thyroid, porcine

Thyroid, porcine is a naturally occurring peptide hormone preparation derived from the dried and powdered thyroid glands of pigs. It contains both triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are structurally identical to human thyroid hormones. The drug is used primarily as replacement therapy for hypothyroidism of any etiology and may also be used in the treatment of euthyroid goiters and management of certain types of thyroid cancer. Its mechanism involves supplementing deficient endogenous T3 and T4 levels to restore normal metabolic activity regulated by these hormones; it also suppresses secretion of pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) through negative feedback. Although widely used historically since the late 19th century for hypothyroidism treatment, its use has declined in favor due to dosing inconsistencies compared with synthetic levothyroxine[1][2][5]. Porcine-derived desiccated thyroid was never formally FDA approved because its use predates modern regulatory requirements[1].

Brand names

Armour ThyroidNP ThyroidNature-ThroidWesthroidWP ThyroidBio-ThroidNiva Thyroid

Other names

desiccated thyroidthyroid desiccatedporcine thyroid extract