Is np thyroid the same as naturethroid. Nature Throid 2023: Availability, Alternatives, and Understanding Thyroid USP
Will Nature Throid be available in 2023. Why are Nature Throid and WP Thyroid unavailable. What is Thyroid USP. How does desiccated thyroid differ from synthetic thyroid medications.
The Current Status of Nature Throid in 2023
As we delve into the world of thyroid medications, one question looms large: Will Nature Throid be available in 2023? The answer, unfortunately, is not as straightforward as many patients might hope. According to the official RLC Labs website, the company is “continuing to work with the FDA to get our products back on the market as soon as possible.” However, the reality is that as of now, Nature Throid is not in production.
For those who relied on Nature Throid or its sister product WP Thyroid, there is a glimmer of hope. The manufacturer has taken a new approach by selling the active pharmaceutical ingredient, Thyroid USP, which was used to produce both Nature Throid and WP Thyroid. This development opens up new possibilities for patients seeking alternatives.
Compounded Alternatives: A New Option for Patients
With the availability of Thyroid USP, patients now have the option to obtain a compounded version of their medication. This compounded version uses the same active ingredient that was present in the RLC Labs branded medications. But what does this mean for patients?
- Customized dosing: Compounding allows for more precise and personalized dosages.
- Consistent active ingredient: The core component of the medication remains the same.
- Potential for fewer fillers: Compounded medications can often be made with fewer inactive ingredients.
The Recall of Nature Throid and WP Thyroid: Understanding the Reasons
To comprehend the current situation, we must look back to 2021 when Nature Throid and WP Thyroid became unavailable due to a complete recall of all lots. This recall was not mandated by regulatory bodies but was voluntarily initiated by the manufacturer. What prompted such a drastic measure?
The primary issue stemmed from FDA inspections that uncovered inconsistencies in the strength of the finished medications. While some variability is expected and acceptable in pharmaceutical production, the discrepancies found in these products exceeded the permissible range.
The Importance of Consistent Dosing in Thyroid Medication
Why is dosage consistency so crucial in thyroid medications? The thyroid gland plays a vital role in regulating numerous bodily functions, and even small variations in hormone levels can have significant impacts. When a batch of thyroid medication is produced, there’s typically an allowance for a +/- 10% variation from the labeled strength. However, when this range is exceeded, it poses potential risks to patients.
Inconsistent dosing can lead to:
- Return of hypothyroid symptoms
- Unexpected side effects
- Difficulties in managing thyroid hormone levels
Potential Risks of Sub-potent Thyroid Medications
The FDA recall notice highlighted several potential risks associated with sub-potent Nature-Throid® and WP Thyroid®. These risks underscore the importance of maintaining strict quality control in the production of thyroid medications.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism Due to Sub-potent Medication
Patients receiving sub-potent thyroid medication may experience a resurgence of hypothyroid symptoms, including:
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Puffy face
- Hair loss
- Slow heart rate
- Depression
- Thyroid gland swelling
- Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations
The recall notice also emphasized the potential risks for specific groups:
- Newborn infants and pregnant women: There is a reasonable risk of serious injury, including early miscarriage, fetal hyperthyroidism, and impairments to fetal neural and skeletal development.
- Elderly patients and those with underlying cardiac disease: These individuals may experience toxic cardiac manifestations of hyperthyroidism, such as cardiac pain, palpitations, or cardiac arrhythmia.
It’s important to note that at the time of the recall, RLC Labs, Inc. had not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall. However, the potential risks warranted immediate action to ensure patient safety.
Thyroid USP: The Core of Natural Desiccated Thyroid Medications
As we navigate the landscape of thyroid medications, it’s crucial to understand the foundation of these treatments. At the heart of natural desiccated thyroid medications lies Thyroid USP. But what exactly is Thyroid USP, and why is it significant?
Defining Thyroid USP
The letters “USP” that follow “Thyroid” stand for United States Pharmacopeia. This designation indicates that the drug meets a reference standard established by this organization. Thyroid USP is not a proprietary ingredient; rather, it’s a standardized form of desiccated thyroid that serves as the active ingredient in various thyroid medications.
Key points about Thyroid USP:
- It’s used in multiple thyroid medications, including Nature Throid, WP Thyroid, NP Thyroid, and Armour Thyroid.
