Cytomel accounts for just under 15% of overall prescription volume in this class. Liothyronine sodium is a synthetic form of triiodothyronine or T3 hormone which is usually produced naturally by your body's thyroid gland alongside with thyroxin or T4 hormone.
Conclusion
Both Armour Thyroid and Cytomel (liothyronine) are effective medications used in the treatment of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Both have been backed by clinical studies indicating their efficacy in treating this condition. Due to their different formulations, with Armour Thyroid providing both T3 and T4 hormones derived from animal thyroids, and Cytomel supplying synthetic T3 only, they tend to be prescribed under different circumstances.
Armour Thyroid is often considered as a first-line treatment option due to its combination of both thyroid hormones mimic more closely the natural hormone production of human body. On the other hand, Cytomel may generally be considered an adjuvant therapy added to levothyroxine (a synthetic form of T4), or for patients who do not respond well to treatments that solely contain levothyroxine.
Both drugs are available as generics which represents significant cost savings especially for patients who must pay out-of-pocket. It's worth noting that both Armour Thyroid and Cytomel may require an adjustment period; hence effects may not be noticeable right away.
The side effect profiles are somewhat similar between two drugs but each can cause unique adverse effects based on individual patient characteristics and dosage levels. For both medications, it is important for patients to monitor any symptoms like changes in appetite or weight shifts carefully when starting treatment or adjusting dose levels.
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Refrences
- Robbins, J. (1981, April). Factors altering thyroid hormone metabolism. Environmental Health Perspectives. Environmental Health Perspectives.http://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.813865
- Inaba, H., Suzuki, S., Takeda, T., Kobayashi, S., Akamizu, T., & Komatsu, M. (2011, November 16). Amiodarone-Induced Thyrotoxicosis with Thyroid Papillary Cancer in Multinodular Goiter: Case Report. Medical Principles and Practice. S. Karger AG.http://doi.org/10.1159/000333697
- Shakir, M. K. M., Brooks, D. I., McAninch, E. A., Fonseca, T. L., Mai, V. Q., Bianco, A. C., & Hoang, T. D. (2021, June 29). Comparative Effectiveness of Levothyroxine, Desiccated Thyroid Extract, and Levothyroxine+Liothyronine in Hypothyroidism. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. The Endocrine Society.http://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgab478