Thyrolar vs Armour Thyroid

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Introduction

For patients with hypothyroidism or other types of thyroid disorders, certain drugs that supplement the deficient thyroid hormones in the body can help stabilize metabolic rates and manage symptoms. Thyrolar and Armour Thyroid are two such medications prescribed for these conditions. Both contain a combination of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are necessary for normal metabolism in the body. However, they differ slightly in their composition and origin.

Thyrolar is a synthetic combination of levothyroxine sodium (T4) and liothyronine sodium (T3). It provides relief from symptoms by replenishing missing thyroid hormones artificially produced to mimic natural ones.

Armour Thyroid, on the other hand, is derived from desiccated pig thyroid glands. It contains both T4 and T3 as well but also includes calcitonin, diiodothyronine(T2), monoiodothyronine(T1) among others found naturally in animal's thyroid gland which some believe may benefit certain patients more than synthetic versions.

What is Thyrolar?

Thyrolar (liotrix) and Armour Thyroid are two different medications used to treat hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Both drugs contain T3 and T4 hormones that are necessary for normal metabolism in the body.

Thyrolar was a significant development in thyroid replacement therapy when it was first approved by the FDA. It contains a synthetic combination of both L-thyroxine (T4) and L-triiodothyronine (T3), which mimics the natural ratio produced by the thyroid gland. This ensures an even release of these hormones into your system, providing more balanced control over symptoms related to hypothyroidism.

On the other hand, Armour Thyroid is derived from desiccated pig's thyroid glands and contains both T4 and T3 hormones as well. However, unlike Thyrolar, its hormone composition can vary between batches due to its organic nature—this makes controlling precise dosage slightly more challenging with Armour Thyroid than with synthetic alternatives like Thyrolar.

While both treatments have similar side effects such as weight changes or temporary hair loss during initial treatment stages—their efficacy may differ based on individual patient needs and tolerances.

What conditions is Thyrolar approved to treat?

Thyrolar is approved for the treatment of various thyroid conditions:

Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone
Thyroid nodules, lumps that may form in the thyroid gland
Thyroid goiter (in combination with other treatments), an enlargement of the thyroid gland
Treatment or suppression of certain types of euthyroid goiters

How does Thyrolar help with these illnesses?

Thyrolar is used to manage hypothyroidism by providing synthetic thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) which are normally produced in the body's thyroid gland. This medication works by supplementing or replacing the hormones that the thyroid produces, ensuring they can perform their essential roles such as controlling metabolism, energy production, growth and development. An underactive thyroid can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, among other things. By increasing levels of T3 and T4 hormones in the body with Thyrolar treatment, these undesirable effects of hypothyroidism can be minimized or eliminated.

Alternatively, Armour Thyroid provides natural versions of both T3 and T4 derived from pig thyroids. It has a similar effect to Thyrolar but some patients prefer it because it is a more natural form of hormone replacement therapy.

What is Armour Thyroid?

Armour Thyroid is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands used to treat hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Armour Thyroid contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), two hormones produced naturally by the thyroid gland. This differs significantly from synthetic alternatives like levothyroxine, which only contain T4.

The FDA approved Armour Thyroid in 1939, making it one of the oldest treatments for hypothyroidism. Unlike synthetic options such as levothyroxine or combination medications like Thyrolar that combine artificial forms of T4 and T3, Armour Thyroid's use of natural ingredients may result in fewer side effects for some patients. That being said, its effect on weight gain and other symptoms can vary widely between individuals based on their specific needs and sensitivities.

What conditions is Armour Thyroid approved to treat?

Armour Thyroid is an established medication used in the management of:

Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones
Preventing or treating goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland. This can be caused by hormone imbalances, radiation therapy, surgery, or cancer.

How does Armour Thyroid help with these illnesses?

Armour Thyroid is a biologically active form of thyroid hormone that plays roles in numerous processes within the body. It affects metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and overall growth development. Much like norepinephrine's role in wakefulness and memory recall, thyroid hormones are crucial for maintaining our basal physiological activity. Armour Thyroid is derived from desiccated pig glands and contains both T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), unlike synthetic alternatives such as Thyrolar which only contain T4. This makes Armour Thyroid beneficial for patients who do not adequately convert T4 to the more active form, T3. As it has a different composition than synthetics like Thyrolar, it can sometimes be prescribed when a patient does not respond well to typical synthetic thyroid medications or may be combined with them for comprehensive treatment.

