I’m changing from Armour Thyoid to T4/3 prescribed by local Endo partly for financial reasons but also as I’m concerned about supply issues and monitoring. Should I swop gradually or is it better to finish the AT then start the T4/3 the next day. I currently take AT 1 grain am and 3/4 pm and have been given 50 mcg T4 and 20 T3 split into 2 doses.
Switching from Armour Thyroid to T4/T3 - Thyroid UK
Switching from Armour Thyroid to T4/T3
Karen-Eleanor,
You can do a straight switch over. I would finish the Armour one day and then start on Levo + T3 the next day. My only worry would be you might be under dosing.
1 and 3/4 grains of Armour equates to roughly 140mcg T4 and you have only been given around 110mcg T4. A more realistic equivalent dose would be 75mcg T4 + 20mcg T3.
Be interested to hear how you feel after because this switch is something I might have to consider at some point in the future.
Oh no radd . You are a shining light of Armour usage.
Thank you very much - that is my fear! Is there anywhere that tells you how to convert it so that I have evidence?
Karen- Eleanor,
I don't of anywhere that holds credible advice, as the manufacturers claim 1 grain is biochemically equivalent to 100mcg T4, but myself and many others would suggest it more about 80mcg T4. The manufacturers claim T3 to be approximately four times as potent as T4 but I use a 3:1 ratio as many others do also.
Most (unmedicated) T3 comes from conversion of T4, and Armour contains a lot more than our thyroid gland or the amount we would naturally be converting (when well), but when taking any T3 or T3-containing-meds the conversion enzymes become upregulated, meaning you get more hormones than you medicate.
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Be aware many people find different brands of levothyroxine are not the same
Which brand of levothyroxine and which brand of T3 are you starting with
I’m restricted as it’s essential that I have lactose free as I’m hyper sensitive to dairy products. It is Teva for T4 and Viatris for T3.
Karen-Eleanor,
You need to click the 'blue reply' button for the recipient to be notified. I will tag her for you .. SlowDragon
Levothyroxine
Teva levothyroxine contains mannitol. This upsets some people
Vencamil is lactose free and mannitol free
Currently only available in 100mcg.
But 25mcg and 50mcg due to be available by June this year
Liothyronine 20mcg tablets
Teva T3 is lactose and mannitol free
Thybon Henning (on private prescription) lactose free
Posts that mention viatris
Hi, I am about to switch from Armour to T3/T4 due to long term costs. How have you got on with the switch & can you offer any advice please ?
Hi You need to be careful how the dose conversion is done, The first few days I was fine but within a week or so became very tired and lacking in energy- hypo symptoms kicked in. I was on 1 grain AT am and 3/4 pm which was dosed as 50 mcg T4 and 10 mcg T3 am and another 20mcg T3 pm. Slightly less -16 mcg T4 but 4.25 mcg T3 - in theory this is about 12 mcg of T4. I talked to Endo and he’s agreed to increase T4 to 75mcg (he made the usual fuss about suppressed TSH , heart issues and osteoporosis as they do). I’ve increased by 12.5 daily since last Saturday with a view to adding the rest later if needed. I’m a big fan of all increases being done slowly and I’m feeling much better. Hubby thinks I’m less tired too. I, too swooped due to cost . Good luck.