Why is there a shortage of Nature-Throid?
There is a shortage of Nature-Throid because, during 2020, several recalls for Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) medications, including Nature-Throid occurred. Other brands that were affected included NP Thyroid and WP Thyroid. The main recall for Nature-Throid happened on September 3rd 2020. It included all lots and dosages of active Nature-Throid (as well as WP Thyroid) and was due to these tablets not containing enough thyroid hormone (these tablets were found to be sub potent).
On average, each tablet only contained around 89% of what it was supposed to contain. For example, if you were on 1 Grain of Nature-Throid (65 mg), which contains 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3, you were only receiving 33.8mcg of T4 and 8mcg of T3.
While Nature-Throid remains unavailable, a doctor can prescribe Thyroid USP, which is available through certain compounding pharmacies. A link to these pharmacies can be found on the Nature-Throid website.
Nature-Throid is a natural desiccated thyroid replacement therapy obtained from pig thyroid glands. First released in the 1930s, it was one of the first available medications for hypothyroidism. It contains T4 & T3 replacement hormones and is available in 11 strengths ranging from ¼ grain (16.25 mg) to 3 grain (195 mg). It also contains naturally occurring thyroid cofactors T1, T2, calcitonin, and iodine (in trace amounts). Nature-Throid is not FDA approved.
References
- Nature-Throid (thyroid desiccated) Updated 05/2021. https://www.drugclasses.com/mtm/nature-throid.html
- Nature-Throid https://www.naturethroid.com/
Read next
Who makes Nature-Throid and where is it manufactured?
Nature-Throid is made by RLC Labs located at 1850 E Riverview Dr, Phoenix, Arizona. RLC labs manufactures, labels and distributes porcine-derived thyroid drug tablets for human use under the brand names of Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid. Continue reading
Can Nature-Throid cause weight gain/loss?
Although weight loss can be a side effect of Nature-Throid in people taking it for low thyroid levels you should not take Nature-Throid for the sole purpose of losing weight. Using Nature-Throid to reduce weight in people with normal thyroid levels is dangerous, not safe, and can be life-threatening. Strokes, seizures, shock, coma, and death have been reported in people who have taken higher than recommended dosages of thyroid hormone preparations for weight loss. Some symptoms of Nature-Throid toxicity (overdose), such as confusion, disorientation, sleep disturbances, or heart changes may not appear until several days after ingestion. Nature-Throid should not be used as a treatment for weight loss or obesity. Weight gain is an uncommon side effect of Nature-Throid but may occur if the dosage of Nature-Throid is not supplementing your low thyroid levels enough. Continue reading
How much does Nature-Throid cost without insurance?
Nature-Throid's retail price in 2021 was $29.09, but since 2021 there have been problems with the supply of Nature-Throid, and it has been unavailable. Compounding companies can make a compounded version of Nature-Throid that uses Thyroid USP which contains the same active ingredient as in the RLC branded product, but this is more expensive (average price $63). In general, Medicare prescription drug plans (Part D) do not cover this drug. Continue reading
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