provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Armour Thyroid Coupon - Armour Thyroid 60mg tablet

Armour Thyroid

desiccated thyroid
Used for Thyroid Cancer, Hypothyroidism, Goiter
Used for Thyroid Cancer, Hypothyroidism, Goiter

Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) is a prescription medication used to treat hypothyroidism and other various thyroid-related health concerns for children and adults. It works by bringing your low thyroid hormone levels back up to normal. The active ingredients come from an animal source, so it might be a good choice if you're looking for a natural thyroid replacement. You typically take a dose by mouth just once daily, and side effects are rare unless you take too much of it. There are other similar thyroid medications under other brand names (e.g., NP Thyroid).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Sarah Lobello Pearson, PharmD
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on June 20, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)?

01:45
Featuring Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS
Reviewed by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD | December 5, 2024

What is Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) used for?

How Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) works

Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) is a naturally-derived combination of the triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) thyroid hormones made by your thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones have important functions like controlling your metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and more. When the amount of hormone is too low, taking thyroid replacement hormones like Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can bring your levels back to normal.

Are you looking for information on levothyroxine (Synthroid) instead?
When does Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsArmour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, WP-Thyroid, Nature-Throid
Drug ClassThyroid hormone replacement (T3 / T4)
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) essentials

Health: Hypothyroidism: GettyImages 1140904394

Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism: 7 Differences You Should Know

Written by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$116.75(save 54.39%)
GoodRx discount
$53.25
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Side effects are rare and are typically related to too much thyroid hormone

Other Side Effects

  • Signs of having too much thyroid hormones in the body:
    • Nervousness
    • Irritability
    • Tiredness
    • Muscle weakness
    • Trouble tolerating heat
    • Trouble sleeping
    • Shaky hands
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Diarrhea
    • Weight loss
    • Mood swings
When do Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Symptoms of too much thyroid hormone
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

More on Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) side effects

armour thyroid: side effects armour thyroid

7 Armour Thyroid Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Changes in appetite

changes in menstrual periods

chest pain

diarrhea

fast or irregular heartbeat

fever

hand tremors

headache

irritability

leg cramps

nervousness

sensitivity to heat

shortness of breath

sweating

trouble sleeping

vomiting

weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)

thumbs-up

Pros

Natural thyroid hormone derived from an animal source

Taken once daily by mouth

Might work for people who haven't had success with other thyroid hormone medications

Can be used during pregnancy

thumbs-down

Cons

Amount of thyroid hormones can vary between batches of medication

Must separate from food and other medications

People with serious heart problems might require more careful dosing

Not traditionally approved by the FDA

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)

pharmacist

  • It's best to take Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) on an empty stomach, usually first thing in the morning before eating. That's because food can affect how much of the medication your body absorbs.

    • It's important to get all your blood work done while taking Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid). Your primary care provider will adjust your dose based on your thyroid hormone levels.

      • If you take other medications, talk to a healthcare professional or pharmacist first, as Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can affect how other medications work. They can help adjust your doses or suggest a schedule that separates your medications to prevent any interactions.

        • If you take cholesterol medications cholestyramine (Prevalite) or colestipol (Colestid), make sure you leave 4 to 5 hours between taking these and Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid). These cholesterol medications can lower the amount of thyroid hormone that your body absorbs.

          • If you have diabetes and are taking medications to lower your blood sugar levels, or if you're taking a blood thinner, your dose might need to be adjusted when you start Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid). Discuss all of your medications with your prescriber before starting Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid).

            • Talk to your prescriber if you start to have signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism (having too much thyroid hormone in your body), such as shakiness or fast heart beat. They might check your blood levels of your thyroid hormones and lower your Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) dose if necessary.

