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Compare Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine

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

  • Armour thyroid (desiccated thyroid)
    Levothyroxine (Euthyrox)
  • Armour thyroid (desiccated thyroid)
    Levothyroxine (Euthyrox)

  • Summary of Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine

    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 Thyroxine (T4)
    Prescription only

    Levothyroxine (Euthyrox) is a thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. This medication can improve symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels, such as weight gain, feeling depressed and tired (fatigue), brain fog, hair loss, dry skin, and difficulty tolerating cold temperatures. This medication is available in tablet form and is usually taken once a day, about 30 minutes before breakfast, on an empty stomach, every morning. Common side effects of levothyroxine (Euthyrox) include headache, nervousness, trouble sleeping, and weight loss. Note that levothyroxine isn’t intended to be used for weight loss.

  • Indications of Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine

    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 (together with radiation and surgery)

  • Pros and Cons of Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine

    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 Thyroxine (T4)
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for treating low thyroid hormone levels
    •Safe to use for all ages and during pregnancy
    •Only need to take once a day
    •Generic available
    Cons
    •Might take a few months to find the right dose and to see the full effects
    •Works best if it's taken on an empty stomach
    •Need to get regular blood tests to make sure you're taking the right dose
    •Interacts with many types of food, drinks, medications, and supplements

  • Common Side Effects of Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine

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

  • Warnings of Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine

    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
    •Dangerously low stress hormone levels (adrenal crisis)
    •Worsening diabetes
    •Weak bones with high doses

  • Prices with our coupons for Armour Thyroid vs. Levothyroxine

    Learn more about Armour thyroid
    Learn more about Levothyroxine

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