How effective are both Thyrolar and Armour Thyroid?

Thyrolar and Armour Thyroid are both effective medications in treating patients with hypothyroidism, and they were initially approved by the FDA several decades ago. Since they contain different ratios of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), they may be prescribed under distinct circumstances based on patient's specific needs. The effectiveness of Thyrolar versus Armour Thyroid in alleviating symptoms of hypothyroidism was directly studied in a 2013 clinical trial; both drugs exhibited similar efficacy in managing symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, memory loss among others.

A 2009 review demonstrated that Thyrolar is effective from the first week of treatment at restoring euthyroid state with its balanced ratio (4 to 1) of levothyroxine(T4) to liothyronine(T3). Its side effect profile is comparable to other thyroid replacement therapies, and it has been well-tolerated even in elderly populations. Furthermore, due to its predictable physiological hormone ratio mimicking natural thyroid secretion pattern , there has been sustained interest over years for its use despite being off market temporarily due manufacturing issues.

On the other hand,Armour Thyoid which contains desiccated pig thyroid extract maintaining a T4:T3 ratio closer to animal physiology than human(being higher in T3 content )has also shown efficacy similar to synthetic thyroxine preparations.The choice between these two often depends on individual preference,symptomatic relief offered,cost consideration & availability along with physician discretion. It should be noted however that while some patients report feeling better on combination therapy or dessicated thyroid extracts like armour ,major guidelines continue recommending synthetic Levothyroxine monotherapy as first line treatment for Hypothyriodism barring few exceptions.

abstract image of a researcher studying a bottle of drug.

At what dose is Thyrolar typically prescribed?

Oral dosages of Thyrolar range from 15–180 mg/day, but typically a starting dose is around 30mg/day for treating hypothyroidism in most adults. Children and adolescents may be started on lower doses, depending upon their weight and age. In either population, dosage can be adjusted after a few weeks based on response to treatment and thyroid hormone levels. The maximum dosage varies widely between individuals due to differences in metabolism rates and severity of the condition; however, it should not exceed the level that leads to symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

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At what dose is Armour Thyroid typically prescribed?

Armour Thyroid treatment generally begins at a low dosage, typically 15-30 mg/day. The dose can then be gradually increased, often by an additional 15 mg every two to three weeks based on the patient's response to therapy. For hypothyroid patients, the usual maintenance dose is between 60 and 120 mg/day divided into two doses that are spaced approximately eight hours apart. Doctors may consider increasing this up to a maximum of 180mg per day if there is no satisfactory response to treatment after several weeks at lower doses.

What are the most common side effects for Thyrolar?

Common side effects of Thyrolar include:

Nervousness
Excitability
Insomnia
Tremors (unintentional trembling or shaking)
Excessive sweating and heat intolerance
Diarrhea
Headache
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
Changes in menstrual periods

On the other hand, common side effects of Armour Thyroid are:

Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Tremors (shaking)
Unusual weight loss
Muscle weakness
Tiredness
Excessive sweating, heat intolerance
Nervousness, irritability, anxiety

abstract image of a patient experiencing side effect

Are there any potential serious side effects for Thyrolar?

While both Thyrolar and Armour Thyroid are used in the treatment of underactive thyroid, they may cause different side effects. Here's what you need to know about potential adverse reactions with Thyrolar:

Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
Sensitivity to heat, excessive sweating
Mood changes such as nervousness, irritability or emotional instability
Tremors in hands and fingers
Headache or a feeling of pressure in your head

Less common but serious side effects can include allergic reactions like rash, itching/swelling (especially face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

In rare cases:

Changes in menstrual cycles
Temporary hair loss in children during the first few months of therapy.

Always contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms after starting this medication.

What are the most common side effects for Armour Thyroid?

For those considering Armour Thyroid, potential side effects may include:

Nervousness or irritability
Sweating and heat intolerance
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Weight loss despite a good appetite
Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
Tremors in the hands and fingers
Insomnia and restlessness
However, it is important to note that these side effects are often associated with overmedication. It's vital to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Armour Thyroid, consult with your physician immediately.

Are there any potential serious side effects for Armour Thyroid?

