FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

NP Thyroid^® (thyroid tablets, USP) is a prescription thyroid hormone medication used as replacement or supplemental therapy in people with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.

As a replacement therapy, NP Thyroid^® provides the hormones your body is missing to bring your system back into balance. Healthcare providers may prescribe NP Thyroid^® to lower thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. This specialized care helps manage specific health issues like goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding the best option for your individual needs.

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NP Thyroid^® is a desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) medication that is naturally-derived* from porcine (pig) thyroid glands. It contains the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are chemically identical to those produced by the human thyroid gland.

Yes. NP Thyroid^® contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in a single tablet. These are the two primary thyroid hormones normally produced by the thyroid gland.

Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid medication that contains only one thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4). NP Thyroid^® is a desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) medication that is naturally-derived* and contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in a single tablet.

Both medications are prescribed to treat hypothyroidism, but they are formulated differently. Your healthcare provider can help determine which thyroid medication may be appropriate for you based on your medical history, symptoms, and lab results.

Yes. NP Thyroid^® is available by prescription only. A licensed healthcare provider must evaluate your condition and determine if NP Thyroid^® is appropriate for you. Click here to find a healthcare provider

Possible side effects of NP Thyroid^® include chest pain, a fast pulse, irregular heartbeats, nervousness, or heavy sweating. These are not a complete list. Side effects may occur if the dose is set too high for your body.

If you experience any side effects, contact your healthcare provider right away.

For complete safety details, you should always check the official NP Thyroid^® Important Risk Information and full product Prescribing Information.

Taking doses higher than prescribed can cause serious or life-threatening side effects. NP Thyroid^® should be used with caution in people with heart disease, or those taking diabetes or blood-thinning medications.

Always tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking. Some can block your body from absorbing NP Thyroid^®, which may stop your thyroid therapy from working correctly.

Click here to view additional Important Risk Information.

NP Thyroid^® should not be used for weight loss. Do not take NP Thyroid^® if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), uncorrected adrenal gland problems, or if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Click here to view additional Important Risk Information.

NP Thyroid^® can be prescribed to children and adolescents with hypothyroidism, and treatment should always be managed by a healthcare provider.

Thyroid hormone is important for normal growth and development. Because untreated hypothyroidism can have serious effects, newborns are typically screened, and treatment is generally started promptly after diagnosis.

In many cases, pediatric patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism will need ongoing treatment. In some situations where hypothyroidism may be temporary, a healthcare provider may reassess the need for continued treatment as your child grows.

Always consult your child’s healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment and monitoring plan.

Yes. Pediatric dosage information can be found on the Dosing and Administration page. Always consult your child’s healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment and monitoring plan.

Desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) is a type of prescription thyroid medication made from dried animal thyroid glands. DTE medications contain both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones and have been used to treat hypothyroidism for many years.

Naturally-derived^* means the active ingredient in NP Thyroid^® comes from a biological (porcine) thyroid source rather than being created synthetically in a laboratory.

Synthetic thyroid medications contain only one lab-made thyroid hormone, either thyroxine (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) hormone. NP Thyroid^® is different in that it contains both T4 and T3 hormones in a single tablet and is naturally-derived^*. Your healthcare provider can help determine which type of thyroid medication may be most appropriate based on your individual needs.

NP Thyroid^® should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully and do not change your dose without medical guidance.

Some foods and supplements may affect how thyroid medication is absorbed. Your healthcare provider can advise you on how and when to take NP Thyroid^® and whether certain supplements should be taken at a different time of day.

If you miss a dose, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.

Everyone responds differently to thyroid medication. Some people may notice changes within a few weeks, while for others it may take longer. Your provider may adjust your dose based on lab results, side effects or lingering hypothyroidism symptoms.

The active ingredient in NP Thyroid^® is desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), which contains both thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. Inactive ingredients include calcium stearate, dextrose, and mineral oil.¹

NP Thyroid^® contains no ingredient made from gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, or rye.¹

No. NP Thyroid^® tablets don’t contain any dyes or added colorants.

NP Thyroid^® is covered by most insurance plans and is typically available at a low-tier out-of-pocket cost for many commercially insured patients.²

Cash-pay patients may pay as little as $27 for a 30-day supply and $65 for a 90-day supply. Learn more by visiting Find Savings.

Coverage for NP Thyroid^® varies by insurance plan.

• Commercial insurance: Most commercial insurance plans cover NP Thyroid^® at a low-tier copay (out-of-pocket cost). Copays and formulary placement may differ by plan.²
• Medicare Part D: Some Medicare Part D plans cover NP Thyroid^®.² Those transitioning to Medicare may need to request a coverage (formulary) exception through their healthcare provider to determine if NP Thyroid^® will be covered.
• Check your plan: Patients should confirm coverage, copay, and formulary status with their insurance provider or pharmacy.

If your plan does not cover NP Thyroid^®:

Patients may pay as little as $27 cash for a 30-day supply or $65 cash for a 90-day supply through this available savings option.

NP Thyroid^® is manufactured in facilities located in the United States that strictly follow current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) rules. These facilities are fully regulated and inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is sourced from Spain and is manufactured under strict FDA and cGMP quality standards.²

All strengths of NP Thyroid^® are available to U.S. retail, independent, and mail-order pharmacies. Some pharmacies may need to order it from their wholesaler, which is often available within one business day.

If you are having trouble getting NP Thyroid^® through your preferred pharmacy, consider asking your healthcare provider to send your prescription to Glendale Pharmacy, a direct-delivery pharmacy with free standard shipping.

No. NP Thyroid^® is only available in the United States.

NP Thyroid^® tablets are produced using established manufacturing and quality control processes. Each batch undergoes routine inspections and testing to help verify that it meets applicable specifications before release.

The finished NP Thyroid^® product is manufactured in the United States in FDA-regulated and -inspected facilities and manufactured in accordance with FDA quality standards.^²

These steps are part of a broader framework intended to maintain product quality throughout the manufacturing process.

Some pharmacies may substitute NP Thyroid^® with another desiccated thyroid extract product. NP Thyroid^® tablets are tan and debossed with the letters “AP.”

To help ensure you receive NP Thyroid^®, ask your provider to write “DAW 1” (Dispense as Written 1) on your prescription.

“DAW 1” instructs the pharmacy to dispense the prescribed brand exactly as written and not substitute it with another product.

Some pharmacies may not stock all strengths on their shelves. This does not mean NP Thyroid^® is unavailable, it may just be out of stock. Patients can ask their pharmacy to order it.

If your pharmacy states that NP Thyroid^® is not available, please have them check with their wholesaler and request they place an order. In most cases, NP Thyroid^® can be available within 24 hours or by the next business day. You can download wholesale ordering information here.

If you are having trouble getting NP Thyroid^® through your preferred pharmacy, consider asking your healthcare provider to send your prescription to Glendale Pharmacy, a direct-delivery pharmacy with free standard shipping.

Yes. NP Thyroid^® is available through online pharmacies, such as Amazon Pharmacy and direct-delivery pharmacies such as Glendale Pharmacy. These services generally offer free standard shipping, consistent access to NP Thyroid^®, and affordable cash pricing. Availability and pricing may vary, so patients should check with the pharmacy directly for details.

Customer support is available at 1-800-541-4802, Monday–Thursday 8:30 am–5:00 pm ET and Friday 8:30 am–1:00 pm ET. You may also email [email protected].

NP Thyroid^® is marketed by Acella Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Alora Pharmaceuticals.

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