Is np thyroid the same as naturethroid. Nature Throid Availability in 2023: Alternatives and Important Information
Will Nature Throid be available in 2023. Why are Nature Throid and WP Thyroid unavailable. What is Thyroid USP and how does it relate to desiccated thyroid medications. How can patients get a compounded version of their thyroid medication.
The Current Status of Nature Throid Production
Nature Throid, a popular desiccated thyroid medication, has been unavailable since 2021. Many patients are wondering about its status in 2023. According to the 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, as of now, Nature Throid is not in production.
Despite this setback, there’s a silver lining for patients who relied on Nature Throid. RLC Labs is now selling the active pharmaceutical ingredient, Thyroid USP, which was used to produce Nature Throid and WP Thyroid. This development allows patients to obtain a compounded version of their medication using the same active ingredient found in these RLC Labs branded medications.
Understanding the Recall of Nature Throid and WP Thyroid
The unavailability of Nature Throid and WP Thyroid stems from a voluntary recall initiated by the manufacturer in 2021. This recall was prompted by FDA inspections that uncovered wider than acceptable ranges in the actual strengths of the finished medications.
While some variability is expected due to the natural variation in thyroid hormone levels within a single gland, there are limits to what’s considered acceptable. Typically, a batch can have a +/- 10% variance from the labeled strength. When medications fall outside this range, it’s deemed unacceptable as patients may receive significantly more or less than the expected dose.
Potential Consequences of Inconsistent Dosing
- Return of hypothyroid symptoms
- Unexpected side effects
- Complications for pregnant women and newborns
- Risks for elderly patients and those with underlying cardiac conditions
It’s important to note that RLC Labs had not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall at the time it was initiated.
Thyroid USP: The Common Thread in Desiccated Thyroid Medications
Thyroid USP is the key ingredient in various desiccated thyroid medications, including Nature Throid, WP Thyroid, NP Thyroid, and Armour Thyroid. The “USP” designation indicates that the drug meets a reference standard established by the United States Pharmacopeia.
Interestingly, there’s nothing proprietary about Thyroid USP. Different manufacturers simply alter the excipients used to create their specific medication formulations. This commonality allows for potential alternatives when a particular brand becomes unavailable.
Converting Grain Measurements to Milligrams
Traditionally, desiccated thyroid products were measured in grains, a unit that’s less commonly used today. However, it’s possible to convert grain measurements to milligram equivalents, making it easier to obtain accurate dosages when switching to a compounded form of the drug.
RLC Labs provides a conversion chart on their website, which can be helpful for patients and healthcare providers when transitioning to compounded thyroid medications. When requesting a prescription for compounded natural desiccated thyroid, it’s advisable to use the milligram dosage for clarity and accuracy.
The Unique Composition of Desiccated Thyroid Medications
Desiccated thyroid medications differ from synthetic alternatives in several key ways. While synthetic medications like levothyroxine (marketed under various brand names) contain only one form of thyroid hormone (T4), desiccated thyroid provides a more comprehensive hormonal profile.
Derived from the thyroid glands of pigs, desiccated thyroid is processed into a powder that serves as a pharmaceutical ingredient. This form of thyroid medication has a long history, dating back over a century, and was the first treatment developed for hypothyroidism.
Benefits of Desiccated Thyroid
- Contains multiple forms of thyroid hormone
- Mimics the natural thyroid hormone profile more closely
- May be more effective for some patients
- Offers an alternative for those who don’t respond well to synthetic options
Exploring Alternatives to Nature Throid
With Nature Throid currently unavailable, patients and healthcare providers may need to explore alternative options. What are some viable alternatives to Nature Throid?
- Compounded thyroid medications using Thyroid USP
- Other desiccated thyroid brands (e.g., Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid)
- Synthetic T4 medications (levothyroxine)
- Combination T4/T3 synthetic medications
Each option has its pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on individual patient needs and responses. It’s crucial for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to find the most suitable alternative.
The Role of Compounding Pharmacies in Thyroid Treatment
Compounding pharmacies play a significant role in providing alternatives to commercially available thyroid medications. How do compounding pharmacies create customized thyroid medications?
These specialized pharmacies can create personalized thyroid formulations using Thyroid USP as the active ingredient. They can adjust the dosage precisely to meet individual patient needs and even modify the inactive ingredients to avoid allergens or fillers that may cause sensitivities.
Advantages of Compounded Thyroid Medications
- Customized dosages
- Flexible formulations (e.g., capsules, liquids)
- Avoidance of problematic inactive ingredients
- Ability to combine with other medications if necessary
When considering compounded thyroid medications, it’s important to choose a reputable compounding pharmacy that adheres to strict quality control standards.
Monitoring and Adjusting Thyroid Treatment
Regardless of the thyroid medication used, proper monitoring and adjustment are crucial for optimal treatment outcomes. How often should thyroid levels be checked?
Typically, thyroid function tests should be performed every 6-8 weeks after starting a new thyroid medication or adjusting the dose. Once stable, annual check-ups are usually sufficient, though some patients may require more frequent monitoring.
