Medically reviewed by Austin Ulrich, PharmD
Key Takeaways
- Natural (animal-derived) thyroid products have been used via prescription for decades to treat conditions like hypothyroidism, but they are not approved by the FDA.
- The FDA is planning to take regulatory action against unapproved natural thyroid products, and recommends that healthcare professionals work with their patients to safely transition to an FDA-approved thyroid hormone replacement medication.
- Brand-name natural desiccated thyroid medications like Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid can cost significantly more than synthetic alternatives like levothyroxine.
- Prescription discount programs like the Super+ RX coupon can help you save money on NP Thyroid, Armour Thyroid, and other prescriptions
Comparison: Natural Thyroid Medication Prices
| Medication Name | Estimated Average Retail Price | Estimated Super+ RX Member Price |
| NP Thyroid (Brand) | ~$90.00 – $1400.00 | ~$50.00 – $70.00 |
| Armour Thyroid (Brand) | ~$130.00 – $150.00 | ~$50.00 – $80.00 |
Understanding the Thyroid Medication Landscape
For millions of Americans, managing thyroid health is a daily necessity that requires consistency, precision, and financial planning. When you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism—an underactive thyroid—your body does not produce enough thyroid hormone to regulate your metabolism effectively. This deficiency can lead to fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and other symptoms.
The standard treatment involves replacing the missing hormone with medication. However, the landscape of thyroid prescriptions is complex. You may find yourself navigating a complex choice between synthetic hormones and natural desiccated thyroid options. While only synthetic thyroid medications are approved by the FDA, some people choose to use natural thyroid products. Understanding the differences between these medications is a step toward advocating for your health and your wallet.
Synthetic vs. Natural Desiccated Thyroid
Products for thyroid treatment include synthetic thyroxine (T4) and natural desiccated thyroid (NDT).
Synthetic Thyroxine (Levothyroxine): This is the standard of care for hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine is a laboratory-made version of T4, the hormone your thyroid gland produces naturally. Once ingested, the body converts T4 into T3 (triiodothyronine), the active hormone that cells use for energy. Because it is chemically stable and provides consistent dosing, most healthcare professionals prefer prescribing levothyroxine as a first-line treatment.
Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT): Medications like NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid fall into this category. NDT is derived from the dried thyroid glands of pigs (porcine thyroid). Unlike synthetic versions that typically contain only T4, NDT contains both T4 and T3, along with small amounts of other thyroid co-factors. Additionally, the amounts of thyroid hormones in NDT may vary, in addition to issues with safety, effectiveness, and quality due to complex and inconsistent manufacturing processes.
Because they are derived from animal sources, the ratio of T4 to T3 is fixed to the biology of the animal, not humans, which can sometimes lead to suboptimal hormone levels. This matters because the body is very sensitive to small variations in thyroid hormone levels—even a bit extra can cause significant side effects, and a bit too little can be ineffective.
Why People Choose NP Thyroid or Armour Thyroid
Despite the prevalence of synthetic options, some people remain loyal to NDT brands like NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid. The decision may comes down to how they feel while on the medication.
However, choosing a brand-name NDT comes with challenges. Insurance coverage for these medications is often more restrictive than for generic levothyroxine. Furthermore, manufacturing consistencies and FDA recalls have occasionally made these medications harder to find on pharmacy shelves. This scarcity drives up the retail price, forcing you to pay a premium.
Additionally, the FDA has stated they will begin taking action against unapproved NDT/animal-derived thyroid medications like NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid. They have suggested that healthcare providers work with their patients to safely transition them to an approved thyroid hormone replacement medication.
What is NP Thyroid?
NP Thyroid is a non-FDA approved prescription product used to treat hypothyroidism. It is also used to treat or prevent certain types of goiters (enlarged thyroid glands) and for the management of thyroid cancer. It falls under the class of medications known as desiccated thyroid extracts.
NP Thyroid may be marketed as a more affordable alternative to other brand-name NDTs. It is composed of porcine thyroid glands and provides T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (liothyronine).
Common Dosages and Administration
NP Thyroid is available in a variety of strengths to allow for adjustment of the dose. Common tablet strengths include:
- 15 mg (¼ grain)
- 30 mg (½ grain)
- 60 mg (1 grain)
- 90 mg (1 ½ grain)
- 120 mg (2 grains)
It is typically taken once daily, usually in the morning on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to one hour before breakfast. Absorption is critical for thyroid medication, so taking it with water and avoiding coffee, soy, or calcium supplements near the time of dosing is recommended.
