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Longevity
Compounded, not FDA approved

NP Thyroid

Desiccated thyroid tablet for thyroid hormone replacement

An oral thyroid tablet prescribed by a licensed provider for patients with a clinically diagnosed thyroid hormone deficiency and monitored with regular lab work. Not FDA approved.

Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.

Prescription medication. Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.
NP Thyroid
At a glance
Dosing and schedule are set by your provider
Form and route
Oral tablet, 30 mg (1/2 grain)
Frequency
Usually once daily, as directed by your prescriber
Storage
Room temperature, 68 to 77 F (20 to 25 C)
Category
Longevity
Gallery

See it before your first visit

Photographs of the medication as dispensed.

Overview

What it is

NP Thyroid is a desiccated thyroid tablet. It contains thyroid hormones derived from porcine (pig) thyroid glands, including levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3). A licensed provider may prescribe it for patients with hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid does not make enough hormone.

This medication is not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness or quality.

Mechanism

How it works

Thyroid hormones help regulate how the body uses energy, including heart rate, body temperature and metabolism. When the thyroid does not make enough, replacement hormone can help bring levels back into a normal range.

Desiccated thyroid supplies both T4 and T3. Your provider determines the dose and adjusts it based on your lab results and how you respond.

The program

What to expect

Treatment begins only after a provider reviews your symptoms, health history and thyroid lab results. Doses are usually adjusted gradually, and follow-up lab work is part of treatment for as long as you remain on therapy.

Your provider sets your dose and schedule. Individual responses vary, and results are not guaranteed.

Candidacy

Who it is for

Whether a thyroid hormone is appropriate for you is a decision made by a licensed provider based on your symptoms, examination, laboratory results and health history. It is not appropriate for everyone, and it requires ongoing monitoring.

This page is general information and is not medical advice.

Tolerability

Side effects

Side effects are most often related to too much thyroid hormone and can include a fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, tremor, anxiety, trouble sleeping, heat intolerance, sweating, headache, diarrhea and weight loss.

Serious effects can include heart rhythm problems, worsening of heart conditions, and reduced bone density with long-term over-treatment. Allergic reactions are possible. Contact your provider promptly about chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath.

This is not a complete list. Ask your provider about the full prescribing information.

Safety information and disclosures

Read this before you start

Compounded, not FDA approved
Prescription only
Provider supervision required

Compounded drugs are not FDA approved. FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before marketing.

Medication availability, formulation, packaging and pharmacy fulfillment vary based on the patient's prescription and location.

Boxed warning. Thyroid hormones, including desiccated thyroid, should not be used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss. In people with normal thyroid levels, larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening signs of toxicity, especially when taken with other medications that suppress appetite.

Not FDA approved. NP Thyroid is not FDA approved. The FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness or quality. It is prescribed for an individual patient by a licensed provider.

Who should be cautious. Tell your provider if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, adrenal problems, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or take blood thinners, diabetes medication or other thyroid medication. Doses may need to change.

Monitoring. Your provider should monitor your thyroid lab values and symptoms during treatment.

Not medical advice. The information on this page is general and educational. It does not establish a provider relationship and does not replace a consultation with a licensed provider.

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The information on this page is general and educational. It does not establish a provider relationship, does not replace a consultation, and should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.
Questions

Common questions

Is NP Thyroid FDA approved?

No. NP Thyroid is not FDA approved, and the FDA has not evaluated it for safety, effectiveness or quality.

Do I need lab work first?

Yes. A provider reviews your thyroid lab results and health history before deciding whether treatment is appropriate. Follow-up labs continue throughout treatment.

Can it be used for weight loss?

No. Thyroid hormones should not be used to treat obesity or to lose weight. Taking them for that purpose can cause serious, even life-threatening, toxicity.

How is it taken?

As directed by your prescriber. Do not change your dose on your own, and tell your provider about every other medication and supplement you take.

What if I have side effects?

Contact your prescribing provider. Seek urgent care for chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or trouble breathing.