Recently there have been shortages of multiple types of thyroid medication. Nature Throid, which is a popular natural desiccated thyroid medication, is available again after a brief shortage. WP Thyroid, another brand of desiccated thyroid from RLC Labs, is still on backorder.

Update 11/9/20 – RLC Labs has issued a voluntary recall of all lots of Nature Throid and WP Thyroid. Until production starts again, we are able to compound natural desiccated thyroid in the same strength as your current prescription. Call the pharmacy at 805-497-8258 for more information.

It is uncertain when WP Thyroid will become available again. Until the company starts shipping this essential medication, patients may be seeking an alternative that has the same characteristics as WP Thyroid. Our compounding pharmacy makes an alternative to WP Thyroid that is made in capsules with only one filler.

What is WP Thyroid?

WP Thyroid is natural desiccated thyroid and has the following characteristics:

• Contains T4 & T3 replacement hormones (desiccated porcine thyroid)
• Contains Thyroid cofactors (T1, T2, calcitonin and iodine) naturally occur in trace amounts
• Contains only 2 inactive ingredients and is gluten-free
• Does not contain any artificial colors or flavors, corn, peanut, rice, gluten, soy, yeast, egg or fish/shellfish

Our compounding pharmacy can make natural desiccated thyroid in capsules with all of the same characteristics. We actually use only 1 inactive ingredient, which is a necessary filler for the capsules. Our product contains all types of thyroid hormone, is gluten-free, and contains no other colors or flavors – just like WP Thyroid. While there is a WP Thyroid shortage, our pharmacy can provide a compounded alternative for patients who need this important medication.

WP Thyroid Strengths

Our pharmacy can provide natural desiccated thyroid in capsules with the same strengths as WP Thyroid. These strengths include:

• ¼ grain (16.25mg)
• ½ grain (32.5mg)
• ¾ grain (48.75mg)
• 1 grain (65mg)
• 1 ¼ grain (81.25mg)
• 1 ½ grain (97.5mg)
• 1 ¾ grain (113.75mg)
• 2 grain (130mg)

Microcrystalline Cellulose

The only filler included in our compounded thyroid medication is microcrystalline cellulose. This is a bulking agent used in supplements to fill capsules when the medicinal agents are too small. It is an ideal filler as it is naturally occurring and derived primarily from wood pulp. It enters and leaves the digestive tract unchanged and is chemically inert. Since it is inert, it does not cause any kind of toxicity when taken orally. While there are some alarmist articles online about microcrystalline cellulose, the truth is that it is harmless in the amounts used for a thyroid prescription.

What is Thyroid USP?

WP Thyroid, Nature Throid, and our compounded alternatives all use “Thyroid USP.” The differences between these medications are not in the type of thyroid used but in their inactive ingredients. Thyroid USP refers to standardized thyroid hormone according to a reference standard called the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). That means that all thyroid sold as Thyroid USP must meet the same standards of strength, quality, purity, and consistency. Our compounded desiccated thyroid contains Thyroid USP, which is the same thyroid product that WP Thyroid contains.

Nature Throid

While Nature Throid was backordered for some time, it is now available from our pharmacy. Some patients who are affected by the WP Thyroid shortage have switched to Nature Throid. Nature Throid contains the same natural desiccated thyroid but with more additives than WP Thyroid. This makes the medication cheaper and it works well for some patients. Other patients with sensitivities to the fillers have found that the Nature Throid produces more unwanted side effects. These patients may be stuck waiting while the WP Thyroid shortage is resolved. A compounded alternative with only one filler may be a better option for these patients instead of switching to another commercially available product.

WP Thyroid Shortage

We hope that RLC Labs is able to ship WP Thyroid again soon as many patients have found this to be the best treatment for them. However in the meantime, patients may try a compounded alternative that is free of additives and contains the same thyroid hormone as WP Thyroid. RLC Labs makes great products and has released a statement that lets patients know the WP Thyroid shortage is not due to their company going out of business or because they are discontinuing the medication. When the WP Thyroid shortage is resolved, our pharmacy will also be providing this medication to patients.

Choosing a Compounding Pharmacy

Our compounding pharmacy makes each thyroid prescription individually. This is different than a manufacturer that makes standard dosages. Because each prescription is individually it allows for complete customization of the medication. That is why we are consistently able to make any dosage of desiccated thyroid despite there being manufacturer shortages. If you have any questions about compounding and thyroid medications, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at the pharmacy and ask to speak to a pharmacist. We can be reached at (805) 497-8258, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm PST. You can also contact us online via our contact form.