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Compare Armour Thyroid vs. Cytomel

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) and Cytomel (liothyronine) are both medications used to treat thyroid-related health issues, but they have some key differences. Armour Thyroid is a natural thyroid hormone replacement that contains both T3 and T4 hormones derived from pigs, while Cytomel is a synthetic version of the T3 hormone. Armour Thyroid is typically taken once daily on an empty stomach, whereas Cytomel can be taken with or without food and at any time of the day, as long as it's consistent. Cytomel acts faster than Armour Thyroid and is available as a generic, making it potentially more affordable. Both medications typically require frequent blood tests and dose adjustments initially. Both medications can cause heart problems and should not be used for weight loss. Armour Thyroid might be a better option if you prefer a natural product, but it can have inconsistencies between batches. Cytomel, on the other hand, is usually more stable but can weaken bones over time, especially in postmenopausal women.

  • Armour thyroid (desiccated thyroid)
    Liothyronine (Cytomel)
  • Armour thyroid (desiccated thyroid)
    Liothyronine (Cytomel)

  • Summary of Armour Thyroid vs. Cytomel

    Summary for Thyroid hormone replacement (T3 / T4)
    Prescription only

    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).

    Summary for Triiodothyronine (T3)
    Prescription only

    Liothyronine (Cytomel) is a thyroid hormone medication that can be used for a number of thyroid-related health concerns. More specifically, it's a lab-made form of the T3 thyroid hormone that's made by your thyroid gland. People of all ages can take this medication, and it's generally taken by mouth just once daily. Although weight loss is a potential side effect of liothyronine (Cytomel), it should not be taken solely for this purpose.

  • Indications of Armour Thyroid vs. Cytomel

    Indications for
    •Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
    •Lowering thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in people with other thyroid problems like goiters or thyroid cancer
    Indications for
    •Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)
    •Thyroid cancer (with radiation and surgery)
    •Thyroid suppression test to help with diagnosis

  • Pros and Cons of Armour Thyroid vs. Cytomel

    Pros and Const for Thyroid hormone replacement (T3 / T4)
    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
    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
    Pros and Const for Triiodothyronine (T3)
    Pros
    •Acts faster than other thyroid hormone replacement therapies
    •Safe to use during pregnancy
    •Safe to use in children
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    Cons
    •Requires regular blood tests and frequent dose adjustments at first to make sure you're getting the right dose
    •Has a risk for heart problems
    •Can't use if you have untreated adrenal insufficiency
    •Shouldn't be used to treat conditions that aren't related to abnormal thyroid function (e.g., benign thyroid nodules, nontoxic goiter, swelling of the thyroid gland caused by infection)

  • Common Side Effects of Armour Thyroid vs. Cytomel

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

    Side effects are typically signs of having too much thyroid hormone in the body.

    •Shakiness
    •Fast or irregular heartbeat
    •Fever
    •Sweating
    •Easily feel hot
    •Hair loss
    •Larger appetite
    •Diarrhea
    •Weight loss
    •Weak muscles
    •Fatigue
    •Nervousness or anxiety
    •Irritability
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Trouble breathing

  • Warnings of Armour Thyroid vs. Cytomel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for weight loss
    •Dangerously low stress hormone levels (adrenal crisis)
    •Worsening diabetes
    •Risk of heart problems
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for weight loss
    •Heart problems
    •Adrenal crisis in people with adrenal insufficiency
    •Worsening diabetes
    •Effect on bones if dose is too high

  • Prices with our coupons for Armour Thyroid vs. Cytomel

    Learn more about Armour thyroid
    Learn more about Liothyronine

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