Armour Thyroid alternatives: What can I take instead of Armour Thyroid ?

Armour Thyroid doesn't work for everyone. Levothyroxine, Cytomel, and other desiccated thyroid extracts (DTEs) are some Armour Thyroid alternatives. Get the full list here.

By Keith Gardner, R.Ph. | Sep. 30, 2022

Key takeaways

Armour Thyroid is a prescription medication made from desiccated pig thyroid glands, used since the early 1900s for hypothyroidism but not FDA-approved.
Alternatives to Armour Thyroid include synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine or Cytomel, as well as other natural desiccated thyroid extracts.
Patients not responding well to Armour Thyroid may consider these alternatives, each having different active ingredients, dosages, and potential side effects.
Switching from Armour Thyroid to an alternative requires careful consideration and monitoring of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, with specific dose conversions available for levothyroxine and Cytomel.

Armour Thyroid desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), also known as natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) and porcine thyroid, is a medication made from the desiccated (dried) thyroid glands of pigs. Armour Thyroid and other brands of desiccated thyroid extract have been available since the early 1900s. Although not officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Armour Thyroid and other DTE pharmaceuticals were “grandfathered” into clinical use and are only available by prescription.

Armour Thyroid contains two endocrine hormones—thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). It is used to treat an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). It is also used for suppressing thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which aids in treating certain types of goiters (enlarged thyroid glands) and thyroid cancer.

While many people do well taking Armour Thyroid, some may have an allergy to the ingredients, experience drug interactions, or may find that it is not working to control their hypothyroidism. If that is the case, there are alternative hormone replacement therapy medications that can be considered in consultation with one’s healthcare provider. Continue reading to learn more about Armour Thyroid alternatives, their possible side effects, and other important information.

What can I take in place of Armour Thyroid?

There are two categories of thyroid hormone replacement medicines for the treatment of hypothyroidism: 1) natural hormonal preparations derived from animal thyroid, and 2) synthetic preparations. Natural preparations, such as Armour Thyroid, contain both T4 and T3. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) has standardized the active drug content of natural preparations. Synthetic preparations were developed in the mid-1950s and contain only a single active ingredient T4 (levothyroxine) or T3 (liothyronine).

There is no one thyroid medication that is best for everyone. Individual symptoms and responses to treatment vary, and effective doses of a particular medication can vary. Following is a list of alternatives to Armour Thyroid.

Compare Armour Thyroid alternatives
Drug name	Uses	Dosage	Savings options
Armour Thyroid (thyroid USP)	Replacement or supplemental therapy in patients with hypothyroidism; suppress pituitary TSH to treat or prevent various types of euthyroid goiters; management of thyroid cancer.	60 to 120 mg once daily	Armour Thyroid coupons
Cytomel (liothyronine sodium)		25 mcg to 75 mcg once daily	Cytomel coupons
Euthyrox (levothyroxine)		50 mcg to 100 mcg once daily; may be increased gradually up to 200 mcg once daily	Euthyrox coupons
Levothyroxine		50 mcg to 100 mcg once daily; may be increased gradually up to 200 mcg once daily	Levothyroxine coupons
Levoxyl (levothyroxine)		50 mcg to 100 mcg once daily; may be increased gradually up to 200 mcg once daily	Levoxyl coupons
Synthroid (levothyroxine)		50 mcg to 100 mcg once daily; may be increased gradually up to 200 mcg once daily	Synthroid coupons
Tirosint (levothyroxine)		50 mcg to 100 mcg once daily; may be increased gradually up to 200 mcg once daily	Tirosint coupons
Unithroid (levothyroxine)		50 mcg to 100 mcg once daily; may be increased gradually up to 200 mcg once daily	Unithroid coupons

Other alternatives to Armour Thyroid

Nature-Throid (thyroid USP)
NP Thyroid (thyroid USP)
Westhroid (thyroid USP)
WP Thyroid (thyroid USP)

Top Armour Thyroid alternatives

Following are some of the most common alternatives to Armour Thyroid.

1. Levothyroxine

Levothyroxine is available as a generic as well as branded drugs such as Synthroid, Euthyrox, Levoxyl, Unithroid, and Tirosint. The generic and brand-name versions of levothyroxine are FDA-approved to treat hypothyroidism and provide TSH suppression for euthyroid goiters, thyroid cancer, and other thyroid problems. Levothyroxine can be used in those who are allergic to desiccated thyroid.

