Natural Thyroid Drug Update from RLC Labs -- Maker of Nature-Throid and Westhroid

Wait … I’m confused on the contents of the dessicated thyroid. I thought that the conversion for 1 grain of Armour was 100 mcg of levothyroxine. Is there only 34 mcg of levo in there, though? I just switched from 10 mcg of levo to Armour a couple weeks ago adn have already up’ed my Armour to 90 mg (1 1/2 grains). It’s going well but I might need to increase it further.

What should the appropriate conversion be? And has the appropriate conversion perhaps changed with the new formula?

Oops, I mean I just changed from 100 mcg of levo!

Brian, The ratio between meds varies b/c of the T3. In hindsight, about .88 Levo and 60mgs Armour level out for a patient to start. Because of the T3 being short lived in Armour or the others, that is where you may need increases and dosage splits to balance you out until you find optimal levels for you.

My local, independent pharmacy is in the process of obtaining Nature-Throid as I need to switch from Armour (been having skipped beats in hear rate). My D.O. agreed to redo prescription but says she can’t “manage” it due to it not be recognized by CDC. I pretty much adjust dosages now anyway based on my labs … just thought this was interesting.

I have tried to change to one of the RLC brands in the past. However, I have not been able to as none of our local pharmacies have this company listed in their database, and so have been unable to help me. I am still on Armour, but must cut my tablets daily in order to get the dose needed to make the 150 mg. I am on daily.

I started taking Naturthroid about 6 months ago. Walgreens can get it and so can medco. No problems.

Hi everyone,all the natural dessicated thyroid products (Armour,Naturethroid,Westthroid, are available through International Pharmacy(just google it) excellent service that ships worldwide!

Regarding getting NATURE-THROID at your local pharmacy. Many pharmacists can’t find a listing for it. I gave one pharmacist the website and they looked it up that way. They can ask their distributer to have it drop shipped. For people in the northeast: I found it in stock at my local CVS (a chain drugstore) and Target was willing to get it. RiteAid (another drugstore) was clueless. I do feel better on it – it was worth the effort to switch from Armour, which I was on for 20+ years. Good luck!

I have a new doctor who is supportive of Armour. I was about to transition from Levoxyl (T4) and Cytomel (T3) to Armour when I learned of the reformulation of Armour. My doctor uses a compounding pharmacy (University Compounding Pharm in San Diego – they are awesome and can mail prescriptions) so when they contacted me for my mailing and payment info I asked if they could fill with Naturethroid instead. I don’t know if they needed to contact the doctor’s office for authorization to make the switch, but they took care of it.

I’ve just completed three days of a half dose (for transition because of the higher T3 amount) and it’s going smoothly. My energy levels already are more even balanced then when I was taking Levoxyl and Cytomel, especially in the afternoons.

I currently take Armour and was thinking of switching to nature throid, but my doctor won’t prescribe anything not listed in the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR). Why is nature throid and westhroid not listed in the book? Thankfully, I’m not really experiencing too many sypmtoms on Armour, but wonder how long it will be before I do.

Unfortunately International Pharmacy doesn’t ship worldwide. I tried to get Nature-throid through them but they won’t ship to France. I had to get my Armour thyroid through Belgium because it is not available in France. I ordered from In house Pharmacy. No prescription strange but the only way to get it. Should receive it in a few weeks and will let you know.

Question: I have recently read in the NEJM that a ratio of, plus or minus, 17 to 1 in T4 to T3 is optimal — so is it possible to compound the dessicated thyroid in these ratios and also still retain the T2 and T1?

I’ve been on Levoxyl 75 mg and Cytomel 10 mg and began having hideous panic attacks at menopause. They’ve taken me off teh Cytomel, put me on Prozac and as all this is happening, we’re looking for alternatives. Ironically, 8 years ago I was completely fine – healthy – on Armour until my Doc got fed up with the numbers being somewhat inconsistent.

Mary, I was hoping your article would explain what the difference is between Westhroid and Nature-throid (if any). They are both described as dessicated thyroid. Why would RLC Labs make two versions of the same thing?

Previously, I read that the only difference between Westhroid and Nature-Throid is that Nature-Throid is hypoallergenic.

