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Bristol Laboratories
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APO-Gabapentin 300mg
APO-Gabapentin general information
What is APO-Gabapentin used for?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg are used to treat epilepsy in adults and children over 3 years who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by seizures or fits of different types that can range from mild to severe. APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg are used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial seizures, in which the area of the brain involved in a seizure is localised, to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in which the whole brain is involved. APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg are also used to control neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster), to reduce pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.
How does APO-Gabapentin work?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is thought to work by controlling certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) that send nerve signals from the brain causing seizures or nerve pain. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is an analogue of, and has a similar chemical structure to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces transmission of nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the central nervous system. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules does not work through the same receptors as GABA and therefore has a different mechanism of action to other GABA analogues like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, however, it does bind to a receptor in the brain, that has yet to be determined and it is thought to control neurotransmission via voltage-gated calcium channels, which are ion channels in the cell membranes of nerve cells involved in the propagation of electrical signals. APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg reduce the amount of nerve excitation that causes epileptic seizures and nerve pain, which helps control symptoms associated with epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
What does APO-Gabapentin contain?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg contain the active ingredient gabapentin sodium (300mg), an anticonvulsant that is used to control epileptic seizures and nerve pain. They also contain croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, gelatin (capsule), Black ink (SW-9008/SW-9009)
Treating epilepsy with APO-Gabapentin
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in adults and children who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy is due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate), which cause bursts of electrical activity in the brain sending nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system that triggers seizures. APO-Gabapentin 300mg capsules are not effective in forms of epilepsy that do not have seizures (absence and myoclonic). Although the exact mechanism of action of APO-Gabapentin 300mg is not known, it is thought to work by suppressing transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system which reduces epileptic seizures.
APO-Gabapentin for nerve pain
APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is also effective at reducing nerve pain and is used to control several types of neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster). Although the exact mechanism of action of Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin 300mg is not known, it is thought to work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, which suppresses transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system, and this reduces pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.
What are the side effects of APO-Gabapentin?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg include dizziness or light-headedness, fatigue, drowsiness, fever, lack of coordination (ataxia), gastrointestinal upset (constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting), dry mouth, red swollen gums, muscle pain, cramps, back pain, forgetfulness, loss of concentration confusion or abnormal thinking, difficulty speaking, weight changes, hypertension, vasodilatation, visual disturbances, peripheral oedema (swelling of the hands or feet), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), skin rash, itching. Other side effects more common in children include: infection, emotional lability.
When should APO-Gabapentin not be used?
You should not use APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg if you:
- are allergic to gabapentin or any ingredients in APO-Gabapentin
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
- have kidney disease
- have mixed seizure disorders that include absence seizures
- are taking medicines that interact with APO-Gabapentin including cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux, opiate analgesics like morphine
What medications interact with APO-Gabapentin?
Several medications interact with APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg and should either not be taken while you are taking APO-Gabapentin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with APO-Gabapentin: opiate analgesics like morphine
- Drugs that affect APO-Gabapentin: cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux,
How should APO-Gabapentin be taken?
You should take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg swallowed whole with a glass of water with or without food, 3 times daily and do not allow more than 12 hours between doses. The dose you take depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually depending on how well your condition is controlled. You should not suddenly stop taking your APO-Gabapentin 300mg as this may cause withdrawal side effects, instead your doctor will reduce your dose gradually over one week, when you are ready to discontinue treatment. You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 300mg helps control your condition but does not cure it.
How long should you take APO-Gabapentin?
You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 300mg helps control your condition but does not cure it.
Missed dose of APO-Gabapentin
If you miss a dose of APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should APO-Gabapentin be stored?
You should store your APO-Gabapentin capsules 300mg below 25°C in a cool dry place. Protect from heat light and moisture.
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Armour Thyroid 180mg
Armour Thyroid general information
What is Armour Thyroid used for?
