what is the maximum dose of pig thyroid you can take and what is the maximum dose of levothyroxine and t3 you can take too?

i am just curious. i am self medicating on pig thyroid and need some guidance. doctors have left me with no other choice but to self treat

[susymac]

Hypothyroidism—

Therapy is usually instituted using low doses, with increments which depend on the cardiovascular status of the patient. The usual starting dose is 30 mg Armour Thyroid, with increments of 15 mg every 2 to 3 weeks. A lower starting dosage, 15 mg/day, is recommended in patients with long-standing myxedema, particularly if cardiovascular

impairment is suspected, in which case extreme caution is recommended. The appearance of angina is an indication for a reduction in dosage.

Most patients require 60 to 120 mg/day. Failure to respond to doses of 180 mg suggests lack of compliance or malabsorption. Maintenance dosages 60 to 120 mg/day usually result in normal serum T4 and T3 levels. Adequate therapy usually results in normal TSH and T4 levels after 2 to 3 weeks of therapy.

The above is from Forest's website. frx.com/pi/armourthyroid_pi...

It basically says 1-2 grains is normal dosage, if your still ill on 3 then there are other problems that need to be looked at. Although they make tablets upto 5 grains, which contradicts slightly what they say, but then it also depends on weight as well. No idea about separate T3 + T4.

I dont really think its a case of there being a maximum dose, rather that what dose you as an individual require. No one can tell you what that should be except a qualified doctor, although we all know most qualified doctors in this country couldnt tell you that anyway!

Although many of us self-treat in this forum, none of us can tell you what is right for you.

[Clarebear]

I think it's very individual and there is no maximum dose - just what you need to feel well. Obviously there are average doses - I've read 3 grains is average, but personally I need less than this. Xx

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

There is a case of someone who was taking 3,000mcg of levothyroxine and even when checked out thoroughly, had no problems. Apparently he was on that dose for a few years. No idea what happened eventually. (I have mentioned this before but cannot now find the post!)

Although doctors, especially GPs, will tend to slavishly follow "usual" doses, on occasion very much higher doses are both tolerated well and needed.

Rod

[Jackie]

Hi I was overdosed a long time ago, by a thyroid private doc, not Endo, who gave me 7 armour. I became very ill but he went on symptoms, so as my hypo became hyper, I was totally unaware. Only after a cardiac arrest did I get a referral to an Endo. When I had the thyroid tests, I was very over treated and had made my heart very bad. She said that in some people hypo and hyper symptoms were the same. MY temp was low through all this and still is. She put me on 2 armour + a little FT3, very low T3. I had 6 weekly tests, as one should before any alterations in drugs. I quickly became very stable.

Moral is if altering any meds, follow the routine of blood tests, TSH, T4 and FT3 first.I would say if you do this , it is safer than using most private docs As opposed to a good Endo.My Endo also found many things wrong which of course had never been tested either. No info or WEB then.

I hope this helps,

Jackie

[Hidden]

Congratulations and welcome to the self-treatment club.