              More on Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) tips

              Health: Hypothyroidism: pharmacy tips hypothyroidism

              8 Tips for Taking Medications Like Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism

              Written by Emilie White, PharmD
              Health: Hypothyroidism: GettyImages-1015237518

              8 Signs Your Thyroid Medication Is Working

              Written by Frank Schwalbe, MD
              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)

              Is Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) a recommended treatment option?
              It's typically recommended that people take synthetic (man-made) thyroid replacement medications like levothyroxine (Synthroid) as a first-choice treatment, because there can be inconsistencies between different batches of Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid). Talk to your healthcare team if you have questions about using this medication over the other.
              What is Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) made of?
              The term natural thyroid medication means that the hormones come from an animal source instead of from synthetic (man-made) ingredients. Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) contains thyroid hormones that come from pigs. It also contains other chemicals in the medication that help hold the tablets together.
              Is Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) the same as levothyroxine?
              No. While Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) and levothyroxine (Synthroid) are both thyroid hormone replacement medications, they can't be substituted for one another. Levothyroxine (Synthroid) contains only the T4 hormone, while Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) contains both T3 and T4. Usually, prescribers recommend starting with levothyroxine (Synthroid) because it's the first-choice treatment for hypothyroidism. But if your symptoms don't get better with levothyroxine (Synthroid) treatment, some healthcare professionals might try switching you to Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid).
              Can you take Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) instead of Nature-Throid or WP-Thyroid?
              Yes. In September 2020, all lots of Nature-Throid and WP-Thyroid were voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer because they contained less thyroid hormone than they were supposed to. As of June 2024, all strengths of Nature-Throid and WP-Thyroid are unavailable. The company that makes these medications hasn't provided a date for when they'll become available again. If you've been taking Nature-Throid or WP-Thyroid, talk to your prescriber about switching to one of the brand-name medications (Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) or NP Thyroid) that are currently available.
              What are the side effects of too much Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)?
              Taking too much Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can cause symptoms like mood swings, hand tremors, anxiety, forgetfulness, and fast heart rate. If you're experiencing these effects or suspect you're taking too much of this medication, have a discussion with your healthcare professional.
              Does Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) cause weight loss?
              Changes in thyroid hormone levels can affect your metabolism and your body weight. Since Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) is a thyroid hormone replacement medication, it can potentially affect your weight. In general, taking Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) as prescribed is unlikely to change your weight by a lot. Using any kind of thyroid replacement specifically for weight management isn't effective and can be dangerous. In fact, taking higher than recommended doses of Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) for the purposes of weight management can raise your chance of having serious side effects or long-term complications. If you're looking for weight management options, talk to your primary care provider to learn about what's safe and effective.
              How long does it take for Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) to work?
              It typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks for your thyroid hormone levels to get back to normal after you start taking Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid).
              Does Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) cause hair loss?
              Children taking Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can experience some hair loss in the first few months of treatment. This typically doesn't last long, and hair growth will go back to normal.
              GoodRxEducationalIcon

              How to save using GoodRx

              Compare Prices
              1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
              Select your free coupon
              2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
              Show coupon to your pharmacist
              3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
              Get free couponLearn more
              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)?

              Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Not for weight loss

              • Risk factors: Taking other medications for weight loss

                Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) shouldn't be used for weight loss. It’s not recommended, safe, or effective for this purpose. Taking high doses of Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can cause serious or life-threatening side effects, especially if used with other medications for weight loss.

                risk-warning

                Dangerously low stress hormone levels (adrenal crisis)

                • Risk factors: Adrenal insufficiency | Addison's disease

                  In rare cases, you can have low thyroid hormones and low adrenal hormones at the same time. If this happens, replacing the thyroid hormones first can cause your adrenal hormones to drop even lower and make you feel unwell. Your prescriber should check the level of your adrenal hormones before prescribing Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid). If you experience long-lasting tiredness, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or dizziness, get medical attention right away.

                  risk-warning

                  Worsening diabetes

                  • Risk factors: Taking diabetes medication

                    Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can change the required dose of your diabetes medications. Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your prescriber. Talk to your prescriber if you notice blood sugar levels that are higher than usual. They might need to raise the dose of your diabetes medication.

