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 of 2023, Nature Throid remains unavailable in the market. RLC Labs, the manufacturer, has stated on their website that they are “continuing to work with the FDA to get our products back on the market as soon as possible.” However, there is currently no Nature Throid in production. This situation has left many patients seeking alternatives for their thyroid medication needs.

Can patients still access the active ingredient in Nature Throid? Yes, they can. RLC Labs is now selling the active pharmaceutical ingredient, Thyroid USP, which was used to produce Nature Throid and WP Thyroid. This means that patients have the option to obtain a compounded version of their medication using the same active ingredient that was present in these RLC Labs branded medications.

Understanding the Recall of Nature Throid and WP Thyroid

Nature Throid and WP Thyroid have been off the market since 2021 due to a comprehensive recall of all lots. This recall was initiated voluntarily by the manufacturer following FDA inspections that revealed wider than acceptable ranges in the actual strengths of the finished medications.

Why is consistency in thyroid medication strength so crucial? In thyroid medication production, there is an acceptable variability range of +/- 10% of the labeled strength. This allowance exists because the amount of thyroid hormones in a single gland can naturally vary. However, when the strength falls outside this range, it becomes problematic as patients may receive significantly more or less than the expected dose. Such inconsistency can lead to the return of hypothyroid symptoms or cause other side effects.

Potential Risks of Inconsistent Thyroid Medication Dosages

According to the FDA recall notice, patients being treated for hypothyroidism who receive sub-potent Nature-Throid® or WP Thyroid® may experience various signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, including:

• Fatigue
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Puffy face
• Hair loss
• Slow heart rate
• Depression
• Swelling of the thyroid gland
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight

Are there any specific groups at higher risk? Yes, there are. The FDA notice highlights that there is a reasonable risk of serious injury in newborn infants or pregnant women with hypothyroidism. These risks can include early miscarriage, fetal hyperthyroidism, and/or impairments to fetal neural and skeletal development. Additionally, elderly patients and those with underlying cardiac disease may experience toxic cardiac manifestations of hyperthyroidism, such as cardiac pain, palpitations, or cardiac arrhythmia.

Thyroid USP: The Common Thread in Natural Desiccated Thyroid Medications

Thyroid USP is a key component in various natural desiccated thyroid medications. But what exactly does “USP” mean? When you see the letters “USP” after the name of a drug, it indicates that the drug meets a reference standard established by the United States Pharmacopeia. This standard ensures consistency and quality across different products.

Is Thyroid USP unique to Nature Throid? No, it’s not. In fact, 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.

Converting Grain Measurements to Milligrams

Historically, natural desiccated thyroid products were measured in grains, a unit of measurement that is not commonly used today. However, it’s still possible to convert grains to milligram equivalents, making it easier to get an accurate dosage when switching to a compounded form of the drug.

How can patients ensure they’re getting the correct dosage when switching to a compounded form? When sending a prescription to a compounding pharmacy for natural desiccated thyroid, it’s recommended to use the milligram dosage. RLC Labs provides a conversion chart on their website that shows the equivalent milligram dosage for each grain dosage, facilitating accurate prescription and dosing.

Desiccated Thyroid: A Time-Tested Alternative to Synthetic Thyroid Medications

While synthetic thyroid medications like levothyroxine (marketed under various brand names) are commonly prescribed for hypothyroidism, desiccated thyroid offers a different approach. But what exactly is desiccated thyroid?

Desiccated thyroid is 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 a long history, having been used for over a hundred years and serving as the first treatment for hypothyroidism.

The Multifaceted Nature of Desiccated Thyroid

Unlike synthetic medications that typically contain only one form of thyroid hormone (T4), desiccated thyroid contains all forms of thyroid hormone. This comprehensive hormone profile can be beneficial for some patients, as thyroid hormones affect multiple functions throughout the body.

Does this mean desiccated thyroid is superior to synthetic options? Not necessarily. The effectiveness of thyroid medication can vary from person to person. Some patients may find better symptom relief with desiccated thyroid, while others may do well on synthetic options. It’s crucial for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to find the most effective treatment for their individual needs.

Navigating Thyroid Treatment Options in the Absence of Nature Throid

With Nature Throid unavailable, patients and healthcare providers need to explore alternative options. These may include other brands of desiccated thyroid, synthetic thyroid medications, or compounded thyroid formulations.

Compounded Thyroid Medications: A Personalized Approach

Compounded thyroid medications offer a unique solution for patients who need specific dosages or formulations not available in commercial products. These medications are prepared by pharmacists using Thyroid USP, the same active ingredient found in Nature Throid and other desiccated thyroid products.

How does the compounding process work? Compounding pharmacies can create customized thyroid medications tailored to individual patient needs. This may involve adjusting the dosage, removing allergens or fillers, or changing the form of the medication (e.g., from tablet to liquid). This personalized approach can be particularly beneficial for patients with specific sensitivities or those who require unique dosing regimens.

The Importance of Regular Monitoring in Thyroid Treatment

Regardless of the type of thyroid medication used, regular monitoring is crucial for effective treatment. This typically involves periodic blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels and adjust medication dosages as needed.

How often should thyroid levels be checked? The frequency of monitoring can vary depending on individual circumstances, but generally, thyroid function tests are performed every 6-12 months for stable patients. More frequent testing may be necessary when starting a new medication, adjusting dosages, or if symptoms persist.

Signs That Your Thyroid Medication May Need Adjustment

Even with regular monitoring, patients should be aware of signs that their thyroid medication may need adjustment. These can include:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Unexpected weight changes
• Changes in mood or cognitive function
• Alterations in heart rate or blood pressure
• Changes in body temperature regulation
• Digestive issues
• Hair or skin changes

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can assess whether your medication needs to be adjusted or if other factors might be contributing to your symptoms.

The Future of Nature Throid and Thyroid Treatment Options

As RLC Labs continues to work with the FDA to bring Nature Throid back to the market, the landscape of thyroid treatment continues to evolve. Research into thyroid function and treatment is ongoing, potentially leading to new medications or treatment approaches in the future.

What can patients do in the meantime? Patients who previously relied on Nature Throid should work closely with their healthcare providers to find the most suitable alternative. This may involve trying different medications or formulations to find the one that provides the best symptom relief and quality of life.

Staying Informed About Thyroid Health

Given the complexities of thyroid health and treatment, staying informed is crucial. Patients are encouraged to:

1. Maintain open communication with their healthcare providers
2. Stay up-to-date with reputable thyroid health resources
3. Participate in patient support groups or forums
4. Be aware of any changes in their symptoms or overall health
5. Understand their medication, including its ingredients and proper usage

By staying informed and proactive, patients can play an active role in managing their thyroid health, even in the face of changing medication availability.