I have switch from Levoxyl to the nature throid, I can get it in california at Pharmaca interative pharmacy. I have to say I’m so glad I switched I feel 100% better than when I was on Levoxyl. I dont have dry skin or hair falling out. I have also lost some weight. I wish I would have know about this sooner.

May I ask if any of you using either the ‘old’ Armour or either West-throid or Natur Throid have any side effects, like anxiety, from the T3? Is the T3 in those natural pig hormones as strong as Cytomel? Of those of you who take it – has anyone switched from Levoxyl and/or also using Cytomel and can you say why you switched? I’m trying to gather some information to work with my Dr.’s. Thanks.

Leigh, I switched several years ago from Synthroid to Armour and felt noticeably better but still not great. My doctor (who I found on this website) thought I still might need more T3 than what Armour has in it, so he added Cytomel. We also tried Synthroid/Cytomel, but Armour/Cytomel was by far the best combination for me and is what I am still on (unless I switch to Nature-throid now). The other thing that really helped is lowering my TSH to the bottom of the range. My doctor lets me stay around .5, since that’s where I feel best and don’t have hypothyroid symptoms.

Oh, and no, I don’t get any anxiety from the Cytomel. I split my dose (5 mcg. in the morning and 5 in the early afternoon), so I’m never getting too big of a “hit.” If you feel anxiety, your TSH might be getting TOO low.

I took the “new” Armour and got really ill from it – so found this info from a newsletter I get…did a bunch of work, there are NO doctors who prescribe Nature-thyoid here in Ohio…got all the info for my doctor, she refuses to give it to me, gave me 125 mcg of Synthroid – pharmacy changed it to generic…I’m sick from having no meds for several days…just DONE with it all. Especially doctors and pharmacies. The pharm argued with me that the pills I take have changed in appearance…good golly. donna

Donna, I am in Ohio and my doctor prescribed once I told her about it. Her name is Sandra Cook, D.O.. Hope that helps.

I have been doing a lot of research. My 16 y.o. w/Hashimoto’s…on synthroid for about a year. She has been very emotional,crying in school gaining weight. She recently had her dose increase and is now becoming depressed. Obviously I am concerned. I will contact her MD this week. It sounds as if a more natural thyroid supplement may be worth exploring. Does anyone know of an MD in the Boston area that would be receptive to this type of therapy?

How does a natural otc supplement like NutriMeds whole desiccated porcine thyroid compare to a product like Amour or Nature-Throid?

I just switched from Thyrolar to Nature Throid. Boy was it a hassel!! I called 5 pharmacies and all said that they can only get the drugs that their vendors carry. Because Nature Throid has not been out there up until now, only one vendor carried it and the only dosage he carried was 1 grain. So, I have to take two tablets everyday instead of one. I wish something could be done about this. Walmart is the only pharmacy that I can get the Nature Throid from. I guess these chain drug stores won’t bypass the drug vendor and call RLC Labs directly. The pharmacies that do not carry Nature Throid are Rite Aid, Costco, CVS and Walgreens.

I am new to all of this…BUT: here is my input. I’ve been on Synthroid for about 2 years. Recently, I found Mary’s newsletters and the book, Stop the Thyroid Madness. Today, I went to my doctor and received a prescription for Nature-Throid. (YEAH!!!) He thought I was asking for an OTC supplement until he looked at RLC’s website, and was willing to go along with my request. Nature-Throid wasn’t in his electronic PDA!! Feeling great, I went to my local pharmacy. After checking her computer the pharmacist tells me it’s not in stock and proceeded to tell me “Nature-Throid is on back order due to the swine flu problem. She then told me that there aren’t enough pigs for the Armour and that’s what’s causing the shortage.” I reminded her that I wasn’t looking for Armour but Nature Throid. She then said it didn’t matter because all the companies were affected. Not to be deterred, I called RLC as soon as I got home with my prescription in hand. The woman at RLC whom I spoke to laughed and said this was absolutely NOT TRUE. There are no shortages at all. She was able to give me a list of pharmacies in my state, as well as mail order pharmacies who order Nature Throid. I’ve opted to do the mail order at this point until I can educate the pharmacists locally!! So, bottom line: call RLC directly if you’re having trouble finding a pharmacy…they WILL help you when your “friendly pharmacist” won’t. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to switching!!
Gitta

Costco can get Nature-throid-they order it for me.All they can get though is the one grain,which I take 4 of daily.I get the 1/4 grain from my doctor.

