Can't find Tirosint? Learn about the best alternatives including Synthroid, Levoxyl, Armour Thyroid, and generic Levothyroxine. Compare options for 2026.
If your pharmacy is out of Tirosint and you need your thyroid medication now, you're probably wondering what your options are. The good news is that several effective alternatives exist — but switching thyroid medications isn't something you should do on your own.
In this guide, we'll explain what Tirosint is, how it works, and walk through the best alternatives so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.
Tirosint is a brand-name Levothyroxine Sodium medication made by IBSA Pharma. It comes in a gel capsule formulation that contains only three inactive ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, and water. This is important because traditional Levothyroxine tablets contain numerous fillers, dyes, and binders that can affect absorption or cause sensitivities in some patients.
Tirosint is prescribed primarily for hypothyroidism — a condition where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. It's also used as part of treatment for thyroid cancer after surgery and radioiodine therapy.
Tirosint capsules are available in 12 strengths (13 mcg to 200 mcg), and there's also Tirosint-SOL, a liquid solution available in 15 strengths.
Tirosint contains synthetic Levothyroxine (T4), which is chemically identical to the thyroxine your thyroid gland naturally produces. Once you take it, your body converts T4 into triiodothyronine (T3), the active thyroid hormone that regulates your metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, body temperature, and more.
The gel capsule design of Tirosint may offer more consistent absorption compared to tablets, especially for patients who take other medications (like calcium or iron supplements) or who have gastrointestinal conditions that affect absorption. For a deeper look at how this medication works, see our guide to Tirosint's mechanism of action.
If you can't find Tirosint, here are the most common alternatives your doctor may consider. All of these contain Levothyroxine (T4) or thyroid hormone replacement and are used to treat the same conditions.
Synthroid is the most widely prescribed brand-name Levothyroxine tablet in the United States. It's been on the market for decades and is available in a wide range of strengths.
Synthroid is usually the first-line treatment for hypothyroidism and is widely covered by insurance. If your reason for taking Tirosint is primarily cost or convenience (rather than absorption issues), Synthroid or generic Levothyroxine tablets may be a straightforward alternative.
Levoxyl is another brand-name Levothyroxine tablet. It had a temporary supply disruption in 2013 but has since been fully available.
Armour Thyroid is a natural desiccated thyroid product derived from porcine (pig) thyroid glands. Unlike Tirosint and other Levothyroxine products that contain only T4, Armour Thyroid contains both T4 and T3.
Armour Thyroid is a very different medication from Tirosint. Switching to it requires careful dose adjustment and monitoring by your doctor.
Generic Levothyroxine tablets are available from multiple manufacturers including Mylan, Sandoz, and others. They're the most affordable option for thyroid hormone replacement.
If cost is a factor, generic Levothyroxine is hard to beat. However, if you were prescribed Tirosint specifically because of absorption issues or sensitivities, switching to generic tablets may not provide the same results.
An authorized generic version of Tirosint is available through YARAL Pharma. This is the same gel capsule formulation with the same three inactive ingredients — just without the Tirosint brand name. If your pharmacy can source this, it's the closest alternative to brand-name Tirosint.
Thyroid medication dosing is very precise. Even small changes in formulation can affect how much hormone your body absorbs. If you need to switch from Tirosint to another medication:
For more information about Tirosint side effects to watch for, see our guide to Tirosint side effects.
Not being able to find your Tirosint is stressful, but you have options. Before switching, try using Medfinder to locate Tirosint in stock near you or explore the Tirosint Direct mail-order program. If you do need to switch, Synthroid, Levoxyl, generic Levothyroxine tablets, and Armour Thyroid are all viable alternatives — just make sure you work closely with your doctor through the transition.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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