Armour Thyroid is a prescription medication made from desiccated (dried) porcine thyroid glands that contains both T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (liothyronine) hormones, used to treat hypothyroidism and related thyroid conditions.

If you or someone you know takes Armour Thyroid — or is considering it — this guide covers everything you need to know in 2026, including what it's used for, how to take it, potential risks, and what it costs.

What Is Armour Thyroid?

Armour Thyroid is a natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) extract manufactured by AbbVie. Unlike synthetic thyroid medications such as Synthroid (levothyroxine), which contain only the T4 hormone, Armour Thyroid provides both T4 and T3 — the two main hormones your thyroid gland produces.

It comes in tablet form in several strengths:

• 15 mg (¼ grain)
• 30 mg (½ grain)
• 60 mg (1 grain)
• 90 mg (1½ grain)
• 120 mg (2 grain)
• 180 mg (3 grain)
• 240 mg (4 grain)
• 300 mg (5 grain)

Armour Thyroid has been used for decades and has a loyal patient following. Many patients prefer it over synthetic alternatives because it contains both thyroid hormones. To learn more about how it works in your body, see our guide on Armour Thyroid's mechanism of action.

What Is Armour Thyroid Used For?

Armour Thyroid is prescribed for:

• Hypothyroidism — The most common use. Hypothyroidism means your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, causing symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, brain fog, and depression.
• Thyroid hormone suppression therapy — Used to suppress TSH in certain types of thyroid goiters, nodules, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
• Thyroid suppression testing — Occasionally used as a diagnostic tool.

Some patients switch to Armour Thyroid from levothyroxine because they still feel symptomatic despite "normal" lab results on T4-only therapy. The added T3 in Armour Thyroid may help some of these patients feel better.

How Is Armour Thyroid Taken?

Armour Thyroid is taken by mouth, usually once daily. Here are the key guidelines:

• Take it on an empty stomach — 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast for best absorption.
• Swallow with a full glass of water.
• Take it at the same time each day for consistent hormone levels.
• Separate from certain substances — Wait at least 4 hours before taking calcium, iron supplements, or antacids, as these can block absorption.
• Don't stop suddenly — Always consult your doctor before making changes to your dose.

Your doctor will typically start you at a low dose — often 15 to 30 mg per day — and increase gradually every 4 to 6 weeks based on your lab results and symptoms. Most patients end up on 60 to 120 mg daily, though some need higher doses.

Who Should Not Take Armour Thyroid?

Armour Thyroid is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• Uncorrected adrenal insufficiency — Thyroid hormones can trigger an adrenal crisis if adrenal function isn't addressed first.
• Untreated thyrotoxicosis (overactive thyroid)
• A pork allergy — Since Armour Thyroid is derived from porcine thyroid glands, it contains pork-derived ingredients.
• Recent heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)

Patients with heart disease, older adults, and pregnant women need careful dose management and monitoring. See our guide on Armour Thyroid side effects for more details on risks.

Boxed warning: Armour Thyroid should not be used for weight loss. Using higher-than-needed doses can cause serious or life-threatening toxicity.

How Much Does Armour Thyroid Cost?

Without insurance or coupons, Armour Thyroid typically costs $30 to $90 for a 30-day supply, depending on the dosage and pharmacy.

Here are ways to reduce the cost:

• Discount cards and coupons — Services like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver can lower the price at many pharmacies. See our full guide on saving money on Armour Thyroid.
• Patient assistance programs — AbbVie's Patient Assistance Foundation may provide Armour Thyroid at no cost to qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients (call 1-800-222-6885).
• Insurance — Many plans cover Armour Thyroid, though some require prior authorization or step therapy (trying levothyroxine first).

Final Thoughts

Armour Thyroid is a well-established treatment for hypothyroidism that provides both T3 and T4 hormones. While it's been a reliable option for many patients, supply challenges in 2026 mean you may need to plan ahead to keep your prescription filled.

If you're having trouble finding Armour Thyroid at your pharmacy, Medfinder can help you locate it in stock near you. And if availability becomes an ongoing problem, talk to your doctor about alternative thyroid medications.