Potential Side Effects
While NP Thyroid is designed to replace natural hormones, introducing hormones can cause side effects, especially if the dosage is too high (leading to symptoms of hyperthyroidism).
Common side effects may include:
- Temporary hair loss (usually in the first few months of treatment)
- Headache
- Nervousness or irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Heat intolerance
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
If you experience chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention immediately, as these may indicate a serious reaction or overdose.
What is Armour Thyroid?
Armour Thyroid is perhaps the most well-known brand of natural desiccated thyroid. It has been on the market for decades and, like NP Thyroid, is derived from porcine thyroid glands. It is also tailored to those needing thyroid hormone replacement who prefer a “natural” product with a T4/T3 combination.
Distinct Features of Armour Thyroid
While the active ingredients (T4 and T3) are similar across NDT brands, the inactive ingredients—binders and fillers—differ. Armour Thyroid uses specific excipients to hold the tablet together. Some people may have sensitivities to specific fillers used in one brand versus another, which is why switching between Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid is not always seamless. And, differences in manufacturing processes and batches could lead to differing amounts of thyroid hormone in the products. If you are stable on Armour Thyroid, you might notice a change in how you feel if you switch to a different brand, even at the same dosage.
How to Save on Your Natural Thyroid Prescription
Here are several practical ways you can save money if you have a prescription for a natural thyroid product — whether you have insurance or not:
- Use a prescription discount card or coupon like Super+ RX: The Super+ RX coupon uncovers discounts to help lower out-of-pocket costs for atomoxetine. Whether it’s atomoxetine or another medication, we want to help you save—because your well-being comes first.
- Check multiple pharmacies — cash prices can vary. Pharmacies in the same area sometimes charge different prices for the same medication. Comparing cash prices among pharmacies can help you find the cheapest option. Search for your prescription on Super.com/rx, compare prices across pharmacies, and find discounts near you.
What you can do before you go to the pharmacy:
- Use a discount program like the Super+ RX coupon — print it or bring it on your phone — and ask the pharmacist or cashier to apply it to your prescription.
- Compare at least two or three pharmacies on Super.com/rx to see who offers the lowest price.
- If you are uninsured or if you have a high copay, ask your healthcare team about patient-assistance programs or reduced-cost clinics in your area.
Ready to save on your natural thyroid prescription? Compare prices for NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid at pharmacies near you and start lowering your medication costs.
Common Questions About Natural Thyroid Medication
Is NP Thyroid going to be taken off the market?
There is currently no official indication that NP Thyroid is being permanently removed from the market. However, along with other desiccated thyroid medications, the FDA has indicated that it will start taking action against these unapproved products and recommends that healthcare providers work with their patients to switch to approved thyroid replacement medications, like levothyroxine.
Is NP Thyroid covered by insurance?
Coverage varies significantly. Many standard insurance formularies prefer synthetic levothyroxine (Tier 1 generic) and place desiccated thyroid options like NP Thyroid or Armour Thyroid in higher tiers (Tier 3 or non-preferred), resulting in higher copays. Some plans exclude them entirely. In these cases, using a discount program like Super+ RX often results in a lower price than the insurance copay would have been.
How to get off NP Thyroid medication?
Discontinuing or switching thyroid medication should strictly be done under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Abruptly stopping thyroid hormone replacement can lead to a return of severe hypothyroid symptoms, including extreme fatigue, depression, and metabolic instability. If you need to stop due to cost or side effects, a healthcare professional will typically taper the dose or transition you immediately to a synthetic alternative to maintain hormone levels.
How do I get free thyroid medication?
True “free” medication is rare, but patient assistance programs (PAPs) exist for those meeting strict income guidelines. However, these are typically for brand-name prescription medications, and they are not always available. The PAPs are usually sponsored by manufacturers of the medications. NP Thyroid and Armour Thyroid do not have PAPs available. For those who do not qualify for PAPs, using a prescription discount card is the next most affordable option, bringing costs down to manageable levels without income verification or paperwork.
Is Armour Thyroid better than levothyroxine?
