Why is there a shortage of Nature-Throid?

There is a shortage of Nature-Throid because, during 2020, several recalls for Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) medications, including Nature-Throid occurred. Other brands that were affected included NP Thyroid and WP Thyroid. The main recall for Nature-Throid happened on September 3rd 2020. It included all lots and dosages of active Nature-Throid (as well as WP Thyroid) and was due to these tablets not containing enough thyroid hormone (these tablets were found to be sub potent).

On average, each tablet only contained around 89% of what it was supposed to contain. For example, if you were on 1 Grain of Nature-Throid (65 mg), which contains 38 mcg of T4 and 9 mcg of T3, you were only receiving 33.8mcg of T4 and 8mcg of T3.

While Nature-Throid remains unavailable, a doctor can prescribe Thyroid USP, which is available through certain compounding pharmacies. A link to these pharmacies can be found on the Nature-Throid website.

Nature-Throid is a natural desiccated thyroid replacement therapy obtained from pig thyroid glands. First released in the 1930s, it was one of the first available medications for hypothyroidism. It contains T4 & T3 replacement hormones and is available in 11 strengths ranging from ¼ grain (16.25 mg) to 3 grain (195 mg). It also contains naturally occurring thyroid cofactors T1, T2, calcitonin, and iodine (in trace amounts). Nature-Throid is not FDA approved.