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets are used to treat hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone needed to regulate your body’s growth and metabolism. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets are a natural replacement hormone, derived from pig thyroid gland, containing both forms of thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), which help to relieve the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including, tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice and weight gain. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets can also be used to help treat hypothyroidism caused by surgical removal of, or damage to the thyroid gland, as well as treating thyroid goitre (enlarged thyroid glands) and thyroid cancer. Another used for Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets is for a suppression test, to test for thyroid activity.
How does Armour Thyroid work?
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets consist of an extract produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3). Thyroxine (T4) is converted to the more active form of thyroid hormone (T3) in the liver, kidney and other tissues of the body and T3 interacts with a specific receptor inside cells to stimulate proteins needed to manage and control a variety of processes, including how the body regulates temperature, metabolises nutrients and controls growth and development. Thyroid hormones regulate the production by the pituitary gland of another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn controls how much thyroid hormone is produced. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets regulate TSH production in the same way and this is how it works when used for treating thyroid goitre or thyroid cancer by suppressing TSH production.
What does Armour Thyroid contain?
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets contain a dessicated (dried) extract of pig thyroid glands, which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3) in the ratio 4.22:1 of T4 to T3, as T3 is approximately four times as potent as T4 on a microgram for microgram basis. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets also contain dextrose, anhydrous microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, calcium stearate, opadry wehite (titanium dioxide used as a whitening agent)
What doses of Armour Thyroid are available?
Armour Thyroid tablets are available in the following strengths:
- 15mg thyroid extract (¼ grain) contains 9.5mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 2.25mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 30mg thyroid extract (½ grain) contains 19mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 3.5mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 60mg thyroid extract (1 grain) contains 38mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 9mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 90mg thyroid extract (1½ grain) contains 57mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 13.5mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 120mg thyroid extract (2 grain) contains 76mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 18mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 180mg thyroid extract (3 grain) contains 114mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 27mcg liothyronine (T3)
Treating underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) with Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets consist of an extract produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3) and substitutes for the lack of thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) needed to regulate normal growth and metabolism. Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets are used to treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including, tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice and weight gain.
What is the difference between natural and synthetic thyroid hormones?
Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets contain an extract o produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3). These hormones are therefore natural hormones compared to synthesised hormones found in some other preparations of thyroid medication. Both natural and synthetic hormones work in the same way to treat thyroid disease.
What are the side effects of Armour Thyroid?
Most of the side effects experienced with taking Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets indicate that your dose is too high and may need adjusting. These include: headache, sleep problems (insomnia), feeling nervous or irritable sweating, flushing, appetite changes, weight loss, muscle weakness/cramps, tremors.
When should Armour Thyroid not be used?
You should not use Armour Thyroid if you:
- are allergic to thyroid hormones or any of the ingredients in Armour Thyroid tablets
- are looking for a treatment for obesity or to help you lose weight; this is not a weight loss product
- have thyrotoxicosis (untreated high thyroid hormone levels) or adrenal gland problems
- are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding
- have a history of chest pain, heart attack, heart blood vessel problems, or other heart problems
- are a diabetic taking antidiabetics or insulin, without discussion with your doctor, as Armour Thyroid may affect your glucose tolerance
- are taking other medications that may interact with Armour Thyroid, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, cardiac glycosides like digoxin, cholesterol-lowing drugs containing cholestyramine, antidepressants, anticoagulants
What medications interact with Armour Thyroid?
Several medications interact with Armour Thyroid and should either not be taken while you are taking Armour Thyroid or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that decrease effectiveness of Armour Thyroid: antacids that contains aluminum or calcium or sucralfate (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); cholesterol-lowing drugs containing cholestyramine colestipol (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); iron supplement and vitamins with iron (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones) oestrogen replacement product or birth control pills
- Drugs that are affected by Armour Thyroid: anticoagulants, like warfarin because the risk of bleeding may be increased; insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as acarbose glipizide glyburide metformin
How should Armour Thyroid be taken?