After being on Synthroid, levoxyl, and compounded drugs – to varying degrees of success… from the last 30 years, I started Armour about 4 months ago and the change has been life altering! If you live in Utah try any Jolley’s Pharmacy (locally owned) and they will get you Armour or other natural thyroids. I believe the will also mail order throughout the country. They also always have it in stock. I am on the 1 grain and they are not back ordered at all.

Brian, here is a ‘converter’ webpage:
http://www.armourthyroid.com/hcp_treatment.aspx#dose%20calculator

I had been on Synthroid and then generic for 30 years…found Mary Shomon’s site and book and switched to Armour. My biggest complaint on Synthroid was that even though medicated, I still felt like I had all of the symptoms.

I had been on Armour for 1 year and quickly noticed the lack of “brain fog” and more energy. I also lost weight, wasn’t constipated but because I was on a somewhat strict & better diet and exercise program, I credited that instead of the meds.

Lately, with the Armour unavailability, I have been pretty messed up with getting a prescription and finally wanted to change to Nature-Throid… needless to say, a little bit between my doctor and mostly the pharmacies, I have missed quite a few doses on and off. During that time, I have been exhausted, sleepless a lot, constipated and gained 4 lbs. in about 2-3 weeks.

Today I took my second dose of Nature-Throid and am anxious to see how well of a turn-around there is…

Just got off the phone with customer service at RLC labs and was given a bunch of helpful advice on how to get the pharmacies and doctors in my area to prescribe and dispense Nature-throid. Closest one is 45 minutes away. What a difference compared to Armours customer service who had no clue or info to offer about their shortage or change in formula. Now hopefully I can get some results and get started on Nature-throid. My husband and I both take Armour and have both been experiencing all our old symptoms again(he more so). Tired in Michigan

I am sorry to hear that so many of you have trouble switching from Armour Thyroid to the Nature-Throid or Westhroid. I AM SO GLAD TO RECEIVE THE NEWSLETTER TO LEARN THAT I WAS NOT ALONE IN FEELING LIKE ALL BY HYPO SYMPTONS HAD RETURNED. As suggested, I requested the change from the Pharmacist but they required a prescription. I immediately faxed my Dr. wtih the info, he faxed a TSH test order and set an Appt. My TSH level was 2.6 and I was fatigued, achy etc. The Dr. wrote the prescription for Westroid and faxed the Delta Pharmacy in Rio Vista, CA The Pharmacy had the product for me the next day. That’s the beauty of a Mom & Pop Pharmacy. This is a remote location compared to Metropolitan areas.

Ihave been on Armour for about 4 years and have recently been getting test results back indicating that my TSH is low, my T3 is high and my T4 is low. As I understand it this means that although I feel good for the most part,(not overstimulated) that I’m getting too much T3, not enough T4 and my TSH level ( I think it was about 0.05) shows I’m taking too much for my body. How can I need more T4 and less T3 at the same time? I’m probably going to switch to a different natural thyroid, but maybe I should use cytomel and levothyroxine.
Any ideas out there? I also take Isocort for adrenal fatigue which is a total lifesaver.

This is to Leigh who was talking about her hideous panic attacks. I too started having panic attacks about 3 months ago. I would like to talk to you and see if your attacks have subsided or are you still dealing with them. Any information would be appreciated.

I spoke with the daughter of the CEO of RCL labs a few weeks ago because I was having difficulties finding a local pharmacy who had or was willing/able to order Nature-Throid. I asked her what the difference was between Nature-Throid and Westhroid. She explained that Westhroid was their original product name for natural thyroid when the company was founded many years ago. Instead of changing the name completely they manufacture the identical medication using both the old name Westhroid and it’s newer name Nature-Throid.
If you have questions about anything concerning their thyroid meds I suggest you contact them- they are very friendly and extremely helpful…something I found lacking with Forest.
I also learned that most every pharmacy in the US deals with suppliers and not directly with the drug manufacturer. Any breakdown in communication on the part of the supplier can lead to problems for the pharmacy. My local Target was actually told by their supplier that RCL was out of 1/2 grain Nature-Throid which was not correct. Luckily I was able to obtain it with no problem through my insurance company’s mail order prescription service. Target is going to try again to get it ordered and if they are still told the same thing I will be contacting their supplier and complaining.

