Adthyza Is a Natural Desiccated Thyroid Medication Used to Treat Hypothyroidism

Adthyza (Thyroid Desiccated) is a brand-name prescription medication that provides both Levothyroxine (T4) and Liothyronine (T3) thyroid hormones derived from porcine (pig) thyroid glands. It was used primarily to treat hypothyroidism — a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones to keep your body functioning properly.

Important update: Adthyza was discontinued by its manufacturer, Azurity Pharmaceuticals, in late November 2025. This article explains what Adthyza is, how it works, and what your options are now that it's no longer available.

What Is Adthyza?

Adthyza belongs to a class of medications called Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT). Unlike synthetic thyroid medications like Levothyroxine (Synthroid) that contain only T4, Adthyza provides both T4 and T3 hormones — more closely mimicking what a healthy thyroid gland naturally produces.

Key Drug Facts

• Brand name: Adthyza (also marketed as Adthyza Thyroid)
• Generic name: Thyroid Desiccated (Levothyroxine and Liothyronine from porcine thyroid glands)
• Drug class: Thyroid Hormone Replacement — Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT)
• Manufacturer: Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
• First marketed: February 2023
• Status: Discontinued as of November 2025
• Controlled substance: No — Adthyza is not a controlled substance

Other NDT brands you may have heard of include Armour Thyroid, NP Thyroid, Nature-Throid, and WP Thyroid. They all contain the same active hormones derived from porcine thyroid tissue.

What Is Adthyza Used For?

Adthyza was FDA-indicated for:

• Hypothyroidism — the most common use. Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland isn't producing enough hormones, causing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, dry skin, brain fog, and depression.
• Goiter prevention and treatment — an enlarged thyroid gland, which can develop from chronic hypothyroidism or iodine deficiency.
• Thyroid suppression testing — a diagnostic procedure to evaluate thyroid function.
• Adjunctive therapy for thyroid cancer — specifically follicular and papillary carcinoma, where suppressing TSH levels helps prevent cancer recurrence.

Many patients also used Adthyza off-label because they felt better on a combination T4/T3 medication than on synthetic T4 (Levothyroxine) alone. Some patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis — the most common cause of hypothyroidism — specifically preferred NDT products.

How Is Adthyza Taken?

Adthyza was taken as an oral tablet, once daily. Here's what proper dosing looked like:

Available Strengths

• 1/4 grain (16.25 mg): 9.5 mcg T4 + 2.25 mcg T3
• 1/2 grain (32.5 mg): 19 mcg T4 + 4.5 mcg T3
• 1 grain (65 mg): 38 mcg T4 + 9 mcg T3
• 1 1/2 grains (97.5 mg): 57 mcg T4 + 13.5 mcg T3
• 2 grains (130 mg): 76 mcg T4 + 18 mcg T3

Typical Dosing

Most patients started at 32.5 mg per day (1/2 grain), with the dose increased by 16.25 mg every 2-3 weeks based on lab results and symptoms. The typical maintenance dose ranged from 65 mg to 130 mg per day (1-2 grains). Elderly patients and those with heart conditions usually started at the lowest dose (16.25 mg).

How to Take It

• Take on an empty stomach, at the same time every day
• Ideally 30-60 minutes before breakfast
• Swallow whole with water
• Avoid calcium, iron supplements, and antacids within 4 hours — they reduce absorption
• Avoid soy products, high-fiber foods, and coffee close to your dose — they can also interfere with absorption

Regular blood tests (TSH, Free T4, Free T3) are essential to monitor your levels and ensure your dose is correct. For more on what can interfere with your medication, see our guide on Adthyza Drug Interactions.

Who Should Not Take Adthyza?

Adthyza was not appropriate for everyone. Contraindications include:

• Thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid) — adding more thyroid hormone when levels are already high is dangerous.
• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency — adrenal gland problems must be treated before starting thyroid hormones to avoid an adrenal crisis.
• Hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the product — some patients are sensitive to porcine-derived ingredients or specific inactive fillers.
• Weight loss purposes — Adthyza carries a boxed warning that thyroid hormones should never be used for weight loss. In patients with normal thyroid function, doses that could produce weight loss can cause serious or life-threatening toxicity.

For a detailed breakdown of side effects, read our guide: Adthyza Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor.

How Much Does Adthyza Cost?

Before discontinuation, Adthyza's cash price was approximately:

• $29-$38 for a 30-day supply (1 grain / 65 mg)
• $84-$90 for a 90-day supply

The Adthyza Cares program (Azurity Solutions Patient Direct) offered guaranteed pricing of about $35/month with home delivery — no insurance needed. This program is no longer active.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage for NDT products has always been mixed. Many plans prefer synthetic Levothyroxine as first-line therapy and may require prior authorization for NDT products. With Adthyza discontinued, patients switching to alternatives should check coverage for their new medication.

Alternatives and Their Costs

Now that Adthyza is no longer available, here's what comparable medications cost:

• Armour Thyroid — $35-$43/month (the most widely known NDT brand)
• NP Thyroid — $24-$40/month (another NDT option, also faces potential FDA removal)
• Levothyroxine generic — $4-$30/month (synthetic T4 only, most widely available)
• Compounded NDT — varies, typically $30-$80/month depending on the pharmacy and formulation

For detailed savings strategies, check out How to Save Money on Thyroid Medications.

The Bigger Picture: What's Happening to NDT Medications in 2026

Adthyza's discontinuation is part of a larger shift in the NDT landscape. In August 2025, the FDA announced plans to remove all Desiccated Thyroid Extract products from the market. This threatens every remaining NDT brand, including Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid.

If you relied on Adthyza or any NDT medication, staying informed is critical. Read our detailed update: Adthyza Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Adthyza was a valuable option for hypothyroid patients who preferred natural desiccated thyroid therapy. Its discontinuation after less than three years on the market — combined with the FDA's broader move against NDT products — has left many patients searching for answers.

If you were on Adthyza, work with your doctor to find the best alternative for your situation. Whether that's Armour Thyroid, compounded NDT, or a synthetic option like Levothyroxine, the most important thing is maintaining consistent thyroid hormone levels.

Use Medfinder to find thyroid medications in stock near you, and explore our full library of Adthyza guides for more help navigating your options.