                    risk-warning

                    Risk of heart problems

                    • Risk factors: Current heart disease or chest pain | Older adults

                      Taking too much Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can cause heart problems, especially in older adults or in people with certain heart conditions. Contact your prescriber or get medical care right away if you have rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Your prescriber might need to lower your dose if you experience new or worsening heart problems while taking this medication.

                      risk-warning

                      Interactions with other medications

                      Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) can cause changes in the levels of certain medications in your body. These medications include oral anticoagulants, insulin, and oral diabetes medications. On the other hand, other medications can have an effect on the levels of Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) in your system. This can include certain cholesterol medications and oral contraceptives.

                      Before you start taking Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid), talk to your prescriber about all the medications you take. They may need to change your dose or help you plan when to take each medication during the day. This makes sure your medications work well and lowers the chance of any interaction.

                      dosage

                      Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 90 tablets of 60mg of Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) is $109.38 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 6.31% off the average retail price of $116.75.
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      15mg90 tablets$83.78$0.93
                      30mg90 tablets$93.97$1.04
                      60mg90 tablets$109.38$1.22
                      90mg90 tablets$165.97$1.84
                      120mg30 tablets$69.56$2.32
                      180mg30 tablets$53.25$1.78
                      240mg30 tablets$64.09$2.14
                      300mg30 tablets$71.20$2.37

                      Typical dosing for Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)

                      The dose of Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) depends on what you're taking it for. Your prescriber will adjust your dose based on your response to the medication and the results of your thyroid level lab tests.

                      • Hypothyroidism: The typical starting dose is 30 mg by mouth daily. The dose can go up to 120 mg a day, depending on your body's needs. Your dose might be lower if you have certain health problems. The starting dose for children is based on their age and body weight.

                      • Lowering TSH: The dose is calculated by your prescriber based on your body weight and is typically given for 7 to 10 days.

                      More on Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) dosage forms

                      tnf-blockers: explaining pill bottle to patient 953623576

                      Armour Thyroid Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                      Written by Emilie White, PharmD
                      interactions

                      Interactions between Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) and other drugs

                      Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      • Kelp
                      drug-cost

                      How much does Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) cost?

                      To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                      Armour Thyroid (brand)
                      GoodRx lowest price

                      $103.50

                      (save 11.35%)
                      View prices & coupons
                      contraindications-icon

                      Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) contraindications

                      Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) will not be safe for you to take.
                      alternatives

                      What are alternatives to Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)?

                      There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                      Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)
                      Used for:
                      $53.25 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      Levothyroxine (Euthyrox)
                      Used for:
                      $4.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                      latest news

                      What is the latest news about Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)?

                      Learn about natural thyroid medications and why they might not always be the right choice over newer, FDA-approved thyroid medications.

                      Natural vs. Synthetic: Natural Thyroid Medications Sound Better, But Are They Really?

                      Learn about natural thyroid medications and why they might not always be the right choice over newer, FDA-approved thyroid medications.
                      Read on to learn about the side effects of Armour Thyroid — including the common, rare, and long-term side effects — and how to manage them.

                      7 Armour Thyroid Side Effects and How to Manage Them

                      Read on to learn about the side effects of Armour Thyroid — including the common, rare, and long-term side effects — and how to manage them.
                      Taking thyroid medication at the same time every day is important to prevent hypothyroidism symptoms. Learn what happens if you forget a dose and more.

                      What Happens If You Miss a Dose of Thyroid Hormone Medication?

                      Taking thyroid medication at the same time every day is important to prevent hypothyroidism symptoms. Learn what happens if you forget a dose and more.
                      Dairy products can affect how certain medications work in your body, potentially making them less effective. Here are the most common dairy interactions.