Katherine – I felt some immediate relief once I quit taking the Cytomel. Unless you are positive you don’t make enough T3, some new research in Annals of Internal Medicine and/or New England Journal of Medicine are suggesting you stick with T4 only and give it time to let your natural T3 levels come up.

I was diagnosed last month as having an Anxiety Disorder with an atypical Clinical Depression, which only showed up at age 53 while going through menopause — so while I’ll follow the Dr.’s instructions and stick with Prozac, I’m a bit skeptical about the thyroid/depression relationship esp because the Cytomel clearly caused anxiety and my thyroid levels have been quite variable with menopause. I have a great MD who said many of her patients are reporting “jagged energy” or anxiety with Cytomel and she is gradually going back to T4 only or very small doses of the Cytomel. I have to say, I felt the very best on Armour as it was back in 2000. Until we get the Prozac stable in my system and the thyroid levels under better control, I’m sticking with Levoxyl only. Once all the other things are stable, I’m going to ask my Dr. about Natur-Throid – although as someone else mentioned, the T4/T3 ratio is much higher in that than some recent research has suggested it should be. That’s why I was questioning if the T3 in Natur-Throid is somehow less anxiety producing than Cytomel. Anyone have ideas?

Thank goodness for this site!

I’ve learned that I wasn’t imagining my symptoms, and that others have experienced similar problems. I was on Synthroid for years, and switched to Armour about three years ago. Had done relatively well, but never felt as good as I hoped to. Earlier this year I started having increased hypo symptoms, including heart palpitations, low energy, and depression.

As a result of what I’ve read here, I’ve made an appointment with a new doctor (recommended by others on this site) who I’ll be seeing later this month. I’m hopeful again, that I’ll finally be able to feel ‘normal’, and having hope is everything.

I love Naturethroid!! I had been an armour for 2 yrs. I started feeling so sick after i filled my last prescription for armour, come to find out they changed the formula. I feel the best on Naturethroid than i have ever felt!!

Can anyone help me? I have just recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease and I was on Synthoid with no improvement and decided to switch to Armour 3 weeks ago. I still am not feeling any better. I am taking 75mg of Armour, and if anything I am feeling even more depressed than ever, my joint are hurting and I am still exhausted. Is there anything else I can try? Any suggestions.

I have had a thyroid problem for 21 years brought on by giving birth. I went through a thyroid storm. I lost all my baby weight within a couple of weeks and then boom, tired, gained weight, depressed… My gyn actually new before my blood test came back what was going on – he had a thyroid problem himself. I was on a small than medium dose for years but never felt great. After giving birth five years later, I was even more tired and at that time on 1.75 of synthroid. A few years later, pregnant again but this time miscarried. Oops, no one was watching my thryroid levels. I was later dignosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Time to make a change. Started seeing a dr. that was holistic and traditional.
After taking 3 grains of West Thyroid for about four months I couldn’t believe the difference. Have been seeing a new dr. for the last three years who prescribs Nature Thryoid. I feel no difference between the two and have been taking one or the other for the last thirteen years. My dr. is very good about listening to how I feel and not just what the yearly blood results say. I actually found my dr. by looking for any dr.’s who prescribed either Nature or West Thryoid. I also take Isocourt daily as I have Epstein Barr. Could I have something else that makes me tired. I take “Bone Up” calcium due to the thyroid medication depleting my calcium as well as Vitamin d, time release c, and biotin – to help with the fact my hair and nails don’t grow. As long as I’m doing cardio and lifting weights – I actually feel pretty good. Hope this helps someone out there.

I was on Armour Thyroid 3grain (180mg) once a day, due to Forest not being able to supply the demand, i now take 3 1grain (60mg) tablets and was just told that they are no longer manufacturing Armour Thyroid period. I have called every pharmacy within a 50 mile radius and they all say that thier distributors cannot get Naturethroid or Westhroid. I am appalled at the lack of concern of all of these pharmacies. One Pharmacist told me that all the doctors are being told to switch their patients to Levothyroxine because it is the same thing. I was instantly enraged at her ignorance. I corrected her and advised her I would never come to her pharmacy due to her ignorance. Thank you Mary for posting the pharmacy that is willing to mail order prescriptions. I am tired of fighting this battle, and wish they would have never used radioactive iodine for my hyperthyroidism.

