new to NDT, which drug to choose?

[Kate0911]

HI,

I am new here, and just found a doctor willing to prescribe NDT. I now have the choice between Armour and Erfa. Which one would you recommend...I have read so many good and bad things about both drugs that my head is spinning...?!??!

Thanks,

Kate

[RedApple]

Kate, one of the most significant aspects of thyroid medication, is that what works well for one person doesn't necessarily work well for another. One person may get on best with Erfa, another Nature-Throid and another Armour. It really is a case of trial and error I'm afraid. If you can't decide, toss a coin and hope for the best outcome. If having given it a fair trial, it turns out to be the wrong one, try the other. Good luck!

[Clutter]

Kate, NatureThroid is another option and significantly cheaper than Armour, I believe.

[RedApple in reply to Clutter]

A few years ago when I was fortunate enough to get desiccated prescribed by my GP, I asked about switching from Armour to Nature-Throid. My pharmacist enquired and was told by the importer (IDIS) that it would actually cost 5GBP more per bottle for Nature-Throid. Might have changed since of course, but worth checking with your pharmacist first if cost is an issue. Importers prices to the NHS do not necessarily reflect those on the open market.

[Kate0911]

Thank you all! Does that mean that Armour might actually work for some, although many patients claim it stopped working after the reformulation? I have read that humans cannot digest cellulose, which is why many no longer feel well on Armour...?

[helvella in reply to Kate0911]

If it didn't work for anyone, they would all have switched.

From memory, cellulose was not a new ingredient, but the proportions were believed to have changed. You don't have to digest the cellulose itself to absorb the thyroid hormone.

[Kate0911 in reply to helvella]

Thanks, Helvella, really interesting, as the STTM website claims Armour is no longer working properly for that reason...but I agree, many here seem to be on Armour and happy on it, so I'll look further into all alternatives.

Would you know if Armour needs to be chewed up in order to work properly?

[helvella in reply to Kate0911]

Not being a taker of desiccated thyroid, I do not have personal experience. It is another of those things that some people insist are essential and others have never heard of doing so and therefore never do.

The STTM website has lots on it, but I am not convinced of everything that is said. As everywhere, you have to see what happens for you.

[RedApple in reply to Kate0911]

You can debate the pros and cons of each brand ad infinitum, and discuss the various reformulation rumours that have periodically cropped up over the years. But in the end you still have to make your own choice, and you may not know if it's the right one for you until you've been on it for a while

[Sobi1]

hi, I've recently done research into a few different form of thyroid meds and NDT was one of them. Just so that you are aware that the NDT is made of pigs gland.

If I remember correctly erfa isn't available but think armour is. But it is trial and error whichever works for you personally....just keep a log for yourself and monitor in order to see and catch on time whether it's working or not...

i was taking tablets which contained pig gelatin and it didn't suit me but I only found out recently that it had gelatin hence the research....

this was of help to me and was able to call and gain information it might be of use to you

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

[Kate0911 in reply to Sobi1]

Thanks

[Finola]

I have used Armour, Erfa and the Thiroid s from Thailand and have found them all easily tolerated and helpful.

I used Armour about 4/5 years ago and since then have alternated between Erfa and the Thai NDT and find them equally good but the Thai stuff is multiples cheaper.

My view is that if you generally aren't over sensitive any of the available products will probably do the trick - suck it and see!

[Kate0911 in reply to Finola]

Hi Finola, and thanks so much for this useful input!

I would like to ask you a question about Armour: when you used it a few years ago, was it the old or reformulated version?

I am not in the UK, so I am not sure I could import NDT from Thailand without problems with customs...I understand that, in the UK, you can legally import up to three or even six months' supply of non-controlled drugs, but that does not seem to be the case in most other EU countries...I have searched the internet for EU sources, but did not find any...Thailand seems to be the only option. Someone told me about on online pharmacy that used to ship Thai NDT from France, but it seems to have disappeared without a trace...

I know that I can legally import Armour or Erfa from Belgium where my doctor also is, so I guess I will try them first.

[Finola]

Hi Kate,

I actually don't know if the Armour was the reformulated or not but I was using it probably 4 years ago.

As far as importing from Thailand is concerned, I live in Ireland and have had no problems importing the Thai NDT - 1000 tabs come in a very small package and it cost around E60-70. Erfa from Belgium costs E70 for 100 tabs!! Am using both at the moment and so is my younger son and we don't note any particular difference between them. I think the only Customs issue might be that you could be charged VAT and an admin fee on an import - which in my experience would be max E20. Still a huge saving on the cost of Erfa.

Do you see Dr H?

Regards

Finola

[Kate0911 in reply to Finola]

His sister, who is in private practice in Brussels.

[Finola in reply to Kate0911]

Could I pm you re drs?

[Hidden in reply to Finola]

Finola, you are lucky in Ireland and the UK, as it seems you can import small quantities of prescription drugs for personal use without a prescription...unfortunately, mainland Europe does not seem to work like that

I wish that, some day, the Thai thyroid drugs will be shipping from a pharmacy in Europe...

[Finola in reply to Hidden]

Hi Anna,

Have sent a pm to you.