Key Factors in Thyroid Treatment Management
- Regular blood tests to check TSH, T4, and T3 levels
- Symptom assessment
- Consideration of lifestyle factors (diet, stress, exercise)
- Awareness of potential drug interactions
- Adjustment of medication dosage as needed
Patients should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers and report any changes in symptoms or side effects promptly.
The Future of Desiccated Thyroid Medications
As we look towards the future, what can we expect for desiccated thyroid medications like Nature Throid? While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, several factors may influence their availability and development:
- Ongoing FDA scrutiny and quality control measures
- Advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes
- Growing interest in personalized medicine
- Continued research into thyroid physiology and treatment options
It’s possible that we may see improvements in the consistency and quality of desiccated thyroid products, as well as the development of new formulations that combine the benefits of natural and synthetic thyroid hormones.
Potential Innovations in Thyroid Treatment
- Enhanced purification techniques for desiccated thyroid
- Development of synthetic combinations that more closely mimic natural thyroid hormone profiles
- Improved delivery systems for better absorption and consistency
- Integration of genetic testing to guide thyroid treatment choices
As research progresses, patients and healthcare providers may have access to an even wider range of treatment options, allowing for more personalized and effective thyroid management strategies.
Navigating Thyroid Treatment in a Changing Landscape
The unavailability of Nature Throid has undoubtedly created challenges for many patients with hypothyroidism. However, it’s important to remember that effective treatment options remain available. How can patients best navigate this changing landscape?
- Stay informed about developments in thyroid treatment options
- Maintain open communication with healthcare providers
- Be willing to explore alternative medications or formulations
- Pay close attention to symptoms and any changes when switching medications
- Consider working with a thyroid specialist or endocrinologist for complex cases
By staying proactive and informed, patients can work with their healthcare providers to find the most effective thyroid treatment plan, even in the face of medication unavailability or changes in the market.
Key Takeaways for Thyroid Patients
- Nature Throid is currently unavailable, but alternatives exist
- Compounded thyroid medications using Thyroid USP offer a customizable option
- Regular monitoring and adjustment of thyroid treatment is crucial
- The landscape of thyroid treatment continues to evolve
- Patience and persistence are key in finding the right treatment approach
While the unavailability of Nature Throid may be disappointing for some patients, it’s important to remember that effective thyroid management is still achievable with other options. By working closely with healthcare providers and staying informed about treatment alternatives, patients can continue to effectively manage their hypothyroidism and maintain optimal thyroid health.
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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NP Thyroid may also be used for purposes not listed in this comparison guide.
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Medical Disclaimer
Nature-Throid (thyroid tablets) side effects, warnings, uses
Nature-Troid
- Generic Name: Thyroid Pills
- Brand Name: Nature-Troid
- Overview
- Professional Information
- Related Resources
Nature-Throid Side Effects Center
Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
What is Nature-Throid?
Nature-Troid ( Thyroid ) Tablets is a natural product made from porcine (pig) thyroid gland, indicated as a substitute for adjunctive therapy in patients with hypothyroidism of any etiology, with the exception of transient hypothyroidism during the recovery phase. subacute thyroiditis; as a pituitary TSH suppressor, in the treatment or prevention of various types of euthyroid goiter, including thyroid nodules, subacute or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s), multinodular goiter, and treatment of thyroid cancer; and as diagnostic agents in suppression tests to differentiate suspected mild hyperthyroidism or thyroid anatomy.
Side effects of Nature-Throid are rare and usually associated with therapeutic overdose.
What are the side effects of Nature-Throid?
Side effects of Nature-Throid therapeutic overdose or toxicity include:
- chest pain,
- increased Click rate,
- palpitations,
- increased sweating,
- heat intolerance, or
- nervousness.
Children may experience partial and temporary hair loss during the first few months of Nature-Throid therapy.
Dosage for Nature-Throid
The dosage of Nature-Throid is determined by the indication and must be individualized in each case according to the patient’s response and laboratory results.
What drugs, substances or supplements interact with Nature-Throid?
Nature-Throid may interact with oral anticoagulants, insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, cholestyramine, colestipol, estrogen, or oral contraceptives.
Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are taking.
Nature-Throid during pregnancy and lactation
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before using Nature-Throid; It is not expected to be harmful to the fetus. Minimal amounts of thyroid hormones, such as Nature-Throid hormones, pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Additional information
Our Nature-Throid Tablet Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive overview of available drug information about the potential side effects of this medication.
side effects of angiotensin II receptor antagonists
This is not a complete list of side effects and they may occur. Ask your doctor about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Nature-Throid 9 consumer information0003
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; labored breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects may include temporary hair loss (especially in children).
This is not a complete list of side effects and they may occur. Ask your doctor about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Read the full detailed patient monograph for Nature-Throid (Thyroid Tablets)
Learn More ‘ Professional Information Nature-Throid
SIDE EFFECTS
Adverse reactions other than those indicative of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdose, both initially and during the maintenance period, are rare (see
Read all FDA prescribing information for Nature-Throid (thyroid tablets)
Read more ‘ Related Resources for Nature-Throid
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Nature-Throid patient information is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. and Nature-Throid consumer information is provided by First Databank, Inc., used under license and subject to their respective copyrights.