Kathy – I am curious to hear how you like the Natur Throid after taking it for a couple of weeks? Are there others who have recently made the switch and do you feel better also? Any complaints about the Natur Throid?

I need to know what doctor I can contact for a prescription for nature-thyroid or westhyroid. I have called every Endocrinologist in Kentucky and even Nashville, TN. No one will prescribe it. I have hypothyroidism and have taken both the generic and regular synthroid. The medicine did not work for me at all. I asked my doctor to put me on Armour (which he knew nothing about) and it changed my life. Now I can no longer get Armour and my doctor refuses to prescribe Nature-Thyroid. If someone could post the name, town, state and phone number to a doctor I would great appreciated it.

Blue Cross/BS uses CVS Caremark for prescriptions. I was just called and told they can’t fill my Armour Thyroid and want to substitute it. Of course, I said no.
It’s one thing to change over to Nature or Westhroid, but what about the insurance companies who won’t cover it? I paid about $22 for 90 1 grain tabs. Online it is $45 because insurance won’t pay.
This is just the beginning for people who do not want synthetics, not just in meds but our personal products and even our food. Anyone doing a petition to the FDA?

I am thrilled to have found this discussion! Even though I took Armour Thyroid for 15 years (against the advice of my doctor, who preferred to prescribe Synthroid), I started noticing symptoms several months ago – palpatating heart, fatigue, constipation, depression – I called my pharmacy and asked them if they had changed my prescription somehow, and they said “No”. Now, I realize that I have been taking the reformulated version. How come the pharmacy wasn’t able to tell me that? What a relief to learn about NatureThroid and West Throid. I am copying this whole page and faxing it to my internist today.

An important suggestion: I take 75 milligrams daily of a good quality B Complex, in addition to my multivitamins, 3-6-9 oils, and probiotics. I couldn’t imagine not taking these helpful supplements every day!

I have been taking armour for 37 years, I was changed once and had to back on armour. For the last few months I have felt tired maybe this new formula is the reason

Several pharmacies in my area say that they’re OUT of Nature-throid and Westhroid and won’t be getting any more from RLC Labs until sometime in November. The rush to switch from Armour after it’s reformulation has caused a shortage and back order of the RLC products. They are in daily contact with RLC for updated details. Also, they say that compounding will not be billed through my insurance, but will have to be paid for out of pocket and then, if my insurance will accept it, I can try to recoup from them. Sounds like I’m going to be stuck with Armour for a few months, even if it’s not working for me right now. Sigh!

I am curious how othgers are feeling after switching from armour to naturethroid. I first learned about the shortage last month and was able to get a month supply of a different dosage which I cut down. The inconsistency is not good. I tried a mail order and was told it was back ordered until late Oct. Had my Doc issue a rx for nature throid. Today I got an email my armour was filled and shipped (good I guess. Not sure about this whole reformuation issue) and a call from the doc that the Pharma (CVS) was backordered for the naturethroid. AGHHHH I was hoping the nature throid would be more consistent, but am worried about that now.
Soo… Is it worth the switch?
Dan

Cheryl, I feel for you. My daughter was 16 when she was diagnosed. It is a hard road, my daughter gained weight was very angry emotional even began cutting herself which is so far from the sunny energetic happy go lucky kid she always was. I myself have hashi, I know first hand how it is. My daughter dAmanda is now in college trying to get her to be consistant with her meds. She is on 100mg synthroid and 60mg armour. She is so much better but inconsistant at times and can get to be so angry and depressed at times. I went this week to fill my script and found they pulled all the natural thyroid meds. I hope she will do ok. My doc said she can fill a script for cytomel so I guess that is my only option, I will try to get the naturethroid from the post on this page.

