Armour Thyroid

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Mar 29, 2023

Common Questions


Common Questions about Armour Thyroid


What is the difference between levothyroxine and Armour Thyroid?

Levothyroxine sodium (brand name Synthroid) is a synthetic (lab-made) compound that is identical to the T4 thyroid hormone made by the human thyroid gland. Armour Thyroid is a natural thyroid hormone derived from animal thyroid glands.



Is Armour Thyroid better than levothyroxine?

Doctors usually recommend taking synthetic thyroid tablets such as levothyroxine (Synthroid) as the first line of treatment for underactive thyroid because they contain stable levels of thyroid hormones. In other words, it can be difficult to maintain thyroid hormone levels with natural thyroid hormones like Armour Thyroid because they can contain varying amounts of hormones in different batches. Also, natural thyroid hormones are not completely natural (they contain certain chemicals to bind the tablets together). Additionally, there is a risk of contamination with animal products. If you wish to take a natural hormone to treat underactive thyroid, discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider.



Can Armour Thyroid make you lose weight?

Armour Thyroid should not be used to speed up weight loss. Taking thyroid hormones does not make people with normal thyroid function lose weight. Also, excessive doses of thyroid hormones in people with a normally functioning thyroid gland can lead to serious symptoms and medical complications.



How quickly does Armour Thyroid work?

It takes 2-3 weeks for Armour Thyroid to work. Your doctor may increase your dose every 2-3 weeks until your thyroid hormone levels are in the normal range. You will need to take thyroid replacement therapy lifelong. Do not stop your thyroid replacement treatment without talking to your provider even if you feel well.



Does Armour Thyroid cause hair loss?

Armour Thyroid may cause partial hair loss, especially in children, during the first few months of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, but this is temporary.



What is the price of Armour Thyroid without insurance?

Without insurance, Armour Thyroid can be as high as $30.87, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $17.05 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of Armour Thyroid with insurance?

Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Armour Thyroid. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.