- Compounded thyroid medications also use Thyroid USP as their base.
- The difference between various thyroid medications often lies in the excipients (inactive ingredients) used in formulation.
From Grains to Milligrams: Understanding Thyroid Medication Dosages
Historically, desiccated thyroid products were measured in grains, a unit of measurement that has largely fallen out of use in modern medicine. However, this traditional measurement persists in the world of desiccated thyroid products. For patients transitioning to compounded forms of the medication, understanding the conversion from grains to milligrams is crucial.
RLC Labs provides a conversion chart on their website that equates grain dosages to milligram equivalents. This conversion is essential when prescribing or obtaining compounded natural desiccated thyroid, as compounding pharmacies typically work with milligram dosages.
Desiccated Thyroid: A Century-Old Treatment with Modern Applications
In the realm of thyroid treatments, desiccated thyroid stands out as a time-tested solution with a rich history. But what exactly is desiccated thyroid, and how does it differ from synthetic alternatives?
The Origins and Composition of Desiccated Thyroid
Desiccated thyroid is derived from the thyroid glands of pigs. These glands are dried and powdered, creating a pharmaceutical ingredient that contains multiple thyroid hormones. This natural approach to thyroid supplementation has been in use for over a century, predating many synthetic alternatives.
Key aspects of desiccated thyroid:
- Contains multiple forms of thyroid hormone, mimicking the natural thyroid gland’s output
- Has been used as a treatment for hypothyroidism for over 100 years
- Offers a more comprehensive hormone profile compared to single-hormone synthetic medications
Desiccated Thyroid vs. Synthetic Alternatives
While desiccated thyroid has a long history, synthetic thyroid medications have become more common in recent decades. The most frequently prescribed synthetic thyroid medication is levothyroxine, marketed under various brand names such as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, and Tirosint.
How do these treatments compare?
- Hormone content:
- Synthetic medications typically contain only T4 (levothyroxine)
- Desiccated thyroid contains multiple thyroid hormones, including T4 and T3
- Source:
- Synthetic medications are laboratory-created
- Desiccated thyroid is derived from animal sources
- Customization:
- Synthetic medications offer precise, standardized dosing
- Desiccated thyroid may provide a more natural hormone balance but can be less predictable
The Future of Nature Throid and Natural Desiccated Thyroid Treatments
As we look to the future of thyroid treatments, particularly concerning Nature Throid and other natural desiccated thyroid medications, several questions arise. How might the landscape of thyroid treatment evolve in the coming years?
Potential Developments in Thyroid Medication
While the future remains uncertain, several potential developments could shape the world of thyroid treatment:
- Improved quality control measures for natural desiccated thyroid products
- Advanced formulations that offer more consistent hormone levels
- Increased availability of customized, compounded thyroid medications
- Potential reintroduction of Nature Throid and WP Thyroid with enhanced manufacturing processes
The Role of Patient Advocacy and Research
The thyroid treatment landscape is not solely shaped by pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies. Patient advocacy groups and ongoing research play crucial roles in driving progress and ensuring that patients have access to effective, safe treatments.
Key areas of focus for the future may include:
- Comparative studies between desiccated thyroid and synthetic alternatives
- Research into individualized thyroid treatment approaches
- Development of new thyroid hormone delivery methods
- Exploration of the long-term effects of various thyroid treatments
Navigating Thyroid Treatment Options in the Absence of Nature Throid
With Nature Throid currently unavailable, patients and healthcare providers must navigate a changing landscape of thyroid treatment options. This situation presents both challenges and opportunities for individualizing care.
Exploring Alternative Treatment Options
Patients who previously relied on Nature Throid may consider several alternatives:
- Compounded thyroid medications using Thyroid USP
- Other commercially available desiccated thyroid products
- Synthetic T4 medications, potentially combined with T3 for some patients
- Exploring combination therapies under close medical supervision
The Importance of Personalized Care
The absence of Nature Throid underscores the need for personalized approaches to thyroid treatment. Every patient’s thyroid needs are unique, and what works for one may not be ideal for another. This situation encourages a more tailored approach to thyroid care, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients in the long run.