                      7 Medications That Can Interact With Dairy Products: Antibiotics, Levothyroxine, and More

                      Dairy products can affect how certain medications work in your body, potentially making them less effective. Here are the most common dairy interactions.
                      The typical starting dose of Armour Thyroid is 30 mg per day and will increase every couple of weeks. Get info on doctor-recommended dose adjustments here.

                      Armour Thyroid Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

                      The typical starting dose of Armour Thyroid is 30 mg per day and will increase every couple of weeks. Get info on doctor-recommended dose adjustments here.
                      You may not realize that some medications contain animal byproducts. Here's why, plus a list of common meds and which animals they come from.

                      Heparin, Premarin, and More: These Medications Are Made With Animal Byproducts

                      You may not realize that some medications contain animal byproducts. Here's why, plus a list of common meds and which animals they come from.
                      It’s suggested that you should take levothyroxine and other hypothyroidism medications on an empty stomach. Learn more tips to get the most of your medication here.

                      8 Tips for Taking Medications Like Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism

                      It’s suggested that you should take levothyroxine and other hypothyroidism medications on an empty stomach. Learn more tips to get the most of your medication here.
                      What are active and inactive ingredients? Where do these ingredients come from? Learn what’s in medications and how they’re made.

                      What’s in Your Medicine? A Guide to Ingredients

                      What are active and inactive ingredients? Where do these ingredients come from? Learn what’s in medications and how they’re made.
                      Armour Thyroid and levothyroxine are both medications used to treat hypothyroidism. But how are they different?

                      Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism: 7 Differences You Should Know

                      Armour Thyroid and levothyroxine are both medications used to treat hypothyroidism. But how are they different?
                      Synthroid (levothyroxine) is the most popular thyroid replacement drug. Here are the important details, including how it compares to generic levothyroxine, dosage, and more.

                      Synthroid for Thyroid Replacement Therapy: What You Should Know

                      Synthroid (levothyroxine) is the most popular thyroid replacement drug. Here are the important details, including how it compares to generic levothyroxine, dosage, and more.
                      images

                      Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) images

                      Tan Round A Te - Armour Thyroid 60mg Tablet
                      This medicine is Tan, Round Tablet Imprinted With "A Te".Tan Round A Te - Armour Thyroid 60mg Tablet

                      Get savings updates for Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid)

                      Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                      By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

                      References

                      Best studies we found

                      Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). NP Thyroid 120- levothyroxine, liothyronine tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2023). NP Thyroid 120- levothyroxine, liothyronine tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      Allergan, Inc. (2024). Armour Thyroid- thyroid, porcine tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

                      View All References (10)

                      American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. (2024). Desiccated thyroid tablets.

                      American Thyroid Association. (n.d.). Thyroid and weight.

                      American Thyroid Association. (n.d.). Thyroid hormone treatment.

                      Farwell, A. P. (2022). Clinical Thryoidology® for the public. American Thyroid Association.

                      Garber, J. R., et al. (2012). Clinical Practice Guidelines for hypothyroidism in adults: Cosponsored by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association. Endocrine Practice.

                      MedlinePlus. (2023). Acute adrenal crisis.

                      U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC issues voluntary nationwide recall of two lots of NP Thyroid®, thyroid tablets, USP due to sub potency.

                      U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Older therapies aren’t necessarily better for thyroid hormone replacement.

                      You and Your Hormones. (2018). Thyrotoxicosis.

                      You and Your Hormones. (2020). Thyroid gland.

                      GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                      Was this page helpful?

                      Compare other Thyroid Cancer, Hypothyroidism, Goiter drugs

                      Adthyza vs Armour ThyroidArmour Thyroid vs CytomelArmour Thyroid vs LevothyroxineSynthroid vs Armour ThyroidThyrolar vs Armour ThyroidEuthyrox vs SynthroidSynthroid vs LevothroidSynthroid vs LevothyroxineSynthroid vs ThyrolarUnithroid vs Synthroid
                      View More

                      Browse medications

                      View All

                      Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.