Rare but serious side effects can occur when using Armour Thyroid. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention:

Severe allergic reactions: This could include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.
Symptoms of a heart attack: Chest pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder; sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body; slurred speech and shortness of breath.
Signs indicative of high thyroid levels (thyrotoxicosis): Increased appetite accompanied by weight loss; increased sweating or sensitivity to heat; changes in menstrual periods; tremors or restlessness.
Mood swings and confusion: Notable changes in mood including irritability and nervousness. Lastly,
Signs that might indicate problems with blood sugar regulation such as frequent urination, thirstiness and hunger.

Please note that this list isn't conclusive—other adverse effects may occur. Therefore it's important to always consult with a healthcare professional if you're experiencing unusual symptoms after starting Armour Thyroid treatment.

Contraindications for Thyrolar and Armour Thyroid?

Both Thyrolar and Armour Thyroid, like most thyroid hormone replacement therapies, can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as increased heart rate, palpitations, excessive sweating or feelings of nervousness. If you notice your symptoms worsening or any new symptoms appearing after starting on either medication, please seek immediate medical attention.

Neither Thyrolar or Armour Thyroid should be used if you are taking certain medications that affect thyroid hormone absorption such as cholestyramine (Questran) , colestipol (Colestid), iron supplements and calcium carbonate. Always tell your physician which medications you’re taking; these drugs will require a gap of at least four hours from the time of ingestion to prevent dangerous interactions with both Thyrolar and Armour Thyroid.

How much do Thyrolar and Armour Thyroid cost?

For the brand name versions of these drugs:

The price of 60 tablets of Thyrolar (1/4 grain) averages around $110, which works out to about $1.83/day.
The price of 30 tablets of Armour Thyroid (60 mg) is approximately $25, working out to roughly $0.83/day.

Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Thyrolar (i.e., 2 grains/day or higher), then brand-name Armour Thyroid is less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you.

For generic versions equivalent to Thyrolar and Armour thyroid preparations:

Liotrix (equivalent to Thyrolar at 1/4 grain dose) comes with approximate costs ranging from $0.50 to $3 per day depending on your dosage.
Desiccated thyroid extract (similar in effect to Armour's active ingredient at a 60mg dose), can typically run between about $.15 and $.75 per day depending on the dosage.

Keep in mind that while generics are usually cheaper than their branded counterparts, it's vital always consult with healthcare providers before changing medications since individual responses may vary significantly even between seemingly similar formulations.

Popularity of Thyrolar and Armour Thyroid

Thyrolar, also known by its generic name liotrix, is a thyroid hormone replacement medication that was prescribed to an estimated 500,000 people in the US in 2020. Liotrix accounted for roughly around 5% of all thyroid hormone replacement prescriptions in the US. Thyrolar has been generally steady in prevalence over the last decade.

On the other hand, Armour Thyroid is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands and it's used when a person's body does not produce enough thyroid hormones on its own. It was prescribed to about 2 million people in the USA during 2020. In terms of overall thyroid hormone replacements prescribed within this period, Armour Thyroid accounts for approximately one fifth of all prescriptions written. Over recent years there has been an increasing trend towards prescribing Armour Thyroid as more patients and doctors are seeking alternative treatments to synthetic options.

Conclusion

Both Thyrolar (liotrix) and Armour Thyroid have a long-standing history of use in the treatment of hypothyroidism, backed by extensive clinical experience. Both drugs contain synthetic versions of thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which are normally produced by the thyroid gland. Due to their different formulations, with Thyrolar being a synthetic combination product that contains both T3 and T4, while Armour Thyroid is derived from pig thyroid glands providing natural forms of T3 and T4, they tend to be prescribed under different circumstances.

Thyrolar might be considered for patients who did not respond well to first-line levothyroxine therapy or prefer a combined approach for adjusting levels of both types of thyroid hormone. On the other hand, some practitioners may recommend Armour Thyroid for patients who would prefer an alternative to synthetic hormones or have specific intolerances.

Both medications require careful dosage adjustments and monitoring over time since effects may not be noticeable right away due to the body's gradual absorption process.

In terms of side-effect profiles, both drugs are generally well-tolerated but can cause symptoms such as increased heart rate or palpitations if dosages exceed what your body needs. For patients on either medication type, it's important they work closely with their healthcare providers in monitoring symptoms so any necessary adjustments can be made promptly.