Key considerations for personalized thyroid care:
- Regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels
- Attention to symptom relief and overall well-being
- Consideration of lifestyle factors that may impact thyroid function
- Open communication between patients and healthcare providers about treatment efficacy and preferences
Understanding the Broader Impact of Medication Recalls
The recall of Nature Throid and WP Thyroid serves as a case study in the broader context of pharmaceutical quality control and patient safety. What can we learn from this situation, and how might it influence future approaches to medication manufacturing and regulation?
Lessons from the Nature Throid Recall
Several key takeaways emerge from the Nature Throid recall:
- The importance of rigorous quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing
- The need for transparency in communication between manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and patients
- The potential for disruption in patient care when long-standing medications become unavailable
- The value of having multiple treatment options available for chronic conditions
Implications for Future Pharmaceutical Practices
The Nature Throid recall may influence future practices in the pharmaceutical industry:
- Enhanced testing protocols for natural and animal-derived medications
- Increased focus on consistency in dosing for hormonal treatments
- Development of contingency plans for medication shortages or recalls
- Greater emphasis on patient education regarding medication sources and potential alternatives
As the thyroid treatment landscape continues to evolve, patients and healthcare providers must stay informed and adaptable. While the unavailability of Nature Throid presents challenges, it also opens doors to new treatment approaches and a more personalized approach to thyroid care. The future of thyroid treatment may well be shaped by the lessons learned from this recall, potentially leading to more robust, diverse, and patient-centered options in the years to come.
Nature Throid 2023 – Will Nature Throid be Available in 2023?
Will Nature Throid be available in 2023? According to the RLC Labs website, “RLC Labs is continuing to work with the FDA to get our products back on the market as soon as possible.” However as of right now, there is no Nature Throid in production. The manufacturer is now selling the active pharmaceutical ingredient, Thyroid USP, which they used to produce Nature Throid and WP Thyroid. That means that patients can get a compounded version of their medication using the same active ingredient that was in these RLC Labs branded medications.
Why are Nature Throid and WP Thyroid Unavailable?
Nature Throid and WP Thyroid have been unavailable since 2021 when there was a complete recall of all lots. This recall was voluntary and initiated by the manufacturer. The recall came after FDA inspections found wider than acceptable ranges in the actual strengths of the finished medications. There is certain variability that is acceptable since the amount of thyroid hormones in a single gland can vary. When a batch is made, there can be +/- 10% of the labeled strength. However once you start getting outside of this range, it is considered unacceptable as the patient may be getting significantly more or less than the expected dose. Inconsistency in dosing can lead to hypothyroid symptoms returning or other side effects.
According to the FDA recall notice (https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/rlc-labs-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-all-lots-nature-throidr-and-wp-thyroidr-current)
Patients being treated for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), who receive sub potent Nature-Throid® or WP Thyroid®, may experience signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) which may include, fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, puffy face, hair loss, slow heart rate, depression, swelling of the thyroid gland and/or unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight. There is reasonable risk of serious injury in newborn infants or pregnant women with hypothyroidism including early miscarriage, fetal hyperthyroidism, and/or impairments to fetal neural and skeletal development.
In elderly patients and patients with underlying cardiac disease toxic cardiac manifestations of hyperthyroidism may occur, such as cardiac pain, palpitations or cardiac arrhythmia. RLC Labs, Inc. has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
Nature-Throid® and WP Thyroid® (thyroid tablets, USP) is composed of liothyronine and levothyroxine, and are used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). The products subject to recall are packaged in 30, 60, 90, 100 and 1,000 count bottles.
What is Thyroid USP?
When you see the letters “USP” after the name of a drug it means that the drug meets a reference standard established by the United States Pharmacopeia. Nature Throid, WP Thyroid, NP Thyroid, Armour Thyroid, and compounded thyroid all use the same active ingredient – Thyroid USP. There is nothing proprietary about this ingredient. Manufacturers simply change the excipients used to make the medication. Our pharmacy purchases Thyroid USP directly from RLC Labs – the manufacturer of Nature Throid and WP Thyroid when they were available.
Nature Throid and WP Thyroid came in specific dosages that were measured in grains. The grain unit of measurement is not really used anymore but is still used to measure desiccated thyroid products as it was when the products were first made available. However it is still possible to convert grains to a milligram equivalent. This makes it easier to get an accurate dosage when switching to a compounded form of the drug. If you look at the conversion chart on the RLC Labs website here: https://getrealthyroid.com/conversion-guide.html you can see that each grain dosage has an equivalent milligram dosage. When you are sending a prescription to a compounding pharmacy for natural desiccated thyroid, you should use the milligram dosage.