Good luck with your girl, keep her consistant with her meds. Cherie

I’ve been taking Armour for 2 years after being diagnosed hypothyroid. I feel MUCH better on it. Now there’s this continuous shortage and I’m 8 months pregnant! I managed to get my hands on the 1grain dose but I just heard through the vine they are out again, all ready! I obviously need a new solution but I’m SO afraid of messing with my medication. My doctor wanted to switch me to Synthroid but I’m not comfortable with that – it’s not T3/T4, I don’t know how I’ll respond and I don’t want to effect my pregnancy! I’ve asked to try the Nature-Throid instead and I’m waiting to hear back. For those that have switched to Nature-Throid from Armour – how has the transition been? Any other advice??? Compound pharmacy maybe?

Because my Armour Thyroid has been taken off the market, I’m taking NASCENT IODINE DROPS 2xDaily! THEY ARE VERY PURE & EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE. DO NOT TAKE Lugol’s Iodine Drops, as they are NOT PURE & ARE NOT EFFECTIVE. To find out more about pure Nascent Iodine Drops, do a search online.

My daughter and I have been on Armour for a few years, we too ran into the problem of getting it due to shortage.My alternative doctor is using a compounded pharmacy in texas and he is making the armour in a capsule form. It is reasonably priced and can get any dosage you need.

im taking 175 synthroid can i replace this horrible drug with armor or natural thyroid meds George

I’ve been on Armour Thyroid now for about ten years and during that time I have had problems with irregular heart beat from time to time so my daoctor put me on metoprolol tartrate but I still have period problems and I was wondering if anone else has had similar problems and if Naturethroid might help eliminate it.

I have lived with autoimmune thyroiditis for nearly 20 years. Was diagnosed with Crohn’s about 17 months ago. The controversy regarding the inability to get Armour Thyroid landed right in my lap about 6 weeks ago. I was on AT years ago, switched to generic levothyroxine, then switched to Synthroid, then, finally about 2 years ago switched back to AT.

When my pharmacist (who used to work for my dad who was a pharmacist) told me he couldn’t get AT I asked what I was supposed to do. He said, “Switch to Synthroid or a generic.” (BTW: he works for a national chain.) So I called my doc, got a script for Synthroid and within 4 days was beginning the short ugly slide into Crohn’s symptoms. I started calling around to pharmacies in town: No AT available (”It’s been banned by the FDA.” “They can’t keep their potency standard.” etc., etc. I was told all the usual rumors.)

Finally I called the local compounding pharmacy, and was told that there are other brands than AT. Westhroid for one. Within 4 days of beginning Westhroid (which I had never heard of, and I have done a LOT of research on thyroid problems) I began to feel like a normal person (fuzzy thinking gone, nausea and vomiting gone, Crohn’s once again under control, TSH dropping fast from a high of 34 (!) when normal is about 8 times less.

So–the moral of this tale is keep trying. If you can’t get Armour Thyroid for whatever reason, and can’t take Synthroid or the generics, keep looking.

For Westhroid, in conclusion, I’d like to say “GET YOUR NAME OUT THERE!” You have a lovely website but it doesn’t do anyone any good if people think AT and Synthroid are their only choices! And if you need unsolicited anecdotal testamonials, I’m there.

grossly reduces my ability to focus, sometimes even to stay awake, substantially reduces my motivation, and often not only increases my depression but makes me feel irritable, frustrated, and exasperated. I feel helpless, like far too many stages of my life are disappearing before my eyes without my having any preventative resources, including even normal, daily physical function. Along with the mentioned list of MDs in this region, I wonder if there might be a list of pharmacies that have experience with somewhat alternative approaches to hypothyroidism, including providing safe, effective, dessicated thyroid sourced, covered, hypothyroid medications. Thank you for any information assistance that applies to finding an MD in this region, and hopefully a pharmacy.

I do not believe RLC’s comments that they are on backorder because “we could not meet the demand”! What kind of crockery is that when there is an economic depression going on and people and corporations are supposed to be generating tax revenue and encouraging spending….
If you ask me, this is just another case of some corruption going on to “buy them off”, just as farmers were paid to burn their crops….for various reasons…I was pushed, and forced…by multiple endocrinologists who ONLY prescribed THEIR favorite thyroid drugs for a decade, which caused me headaches and sexual dysfunction…but what do they care….those endocrinologists just refer me to THEIR favorite Psychiatrist….who wants to drug me any which way. I would say, PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN AND DEMAND IT!
CVS Pharmacy tried to stop me from filling my prescription, while my endo staff said it wasn’t available..they are doing everything to get people to take Synthroid and Levothyroxine Sodium…while the rude CVS manager says, Oh, I see, a conspiracy theory huh? Even though I had a prescription for Armour and CVS had it in stock, they REFUSED to fill it until my husband came into the store so then I would have witness to their corrupt practices…then the “Pharmacist” who I know personally….suggested, “Why don’t you just take some headache medicine if synthroid gives you headaches every day?” What kind of people are they?
They truly do not deserve the 100K salary that they get, pushing thyroid drugs that cause headaches, being indifferent about it and then telling them to pay for more drugs….sold by them.