Armour Thyroid should be taken with water on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes before a meal. The dose of Armour Thyroid that you take should be as recommended by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 30 mg Armour Thyroid, with increments of 15 mg every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the levels of T3 and T4 measured in the blood during treatment, so blood monitoring is important while you are taking Armour Thyroid. It usually takes several weeks to see normal levels of blood thyroid hormone levels after starting treatment and you may need to take Armour Thyroid for the rest of your life.
How long should you take Armour Thyroid ?
Since Armour Thyroid tablets are used to replace a thyroid hormone deficiency this is a long-term treatment and may be for the rest of your life.
Missed dose of Armour Thyroid
If you miss a dose of Armour Thyroid take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Armour Thyroid be stored?
Keep your Armour Thyroid 180mg tablets in the bottle until it is time to take one. Store in a cool dry place away from light where the temperature stays below 25°C.
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APO-Gabapentin 400mg
APO-Gabapentin general information
What is APO-Gabapentin used for?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg are used to treat epilepsy in adults and children over 3 years who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that is characterized by seizures or fits of different types that can range from mild to severe. APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg are used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial seizures, in which the area of the brain involved in a seizure is localised, to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in which the whole brain is involved. APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg are also used to control neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster), to reduce pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.
How does APO-Gabapentin work?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is thought to work by controlling certain neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) that send nerve signals from the brain causing seizures or nerve pain. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules is an analogue of, and has a similar chemical structure to the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces transmission of nerve signals from the brain to other parts of the central nervous system. Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin capsules does not work through the same receptors as GABA and therefore has a different mechanism of action to other GABA analogues like barbiturates and benzodiazepines, however, it does bind to a receptor in the brain, that has yet to be determined and it is thought to control neurotransmission via voltage-gated calcium channels, which are ion channels in the cell membranes of nerve cells involved in the propagation of electrical signals. APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg reduce the amount of nerve excitation that causes epileptic seizures and nerve pain, which helps control symptoms associated with epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
What does APO-Gabapentin contain?
APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg contain the active ingredient gabapentin sodium (400mg), an anticonvulsant that is used to control epileptic seizures and nerve pain. They also contain croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, gelatin (capsule), Black ink (SW-9008/SW-9009)
Treating epilepsy with APO-Gabapentin
APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is used to control seizures in several forms of epilepsy, ranging from partial to generalized tonic-clonic seizures, in adults and children who have not responded to other antiepileptic drugs. Epilepsy is due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate), which cause bursts of electrical activity in the brain sending nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system that triggers seizures. APO-Gabapentin 400mg capsules are not effective in forms of epilepsy that do not have seizures (absence and myoclonic). Although the exact mechanism of action of APO-Gabapentin 400mg is not known, it is thought to work by suppressing transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system which reduces epileptic seizures.
APO-Gabapentin for nerve pain
APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg contain gabapentin, an anticonvulsant that is also effective at reducing nerve pain and is used to control several types of neuropathic (nerve) pain in adults, including, painful diabetic neuropathy and post-herpetic neuralgia, caused by shingles (herpes zoster). Although the exact mechanism of action of Gabapentin in APO-Gabapentin 400mg is not known, it is thought to work by binding to specific receptors in the brain, which suppresses transmission of certain excitatory nerve signals from the brain to the central nervous system, and this reduces pain sensations primarily in the arms and legs, such as burning stabbing shooting or shooting pain, with tingling numbness or pins and needles.
What are the side effects of APO-Gabapentin?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg include dizziness or light-headedness, fatigue, drowsiness, fever, lack of coordination (ataxia), gastrointestinal upset (constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting), dry mouth, red swollen gums, muscle pain, cramps, back pain, forgetfulness, loss of concentration confusion or abnormal thinking, difficulty speaking, weight changes, hypertension, vasodilatation, visual disturbances, peripheral oedema (swelling of the hands or feet), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), skin rash, itching. Other side effects more common in children include: infection, emotional lability.
When should APO-Gabapentin not be used?