Desiccated Thyroid
There are several synthetic medications on the market for treating hypothyroidism. The typical synthetic medication that is prescribed is levothyroxine (marketed as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Unithroid, Tirosint, and other names).
This medication is only one form of the thyroid hormone – T4. There are actually multiple forms of thyroid hormone that affect each other and multiple functions throughout the body.
Desiccated thyroid is actually derived from the thyroid glands of pigs which are dried and turned into a powder that can be used as a pharmaceutical ingredient. This form of thyroid medication has been used for over a hundred years and was the first treatment for hypothyroidism. Desiccated thyroid contains all forms of thyroid hormone including T1, T2, T3, T4, and thyroid co-factors. Patients who report that their hypothyroid symptoms improve more with the use of desiccated thyroid may be improving due to the combination of T4 and T3 with other thyroid co-factors.
These are some key features of Nature Throid according to RLC Labs:
- T4 & T3 replacement hormones derived from natural desiccated porcine thyroid
- Naturally occurring thyroid cofactors T1, T2, calcitonin and iodine (in trace amounts)
- Always gluten-free
- Contains NO artificial colors or flavors
- Contains NO soy, yeast, egg, fish or shellfish, corn, peanut, or rice
Source: https://www.
naturethroid.com/
These benefits are the same for compounded thyroid made in a dosage to match Nature Throid or WP Thyroid. The main brands of desiccated thyroid are Amour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, Nature Throid, and WP Thyroid. Most of these have experience recalls or shortages at some point. Usually the reason for the recall is regarding consistency in dosing. A compounding pharmacy can provide desiccated thyroid capsules that do not experience the same kind of recalls as brand-name medications.
Desiccated thyroid was “grandfathered” by the FDA into an approved status, which means it did not go through the traditional FDA approval process. However that does not mean it is not regulated at all or that it can be purchased without a prescription. A prescription is required for all forms of desiccated thyroid including when it is made by a compounding pharmacy. The FDA regulates the production of thyroid to ensure its production meets certain high standards of quality, cleanliness, and consistency.
The FDA also regulates compounding pharmacies in general to ensure they meet high quality standards.
Why Do Patients Use Desiccated Thyroid?
As mentioned previously, desiccated thyroid contains all forms of thyroid hormone and co-factors. Synthetic thyroid usually only contains T4. Patients may start their hypothyroid treatment by using levothyroxine and find that they are still experiencing symptoms. For some of these patients, dose adjustments do not work and they look for alternatives. Desiccated thyroid helps some patients who have symptoms that do not improve with synthetic thyroid medication.
One theory is that patients who do better on desiccated thyroid do not effectively convert T4 to T3. T3 is the active form of the thyroid hormone. Taking NDT leads to higher circulating levels of T3 than when taking levothyroxine. The higher T3 levels lead to an improvement in symptoms for patients who have difficulty converting the inactive to the active form of the hormone.
Regardless of what is actually happening with thyroid hormone conversion, patients take NDT simply because it works for them. There are various ways of telling whether a thyroid treatment is working but the best indicator is how the patient feels. Are the symptoms of hypothyroidism being relieved? If the answer is no then there may be medication adjustments, lifestyle changes, or other treatments needed.
Nature Throid and WP Thyroid Availability in 2023
Will Nature Throid be available in 2023? It is hard to say right now but a good guess is that it will not be available at least at the beginning of the year. All lots are currently not in production per the RLC Labs website and there is no indication that the company is going to restart production anytime soon. Until it does become available, RLC Labs is selling Thyroid USP to compounding pharmacies like National Pharmacy so patients can continue their treatment.
Looking to send a prescription for compounded NDT capsules? Contact us here.
Articles
Desiccated thyroid extract compared with levothyroxine in the treatment of hypothyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study – The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
Nature-Throid vs NP Thyroid Comparison
Nature-Throid vs NP Thyroid Comparison – Drugs.com
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Nature-Throid may also be used for purposes not listed in this comparison guide.
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NP Thyroid may also be used for purposes not listed in this comparison guide.
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