The generic and brand-name medications contain the same active ingredient but may contain different inactive ingredients added to improve absorption, preserve the drug, or add color to the tablet. Tirosint differs from other forms of levothyroxine in that it comes as a liquid gel capsule as opposed to a tablet.

All forms of levothyroxine are alternatives to Armour Thyroid that are considered safe and effective when taken as prescribed. At this time, levothyroxine is considered the first agent of choice for treating hypothyroidism.

2. Cytomel (liothyronine sodium)

Cytomel is the brand name for Pfizer’s liothyronine. Liothyronine is also available in generic form. Cytomel contains a synthetic version of the T3 hormone (as opposed to the T4 hormone found in levothyroxine medicines). Cytomel can be used in those who are allergic to desiccated thyroid.

Cytomel is absorbed faster than levothyroxine, which may lead to an increased risk of side effects such as hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone). During treatment with Cytomel, hormone levels may need to be monitored by routine blood tests. Although Cytomel may be prescribed as a single drug therapy, current guidelines from the American Thyroid Association recommend that people with hypothyroidism be treated initially with levothyroxine. Adding liothyronine should be considered in people who continue to have symptoms of hypothyroidism, and whose T3 levels remain in the low end of the normal range.

3. Other desiccated thyroid extracts (DTEs)

In addition to Armour Thyroid, there are several other DTEs including Nature-Throid, NP Thyroid, Westhroid, and WP Thyroid. These thyroid medications can have variations in the amount of T4 and T3 since they are derived from an animal source. Because of this variability, a person’s T4 and T3 blood levels can differ between the different medicines and even between new lots of the same branded drug.

Other differences between the various DTEs are the amount and kinds of inactive ingredients. For example, Armour Thyroid contains inactive ingredients such as starch and microcrystalline cellulose which can be difficult to digest in some individuals, especially if they suffer from low stomach acid or other digestive issues.

Natural alternatives to Armour Thyroid

Although the desiccated thyroid extract found in Armour Thyroid and other DTE products is actually considered a natural thyroid product, there are also other natural alternatives, such as vitamins and supplements, that may help manage hypothyroidism. Lifestyle modifications and adherence to a healthy diet can also help sustain appropriate thyroid hormone levels. It’s important to always consult your healthcare professional before initiating any alternative treatment for hypothyroidism.

Vitamins and supplements

Blood levels of vitamin B12 may be affected by low thyroid hormones. Taking a vitamin B12 supplement may increase blood levels and help with the problems hypothyroidism can cause, such as tiredness.

Low levels of vitamin D are associated with thyroid diseases, particularly autoimmune hypothyroidism. Taking a vitamin D supplement may help manage thyroid problems, particularly in people taking levothyroxine.

Selenium is a trace element that is involved in thyroid hormone metabolism. Hashimoto’s disease, an immune system attack on the thyroid, may result in reduced selenium levels in the body. Supplementing this trace element has been shown to help balance thyroxine levels in some people.

Diet and lifestyle changes

Sugar and processed foods, both of which can lead to increased inflammation in the body, can interfere with normal thyroid hormone activity. This may make symptoms of thyroid disease worsen. Reducing the amount of sugar and processed foods may be beneficial to thyroid health and may help with weight loss since weight gain is often a symptom of hypothyroidism.

Physical and mental stress can be a trigger for upsetting thyroid function. Stress can also cause flare-ups in symptoms of hypothyroidism. Control stress by engaging in self-care every day such as by exercising, meditation, aromatherapy with essential oils, or any other activity that is relaxing.

How to switch to an Armour Thyroid alternative

Every person responds to therapy differently. Finding the best treatment for hypothyroid patients may take time, and changing to a different thyroid medication is not an easy decision. FDA-approved treatment options can provide consistent, and precise dosing and the American Thyroid Association’s treatment guidelines recommend levothyroxine as the standard of care for hypothyroidism. We encourage patients to talk to their endocrinologist or other health care provider for the appropriate medical advice.

When switching from Armour Thyroid to levothyroxine products, desiccated thyroid 60 mg (1 grain) is considered approximately equivalent to levothyroxine 100 mcg. When switching from Armour Thyroid to Cytomel desiccated thyroid 60 mg (1 grain) is considered approximately equivalent to Cytomel 25 mcg. All desiccated thyroid brands that are commercially available contain the same active ingredient (thyroid USP) which means all must meet the same manufacturing standards, therefore substitution between brands would be the same strength. When switching from Armour Thyroid to a different thyroid medication, serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) should be measured in six weeks and the dose adjusted as necessary.

The following conversions may be used when switching from Armour Thyroid to levothyroxine: