What Is Westhroid? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Westhroid is a natural thyroid hormone medication that has been used to treat hypothyroidism for decades. Unlike the more commonly prescribed synthetic thyroid drugs, Westhroid comes from a natural source and provides both of the thyroid hormones your body needs. Here's everything you need to know about it.

What Is Westhroid?

Westhroid is a brand name for desiccated thyroid tablets (Thyroid USP). It is made from dried and powdered porcine (pig) thyroid glands and contains both of the main thyroid hormones naturally produced by the human thyroid: T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (liothyronine).

Westhroid is manufactured by RLC Labs in Phoenix, Arizona. It is micro-coated, designed to reduce the characteristic odor of desiccated thyroid products, and formulated to be easy to swallow.

Each 1-grain (65 mg) tablet of Westhroid contains:

38 mcg of levothyroxine (T4)

9 mcg of liothyronine (T3)

What Is Westhroid Used For?

Westhroid is used to treat or manage:

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) — the primary use. Westhroid replaces the thyroid hormones your body isn't producing enough of.

Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland) — both to treat and prevent

Hashimoto's thyroiditis — an autoimmune cause of hypothyroidism

Post-thyroidectomy hormone replacement — when the thyroid has been surgically removed

Thyroid diagnostic testing — as part of suppression tests to evaluate thyroid function

How Is Westhroid Different from Synthroid or Levothyroxine?

This is one of the most common questions patients have. The key differences:

Source: Westhroid is derived from porcine thyroid glands (natural); Synthroid is synthetic (laboratory-made)

Hormones: Westhroid contains both T3 and T4; Synthroid/levothyroxine contains only T4

Availability: Synthroid and generic levothyroxine are widely available; Westhroid has been largely unavailable since 2020

Insurance coverage: Levothyroxine is typically covered; Westhroid is not covered by most insurance or Medicare

Westhroid Dosage and Available Strengths

Westhroid is available in five tablet strengths:

16.25 mg (1/4 grain)

32.5 mg (1/2 grain)

65 mg (1 grain)

97.5 mg (1.5 grain)

130 mg (2 grain)

The typical starting dose for hypothyroidism is 32.5 mg once daily, with dose increases of 16.25 mg every 2–3 weeks based on lab results and symptom response. Maintenance doses typically range from 60–120 mg per day, though individual needs vary.

How to Take Westhroid

Take Westhroid on an empty stomach, at least 30–60 minutes before breakfast

Take it with a full glass of water — not with coffee, calcium supplements, or iron supplements (wait at least 4 hours before taking these)

Take it at the same time every day for consistent hormone levels

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but skip it if it's nearly time for your next dose

Do not change brands without talking to your doctor first — different brands may require dose adjustments

Is Westhroid Available in 2026?

Westhroid has been largely unavailable since August 2020, when manufacturer RLC Labs recalled all lots of its desiccated thyroid products due to sub-potency. As of 2026, availability remains very limited. For the latest on the shortage, see our Westhroid shortage update.

If you have a prescription and want to find a pharmacy that has Westhroid in stock, medfinder can search pharmacies in your area and send you results by text.