Desiccated thyroid extract
| Combination of | |
|---|---|
| Thyroxine | Thyroid hormone |
| Triiodothyronine | Thyroid hormone |
| Clinical data | |
| Trade names | Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, Nature-Throid |
| Other names | Natural thyroid, natural thyroid hormones, pork thyroid, thyroid USP, thyroid BP |
| AHFS/Drugs.com | Monograph |
| License data | |
| Routes of administration | By mouth |
| ATC code |
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| Legal status | |
| Legal status |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | |
Desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), is thyroid gland that has been dried and powdered for medical use. It is used to treat hypothyroidism, but less preferred than levothyroxine. It is taken by mouth. Maximal effects may take up to three weeks to occur.
Side effects may occur from excessive doses. This may include weight loss, fever, headache, anxiety, trouble sleeping, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Other side effects may include allergic reactions. Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally safe. Regular blood tests are recommended to verify the appropriateness of the dose. They contain a mixture of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Desiccated thyroid has been used since the late 1800s. It is usually made from pigs, sheep, or cows. It is available as a generic medication. In 2022, it was the 137th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 4 million prescriptions. Usage has decreased since the 1960s.