It started back in the summer of 2009 that I called in my refill to my Walgreens Pharmacy for a refill on my Armour. Went to pick it up and they told me that they couldn’t get any for a few months? I was like “What, I can’t go w/o thyroid meds?” Never did well on Synthroid in the past. Still had severe fatigue, hair loss, depression, painful joints in hands and muscles of legs. Always told though TSH was just fine. Sought help of Natural Path who put me on Armour. Found a pharmacy 30 min. from me this summer that carried it but instead of 60 mg tabs gave me 30’s to convert. Last week I started severe fatigue and muscle pain again. Going to bed by 7:00 after putting kids down at night! Questioned if the 30’s of Armour brought back my Hoshimotos symptoms. Then got online and found out Armour changed the formula! I got my doctor to call in a script today for Nature Throid. Spoke with pharmacist and he doesn’t carry it, but would call the company to have it ordered in. Praying the switch helps. I haven’t felt this awful in about 7 years since on Synthroid. Shame on Armour for doing this to us without warning!!!

I had a TT in February and am still struggling to get the meds right. I am now trying 125mcg Levoxyl and the doc started me on 2.5mcg Cytomel/day. 9 hours after I took the first dose, I fell apart emotionally, was then exhausted and depressed the rest of the day. The next day I split the dose. It is a challenge to split the 5mcg tab in to 1/4! I felt great all day, took 2nd 1/4 tab mid afternoon. Woke up at 3am with my heart racing and pounding like crazy. It felt like I was burning up on the inside. Has anyone else had this happen? Is this something that will level out over time?

I tried a compounded natural thyroid hormone and felt great but had itching and the doc and pharmacist made me stop it unfortunately. Am considering getting allergy testing for pork and if not allergic trying to work with the pharmacist to use different fillers.

For Deanna..I was on Cytomel and Synthroid. I felt fine for a while then I begun with theracing heart, I started to have gallbladder problems, I was getting bloated and had many sleepless nights.. I too would wake up in th midlde of the night I started have anitity and my heart would feel like it was going 100 miles a hr. My Endo said it’s because the t3 has a short life. I just couldn’t stand it anymore so I found some old Armour and went on it and feel soo much better but my Arnour is almost out and we ae waiting to try Westroid as soon as it is available. I had to change Endo’s because the one I had with the Synthroid would not change me as she was opposed to the Natural products,but the one I have now is great and is willing to try everything to get me in balance.

Good Luck..it is a nightmare !!

i have had hypothyroidism for 8 yrs now and im still struggling to grt back on my feet they are now testing me for adrenal problems as some adrenal hormones have come back too high i am on thyroxine and i used to take armour until they changed the formula and i cant get hold of naturethroid im currently waiting to see adrenl doctor so hopefully that will make me better but you can get so crushed with the lack of help from doctors x

Is there anyone out there on natural thyroxine from the UK.

Will someone please tell me where you are getting your Armour? I’m in Virginia. I can no longer get it from Rite Aid (where I’ve been getting it for years), CVS or the local pharmacies. Are people switching from Armour b/c of the change in formula or b/c it’s not available?

hi jan what is the name of the natural thyroxine is it armour you are asking about i havent heard of it before ? elaine x

I called Westroid a few days ago and Iwas told that they are still on back order. I only have 15 days left on old Armour that was from 2007. I have been having soo much anxiety and I cannot sleep. I wake up around 3:00am with the racing heart and now my Adrenal glands are in overdrive and my BP has been skyhigh. I have soo much corisol that is shooting thru me. I want to pull my skin off.. What are they doing to us???
I called a Natural Path. Dr and have a appointment . He said I need a time release formula So we will see. I really wanted to try the Westroid.

