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Compare Thyrolar vs. Armour Thyroid

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

Key takeaways

Thyrolar (levothyroxine/liothyronine) and Armour Thyroid (desiccated thyroid) are both used to treat low thyroid hormone levels, but they have some key differences. Thyrolar is a synthetic combination of two thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, while Armour Thyroid is a natural product derived from pigs that also contains both T3 and T4. Thyrolar was discontinued in 2018, so it is no longer available. In contrast, Armour Thyroid is still available by prescription and is often used when synthetic options like levothyroxine (Synthroid) are not effective. Armour Thyroid is taken once daily and is considered a natural alternative, but it can have inconsistencies in how much thyroid hormone is in each dose between batches. Additionally, Armour Thyroid must be taken on an empty stomach and can interact with other medications, requiring careful management.

  • Liotrix
    Armour thyroid (desiccated thyroid)
  • Liotrix
    Armour thyroid (desiccated thyroid)

  • Summary of Thyrolar vs. Armour Thyroid

    Summary for Triiodothyronine (T3) / Thyroxine (T4)

    Levothyroxine/liothyronine, also known as liotrix, is a combination of thyroid hormones that refills your body's natural hormones. It treats symptoms of low thyroid hormone levels in your body, such as tiredness, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and goiters, and helps manage thyroid cancer. This medication has been discontinued and is no longer available.

    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).

  • Indications of Thyrolar vs. Armour Thyroid

    Indications for
    Indications for
    •Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
    •Lowering thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in people with other thyroid problems like goiters or thyroid cancer

  • Pros and Cons of Thyrolar vs. Armour Thyroid

    Pros and Const for Triiodothyronine (T3) / Thyroxine (T4)
    Pros
    Cons
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Thyrolar vs. Armour Thyroid

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

  • Warnings of Thyrolar vs. Armour Thyroid

    Common Side Effects for
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Thyrolar vs. Armour Thyroid

    Learn more about Liotrix
    Learn more about Armour thyroid

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