User:Mr. Ibrahem/Desiccated thyroid extract

Desiccated thyroid, also known as thyroid extract, is thyroid gland that has been dried and powdered for medical use. It is used to treat hypothyroidism. It is less preferred than levothyroxine. It is taken by mouth. Maximal effects may take up to 3 weeks to occur.

Side effects may occur from excessive doses. This may include weight loss, fever, headache, anxiety, trouble sleeping, arrythmias, and heart failure. Other side effects may include allergic reactions. Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally safe. Regular blood tests are recommended to verify the appropriateness of the dose. They contain a mixture of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Desiccated thyroid has been used since the late 1800s. It is usually made from pigs, sheep, or cows. It is available as a generic medication. In the United States the wholesale cost for a month of medication is about US$15.30. In 2017, it was the 130th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than five million prescriptions. Usage has decreased since the 1960s.