I cannot function like this anymore. I have been going to accucpunture and it has helped me somewhat.

hi boni i know how you feel what a nightmare eh ? what have we done to deserve this eh ? im waiting to see an adrenal doc from england after my nhs doc is just messihg me about he thinks my adrenal hormones are just slightly high are we not sick of listening to slightly high , im waiting on naturethroid coming from international pharmacy as not doing good on new armour x

Hi Elaine..I just saw a Naturalpathic DOctor, I too did not do well on the new armour. I just finished my 2007 armour and he put me back on Cytomel & synthroid. I hate this. This Westroid is still back order. I think it is a big conspiracy and we should all file a class action suit to get old Armour back.
My adrenals are out of whack, I found that thee is a suppleement I have been taking for years called “Natural Calm” that helps me also I have been back to the accupunture 2x a week to stop this overload on the adrenals.. let me know how your doing.

This is not for the weak…

To Susie (41)–I found the best luck getting a doctor to prescribe Nature-Throid by going to a homeopathic doctor who was also a regular MD. I live in Reno, Nevada and my doctor is David Edwards, MD. Or you can just try a homeopathic doctor–they tend to prescribe natural hormones.

After 17 years on Armour, I suddenly got ill last summer. Depressed, dizzy, panic attacks, confusion….and finally wound up in the hospital with atrial fibrillation, which scared the hell out of me. Now I see that it was perhaps the Armour reformulation! Unconscionable behavior by a drug corporation. Adding corn starch is unforgivable. I’m allergic to corn. I hope Forest tanks. I wonder if we should all start a class-action suit?

hi boni i agree we should all start a protest think of the money they will be losing too as not everybody will be able to take the other formulas out there , i wonder if i will be able to get natural calm in freezing cold scotland ? are you still able to work boni ? i finally got back to college to finish a hnc i started eight years ago and since i cant get old armour ive been feeling ill again and the college has saved a place for the summer again its frustrating anyway if you dont laugh you cry eh ?x

I recently changed to armour from being on synthroid for 20 yrs. My endo put me on 60 mg and I reacted badly- felt well then had a big crash of lack of energy. I split the dose and immediately felt better now I take it 1st thing in the morning and then later on. Even though this is the new formulation I found it better than the synthroid (no longer have a thyroid) But now I can’t get it since it’s no longer available with walgreens. Trying to get the naturethroid or westhroid but was unable. Got a pharmacy to compund some for me which insurance doesn’t cover but was $38 for a 30 day supply which I found reasonable. Once I use up the armour will get on the compound and see how that goes.
Question- When on synthroid I was taking a raw thyroid supplement twice a week because taking it everyday gave me headaches but when I lowered the times I took it it helped with my symptoms of fatigue/hair falling out/dry skin. I got of it when I started taking the armour so that I can get an accurate reading on my next blood tests. Has anyone done research or have info on how much t4/t3 is in these raw glandulars it has 390mg of a sinergystic complex made of several glandulars?

Also would the state representatives be able to help with this issue, from all the reading it’s a lot of people feeling very bad so it’s no coincidence that synthroid or the synthetics don’t help everyone??

Hi Elaine..I am a partner in a Tax & accounting practice, and mainly work out of my home office . I could never handle a real job the way I feel. I’m back on Synthroid and C ytomel have gained back the weight I just lost and have racing heart in the middle of the night and I don’t sleep.

Natural Calm is a life savior try the web site
http://www.petergillham.com or just type in Natural Calm
I’m sure you could have it shopped there.

We keep calling Westroid and see when it will be available. And they cannot give a answer when it will be availabale.

Hey Clair..I’m for a “Class action suite” I am allergic to the fillers. Were you able to get the Westroid? Did the doctor have it in his office???

I went to a natural pathic dr but he was out of it. I keep looking around and nothing.

It’s as though life has stoped. I too had the panic attack , anxiety, overwhelming feelin. I never had that before. I am also on HRT and it is playing Havoc with me. I was trying togo back on the estrogen shot but my dr said I have to get the Thyroid in balance 1st. So I am on the Vivell dot and combi patch.

My BP has been out of control anybody else??