Based on current clinical recommendations and FDA guidance, levothyroxine is preferred over Armour Thyroid and other natural thyroid products. Synthetic thyroid medications like levothyroxine have more accurate and consistent levels of thyroid hormone and have regulated manufacturing and quality control processes.
Natural thyroid products have variable levels and ratios of animal-derived thyroid hormones that may not be the right amount for humans. And they may have quality and purity issues due to complex and inconsistent manufacturing processes.
Why is Armour Thyroid not FDA approved?
Armour Thyroid has been available since before the FDA began its current approval process. It is considered a “grandfathered” medication. While it is somewhat regulated for safety and manufacturing standards, it has not gone through the modern application process that newer medications must undergo.
Does Armour Thyroid really work?
Yes. It contains active thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) that are intended to replace what the thyroid gland is not producing. For decades, it has been used as a treatment for hypothyroidism and may be effective for managing the condition.
What is the most commonly prescribed thyroid medication?
Levothyroxine is the most commonly prescribed thyroid medication globally and is consistently one of the top prescribed medications in the United States overall.
Can I take levothyroxine and prednisone together?
Generally, yes. Prednisone (a steroid) can interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism or testing results. You should disclose all medications to your healthcare professional so they can monitor your levels and adjust dosages if necessary.
Do you gain weight with levothyroxine or natural thyroid products?
Generally, no. Levothyroxine is intended to restore normal metabolism. If you are gaining weight while on levothyroxine, it often indicates that the dosage is too low and the hypothyroidism is not yet fully controlled. Conversely, adequate treatment usually helps you stop gaining weight associated with the condition.
Is NP Thyroid getting discontinued?
Rumors of discontinuation frequently circulate during recalls, but there has not been a permanent discontinuation of NP Thyroid. Shortages are usually temporary manufacturing pauses to address FDA concerns. However, the FDA has indicated it will be taking action against unapproved animal-derived thyroid products like NP Thyroid.
Which is better, NP Thyroid or levothyroxine?
Based on current clinical recommendations and FDA guidance, levothyroxine is preferred over NP Thyroid and other natural thyroid products. Synthetic thyroid medications like levothyroxine have more accurate and consistent levels of thyroid hormone and have regulated manufacturing and quality control processes.
Natural thyroid products have variable levels and ratios of animal-derived thyroid hormones that may not be the right amount for humans. And they may have quality and purity issues due to complex and inconsistent manufacturing processes.
Why is NP Thyroid not covered by insurance?
Insurers use “formularies” to decide which medications to cover. Because generic levothyroxine is cheap, effective, and FDA-approved, it is preferred for treating hypothyroidism. Brand-name NDTs are more expensive and lack the same FDA approval status, leading insurers to classify them as “non-essential” or “elective,” often pushing costs to patients.
References
American Thyroid Association. Clinical Thyroidology for Patients. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/vol-6-issue-8/vol-6-issue-8-p-3/
Armour Thyroid. Prescribing information. A-S Medication Solutions, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f5a1ce3b-9c62-48da-9ad1-5fe771ae8ccb/spl-doc
ClinCalc. Levothyroxine. ClinCalc DrugStats Database version 2025.08. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://clincalc.com/drugstats/Drugs/Levothyroxine
Eghtedari B, Correa R. Levothyroxine. StatPearls. August 28, 2023. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539808/
Jonklaas J, Bianco AC, Bauer AJ, et al. Guidelines for the treatment of hypothyroidism: prepared by the American Thyroid Association Task Force on Thyroid Hormone Replacement. Thyroid. 2014;24(12):1670-1751. doi:10.1089/thy.2014.0028
NP Thyroid. Prescribing information. Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC, 2026. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a3ff93ad-86ed-4324-ae86-7e7ed3a49db8/spl-doc
US Food & Drug Administration. FDA’s Actions to Address Unapproved Thyroid Medications. August 7, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/enforcement-activities-fda/fdas-actions-address-unapproved-thyroid-medications
US Food & Drug Administration. Older Therapies Aren’t Necessarily Better for Thyroid Hormone Replacement. January 4, 2023. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/older-therapies-arent-necessarily-better-thyroid-hormone-replacement
Disclaimer:
Generative AI was used in the development of this content. All information in this article has been reviewed by our highly-trained clinicians. We do not provide medical advice. Please, consult a physician.
