Update (2/17/21) – Nature Throid is currently out of stock.

Nature Throid is a brand-name version of desiccated thyroid that is currently unavailable in most dosages due to a shortage. The manufacturer has only been able to provide limited strengths while patients search for alternative sources for their thyroid medication. It is likely that the shortage of Nature Throid will continue for at least a few more months and maybe longer. Even if the shortage is resolved, there is always the potential for it to become a problem again. While there are other brands of desiccated thyroid that are commercially available, a compounding pharmacy can consistently provide essential thyroid medication without being affected by shortages.

What is desiccated thyroid?

Desiccated thyroid is usually derived from the glands of pigs. It contains all forms (T4, T3, T2, and T1) of the thyroid hormone. Unlike a synthetic T4-only supplement, desiccated thyroid is able to increase levels of both inactive and active forms of thyroid hormones. Many patients find that they experience minimal benefit using only a synthetic T4 supplement but find a great improvement in symptoms with desiccated thyroid. One possible reason for this is that thyroid problems do not only have to do with low thyroid levels but also with trouble converting hormones into a form that is usable by the body.

Why is there a Nature Throid shortage?

RLC labs, the maker of Nature Throid, has stated that the cause of the current shortage is delays due to upgrades they are making to their manufacturing facilities. This is not the first time there has been a shortage of a thyroid product. Armour Thyroid, another brand of desiccated thyroid, has also experienced shortages in recent years. Many patients who rely on the company are then left trying to find alternative sources for their essential thyroid supplements. A compounding pharmacy is one of the better alternatives for obtaining natural desiccated thyroid hormones.

Why choose a compounding pharmacy for desiccated thyroid?

Some patients spend years working with their healthcare provider to get their dosage of thyroid hormones just right. Since there is some variation between manufacturers, switching brands may cause a brief period of readjustment. A compounding pharmacy is a more reliable way to obtain desiccated thyroid. We are not as susceptible to fluctuations in supply as manufacturers, as the raw material can always be obtained.

Obtaining desiccated thyroid from a compounding pharmacy is more consistent in that they do not experience shortages. Raw materials are obtained and thyroid medication is made in small batches for individual patients. That is why thyroid hormones that are compounded can also be more customizable. Fillers and additives that may be in commercially available products can be excluded from a compounded product. Another benefit is that our pharmacy is able to ship directly to a patient’s home or a doctor’s office – sparing a trip to a retail pharmacy. A compounding pharmacy provides personalized service with formulations customized to the individual.

How can a Nature Throid prescription be changed for a compounding pharmacy?

Our compounding pharmacy is unaffected by the desiccated thyroid shortage. We can provide a product similar to Nature Throid with the same dosages. Switching to using a compounding pharmacy is as simple as changing “Nature Throid” to “desiccated thyroid” on a prescription. Our compounding pharmacy is able to match all dosages of Nature Throid. The grain sizes we compound include:

Have your doctor switch your prescription to a compounded alternative to Nature Throid then give us a call. We will then ship your medication directly to your home. Our pharmacy staff is here to assist you if you have any questions.