You should not use APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg if you:
- are allergic to gabapentin or any ingredients in APO-Gabapentin
- are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
- have kidney disease
- have mixed seizure disorders that include absence seizures
- are taking medicines that interact with APO-Gabapentin including cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux, opiate analgesics like morphine
What medications interact with APO-Gabapentin?
Several medications interact with APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg and should either not be taken while you are taking APO-Gabapentin or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with APO-Gabapentin: opiate analgesics like morphine
- Drugs that affect APO-Gabapentin: cimetidine for peptic ulcers, antacids for reflux,
How should APO-Gabapentin be taken?
You should take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg swallowed whole with a glass of water with or without food, 3 times daily and do not allow more than 12 hours between doses. The dose you take depends on what you are being treated for and your doctor’s recommendations. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually depending on how well your condition is controlled. You should not suddenly stop taking your APO-Gabapentin 400mg as this may cause withdrawal side effects, instead your doctor will reduce your dose gradually over one week, when you are ready to discontinue treatment. You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 400mg helps control your condition but does not cure it.
How long should you take APO-Gabapentin?
You should continue to take your APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg for as long as recommended by your doctor even if you are feeling better, as APO-Gabapentin 400mg helps control your condition but does not cure it.
Missed dose of APO-Gabapentin
If you miss a dose of APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should APO-Gabapentin be stored?
You should store your APO-Gabapentin capsules 400mg below 25°C in a cool dry place. Protect from heat light and moisture.
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Armour Thyroid 120mg
Armour Thyroid general information
What is Armour Thyroid used for?
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets are used to treat hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone needed to regulate your body’s growth and metabolism. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets are a natural replacement hormone, derived from pig thyroid gland, containing both forms of thyroid hormone (T3 and T4), which help to relieve the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including, tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice and weight gain. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets can also be used to help treat hypothyroidism caused by surgical removal of, or damage to the thyroid gland, as well as treating thyroid goitre (enlarged thyroid glands) and thyroid cancer. Another used for Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets is for a suppression test, to test for thyroid activity.
How does Armour Thyroid work?
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets consist of an extract produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3). Thyroxine (T4) is converted to the more active form of thyroid hormone (T3) in the liver, kidney and other tissues of the body and T3 interacts with a specific receptor inside cells to stimulate proteins needed to manage and control a variety of processes, including how the body regulates temperature, metabolises nutrients and controls growth and development. Thyroid hormones regulate the production by the pituitary gland of another hormone called thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn controls how much thyroid hormone is produced. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets regulate TSH production in the same way and this is how it works when used for treating thyroid goitre or thyroid cancer by suppressing TSH production.
What does Armour Thyroid contain?
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets contain a dessicated (dried) extract of pig thyroid glands, which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3) in the ratio 4.22:1 of T4 to T3, as T3 is approximately four times as potent as T4 on a microgram for microgram basis. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets also contain dextrose, anhydrous microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, calcium stearate, opadry wehite (titanium dioxide used as a whitening agent)
What doses of Armour Thyroid are available?
Armour Thyroid tablets are available in the following strengths:
- 15mg thyroid extract (¼ grain) contains 9.5mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 2.25mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 30mg thyroid extract (½ grain) contains 19mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 3.5mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 60mg thyroid extract (1 grain) contains 38mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 9mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 90mg thyroid extract (1½ grain) contains 57mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 13.5mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 120mg thyroid extract (2 grain) contains 76mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 18mcg liothyronine (T3)
- 180mg thyroid extract (3 grain) contains 114mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 27mcg liothyronine (T3)
Dose equivalent table for thyroid
hormone replacement drugs
The following
table provides the approximate equivalent strengths for various thyroid hormone
replacement drugs.
