How It Works
NP Thyroid works by supplementing the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), both of which are found naturally in the body. People with hypothyroidism have an underactive thyroid gland, so their body does not produce enough of these hormones.
For people with goiter or thyroid cancer, the thyroid is growing too much. NP Thyroid works by telling the thyroid to stop producing its own hormones, which helps limit its growth.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Brands | NP Thyroid |
| Drug Class | Thyroid agents |
| Generic Status | No generic version available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Dosing
NP Thyroid is taken daily by mouth. It comes in dosage strengths ranging from 15 mg to 120 mg. Dosing for NP Thyroid is highly individualized and based on your serum thyroid levels. Your provider will order regular testing of your thyroid, and may adjust your dosage depending on how your body responds.
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): A typical starting dose is 30 mg taken daily by mouth, although your provider may recommend a lower dose if you have certain health conditions. After 2-3 weeks, your provider may order thyroid labs to check how the medication is working and adjust your dose if needed.
- Goiter or thyroid cancer: The recommended dose is calculated by body weight and given for 7-10 days.
Note: Dosing information is educational only. Your prescribing physician will determine your specific dose based on your individual health needs. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for exact dosing.
Uses
FDA-Approved Uses
The FDA has not approved the labeling or ingredients of NP Thyroid and recommends that patients transition to an FDA-approved medication. NP Thyroid has not been found to be safe or effective by the FDA.
Off-Label Uses
To date, there are no commonly known off-label uses.
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Side Effects
Like all medications, NP Thyroid can cause side effects. Some may be a sign that the dosage is too high and needs adjusting, while others may be serious and require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
- Temporary hair loss
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Rash
- Tremors
- Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- Heart attack
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Muscle weakness
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Trouble tolerating heat
- Fever
- Changes in menstrual period
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare, but it’s important to know what to look for if they do occur. Stop using NP Thyroid and call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fever.
- Heart problems: Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), arrhythmias, chest pain, or heart attack. These risks may be higher in people who are older or have heart disease.
- Weak bones (osteoporosis): Long-term over-replacement with thyroid hormone can accelerate bone loss, leading to reduced bone density and a higher risk of fractures, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Adrenal crisis (low cortisol levels): In people with untreated adrenal insufficiency, starting thyroid medication can cause dangerously low stress hormone levels that require emergency attention. Symptoms include severe dizziness, tiredness, weakness, appetite loss, and stomach pain.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning or prolonged symptoms.
Pharmacist Tips
Take It On an Empty Stomach
To maximize absorption, it’s recommended to take NP Thyroid on an empty stomach in the morning with water, at least 30 to 60 minutes before other food or beverages.
Avoid Certain Foods
Certain foods may affect how well NP Thyroid is absorbed by your body. Ask your healthcare provider if you should avoid soybean flour, cottonseed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, and grapefruit juice while taking NP Thyroid.
Dose Timing for Cholesterol Medications
Drugs like cholestyramine and colestipol can block absorption of NP Thyroid. It is recommended to take those medications and NP Thyroid at least 4–5 hours apart.
Take Considerations for Diabetes Medications and Blood Thinners Into Account
The doses for these medications may need to be adjusted when you start taking NP Thyroid.
Schedule Regular Bloodwork
Your healthcare provider may order thyroid labs to assess how well the medication is working for you.
Follow Storage Guidelines
Keep the medication at room temperature (59°F to 86°F) in a tight container, protected from light and moisture.
Follow Missed Dose Guidelines
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Do not double up on doses of NP Thyroid.
Drug Interactions
NP Thyroid can interact with other medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. For example:
- Diabetes medications: Thyroid hormones can increase blood sugar levels, meaning insulin or oral diabetes medication dosages may need adjustment when starting NP Thyroid.
- Blood thinners: Desiccated thyroid can amplify the effect of anticoagulants (like warfarin), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your blood thinner dosage.
- Cholesterol medications: Drugs like cholestyramine (Questran) and colestipol (Colestid) bind to thyroid hormones and prevent absorption. They should be taken at least 4 to 5 hours apart from NP Thyroid.
- Hormonal contraceptives: The estrogen in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can interact with NP Thyroid and may require a higher dose of NP Thyroid to be prescribed.
Always give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of all your medications, vitamins, and supplements to check for potential interactions.
FAQs
What is the difference between NP Thyroid and Synthroid?
NP Thyroid is a natural product made from animal thyroid glands and contains both T3 and T4 hormones. Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a synthetic, lab-made version containing only the T4 hormone, which the body can then convert to T3.
Is NP Thyroid FDA-approved?
Most desiccated thyroid products, including NP Thyroid, are not FDA-approved. They are considered unapproved drugs by the FDA, though they are legal to prescribe.
Does NP Thyroid contain both T3 and T4 hormones?
Yes. NP Thyroid contains a natural combination of levothyroxine (T4) and liothyronine (T3).
Can I take NP Thyroid with coffee or breakfast?
No, you should wait to eat or drink anything at least 30 to 60 minutes after your dose of NP Thyroid. It’s recommended to take it on an empty stomach as food can affect absorption of the medication.
Does NP Thyroid help with weight loss?
It’s possible NP Thyroid may lead to weight loss if your thyroid levels were previously low and your metabolism normalizes. However, it should never be used specifically as a weight loss drug. Taking NP Thyroid with weight loss medications can be life-threatening.
Is NP Thyroid gluten-free?
Yes, NP Thyroid is gluten-free. The medication contains no gluten or dyes.
Can I switch from Armour Thyroid to NP Thyroid directly?
Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid are both natural desiccated thyroid products containing T3 and T4, but they have different inactive ingredients (fillers). It’s recommended to consult your doctor before switching between these prescription medications, as your body may respond differently to each brand.
Does NP Thyroid cause hair loss?
Yes, partial hair loss is a possible side effect of NP Thyroid, especially during the first few months of treatment. This is usually temporary and often resolves as the body adjusts to the medication.
Why do I feel “jittery” or anxious after taking NP Thyroid?
Feeling jittery, anxious, or having shaky hands may be signs that your thyroid hormone levels are too high. If you experience this on NP Thyroid, contact your healthcare provider, as your dose may need to be lowered.
Is NP Thyroid safe to take during pregnancy?
It is not known how NP Thyroid can affect a fetus or a pregnant person. Tell your provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as thyroid levels may need more regular monitoring during pregnancy.
Does NP Thyroid contain pork?
Yes. NP Thyroid is derived from natural desiccated porcine (pig) thyroid glands.
Does NP Thyroid affect my TSH levels differently than synthetic thyroid?
Because NP Thyroid contains both T3 and T4, it may affect TSH levels differently than synthetic thyroid. Your doctor can help you interpret your lab results.
Comparable Medications
Armour Thyroid®
From $49.99
Another natural desiccated thyroid medication derived from porcine glands, similar to NP Thyroid.
Levothyroxine
From $24.99
A synthetic (lab-made) form of the T4 thyroid hormone.
Liothyronine Tablets
From $39.99
A synthetic form of the T3 thyroid hormone T3.
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Important: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prescribing decisions are made by independent, licensed providers. TelyRx operates technology-enabled pharmacies and a telehealth platform that connects patients with board-certified licensed providers. Prescriptions, when provider-approved and issued, are filled and shipped by TelyRx-affiliated pharmacies. We do not employ physicians or make prescribing decisions. Learn more about our editorial standards here.