| DRUG |
Armour Thyroid (desiccated natural thyroid) |
Thyrolar
(Liotrix)
|
Cytomel
(liothyronine)
|
Levoxyl, Levothyroid. Synthroid
(levothyroxine)
|
| Approximate dose equivalent |
1/4 grain (15 mg) |
1/4 |
|
25 mcg
(.025 mg) |
| 1/2 grain (30 mg) |
1/2 |
12.5 mcg |
50 mcg
(.05mg) |
| 1 grain (60 mg) |
1 |
25 mcg |
100 mcg
(.1 mg) |
| 1 1/2 grains (90 mg) |
1 1/2 |
37.5 mcg |
150 mcg
(.15 mg) |
| 2 grains (120 mg) |
2 |
50 mcg |
200 mcg
(.2 mg) |
| 3 grains (180 mg) |
3 |
75 mcg |
300 mcg
(.3 mg) |
| Source: United States Pharmocopoeia |
Treating underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) with Armour Thyroid
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets consist of an extract produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3) and substitutes for the lack of thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) needed to regulate normal growth and metabolism. Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets are used to treat the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including, tiredness, muscle weakness, cramps, feeling the cold, a slow heart rate, dry and flaky skin, hair loss, a deep husky voice and weight gain.
What is the difference between natural and synthetic thyroid hormones?
Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets contain an extract o produced from pig thyroid glands which contains both forms of thyroid hormone; thyroxine (levothyroxine or T4) and liothyronine (L-triiodothyronine or T3). These hormones are therefore natural hormones compared to synthesised hormones found in some other preparations of thyroid medication. Both natural and synthetic hormones work in the same way to treat thyroid disease.
What are the side effects of Armour Thyroid?
Most of the side effects experienced with taking Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets indicate that your dose is too high and may need adjusting. These include: headache, sleep problems (insomnia), feeling nervous or irritable sweating, flushing, appetite changes, weight loss, muscle weakness/cramps, tremors.
When should Armour Thyroid not be used?
You should not use Armour Thyroid if you:
- are allergic to thyroid hormones or any of the ingredients in Armour Thyroid tablets
- are looking for a treatment for obesity or to help you lose weight; this is not a weight loss product
- have thyrotoxicosis (untreated high thyroid hormone levels) or adrenal gland problems
- are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breast-feeding
- have a history of chest pain, heart attack, heart blood vessel problems, or other heart problems
- are a diabetic taking antidiabetics or insulin, without discussion with your doctor, as Armour Thyroid may affect your glucose tolerance
- are taking other medications that may interact with Armour Thyroid, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, cardiac glycosides like digoxin, cholesterol-lowing drugs containing cholestyramine, antidepressants, anticoagulants
What medications interact with Armour Thyroid?
Several medications interact with Armour Thyroid and should either not be taken while you are taking Armour Thyroid or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that decrease effectiveness of Armour Thyroid: antacids that contains aluminum or calcium or sucralfate (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); cholesterol-lowing drugs containing cholestyramine colestipol (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones); iron supplement and vitamins with iron (should be taken at least 4 hours apart from thyroid hormones) oestrogen replacement product or birth control pills
- Drugs that are affected by Armour Thyroid: anticoagulants, like warfarin because the risk of bleeding may be increased; insulin or an oral diabetes medication such as acarbose glipizide glyburide metformin
How should Armour Thyroid be taken?
Armour Thyroid should be taken with water on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes before a meal. The dose of Armour Thyroid that you take should be as recommended by your doctor. The usual starting dose is 30 mg Armour Thyroid, with increments of 15 mg every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the levels of T3 and T4 measured in the blood during treatment, so blood monitoring is important while you are taking Armour Thyroid. It usually takes several weeks to see normal levels of blood thyroid hormone levels after starting treatment and you may need to take Armour Thyroid for the rest of your life.
How long should you take Armour Thyroid ?
Since Armour Thyroid tablets are used to replace a thyroid hormone deficiency this is a long-term treatment and may be for the rest of your life.
Missed dose of Armour Thyroid
If you miss a dose of Armour Thyroid take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Armour Thyroid be stored?
Keep your Armour Thyroid 120mg tablets in the bottle until it is time to take one. Store in a cool dry place away from light where the temperature stays below 25°C.
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