Comprehensive medication guide to Westhroid including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
Westhroid is not covered by most commercial insurance plans or Medicare Part D because it is a grandfathered drug without formal FDA approval. Patients typically pay cash and use discount programs like GoodRx.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$30–$80 retail for a 30-day supply depending on strength; as low as $23.87 with a GoodRx coupon. Note: Westhroid has been largely unavailable at most pharmacies since 2020.
Medfinder Findability Score
15/100
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Westhroid is a brand of natural desiccated thyroid (NDT)—a medication derived from dried, powdered porcine (pig) thyroid glands. It is manufactured by RLC Labs in Phoenix, Arizona, and contains both T4 (levothyroxine, 38 mcg/grain) and T3 (liothyronine, 9 mcg/grain), the two primary hormones produced by the human thyroid gland.
Westhroid is used to treat hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiter, and as a diagnostic agent in thyroid suppression tests. Unlike synthetic levothyroxine (Synthroid), which provides T4 only, Westhroid provides both thyroid hormones simultaneously—making it preferred by patients who don't adequately convert T4 to T3 on their own.
Westhroid is available in 5 strengths: 16.25 mg (1/4 grain), 32.5 mg (1/2 grain), 65 mg (1 grain), 97.5 mg (1.5 grain), and 130 mg (2 grain). It has been largely unavailable at most pharmacies since August 2020, when its manufacturer recalled all lots of its desiccated thyroid products due to sub-potency concerns.
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Westhroid works by replacing the thyroid hormones that a patient's thyroid gland isn't producing in sufficient quantities. After oral administration, T3 and T4 are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract into the bloodstream. T3 (liothyronine) begins acting within hours, directly binding to thyroid hormone receptors in cell nuclei to activate genes controlling metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and energy production.
T4 (levothyroxine) has a longer half-life and serves as a reservoir—it is gradually converted to the active T3 by deiodinase enzymes in peripheral tissues (liver, kidneys, muscles), providing sustained thyroid hormone levels throughout the day. This combination of immediate T3 and sustained T4 mimics the natural pattern of thyroid hormone secretion.
As circulating thyroid hormone levels rise, the pituitary gland reduces its secretion of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) through a negative feedback mechanism. Clinicians use TSH levels as the primary tool to monitor whether a patient's Westhroid dose is appropriate—with low TSH indicating over-treatment and high TSH indicating under-treatment.
16.25 mg (1/4 grain) — tablet
Starting dose for very sensitive patients
32.5 mg (1/2 grain) — tablet
Common starting dose for adults
65 mg (1 grain) — tablet
Equivalent to 1 grain; common maintenance dose
97.5 mg (1.5 grain) — tablet
Mid-range maintenance dose
130 mg (2 grain) — tablet
Higher maintenance dose
Westhroid is one of the hardest-to-find prescription medications in the United States as of 2026. Its manufacturer, RLC Labs, recalled all unexpired lots of its desiccated thyroid products (Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid) in August 2020 due to sub-potency—and has not resumed full distribution since. Most major chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart) cannot source Westhroid at all.
When any stock does appear, it is typically at independent pharmacies or specialty pharmacies with more flexible sourcing. Even there, availability is sporadic and inconsistent. The findability score for Westhroid is 15/100—among the lowest of any commonly prescribed thyroid medication.
Patients with Westhroid prescriptions can use medfinder to search pharmacies in their area and find which ones currently have it in stock. medfinder contacts pharmacies directly and sends results by text, saving patients hours of calling around.
Westhroid is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling restrictions. Any licensed prescriber can write a prescription for it. However, in practice, providers vary significantly in their willingness to prescribe desiccated thyroid products due to varying familiarity and institutional guidelines.
Endocrinologists — thyroid specialists; some prescribe NDT, others prefer levothyroxine
Primary care physicians (internists, family medicine) — many are willing to prescribe based on patient preference
Integrative and functional medicine physicians — often experienced with NDT and patient-centered thyroid management
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — can prescribe in most states
Telehealth options are widely available for hypothyroidism management. Platforms such as Paloma Health specialize in thyroid health and routinely offer desiccated thyroid prescriptions. Telehealth provides convenient access to NDT-prescribing providers for patients whose local physicians are hesitant to prescribe it.
No. Westhroid is not a controlled substance and has no DEA schedule. It can be prescribed with a standard written or electronic prescription by any licensed healthcare provider, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. There are no special prescribing restrictions, no DEA registration requirements for prescribers, and no limits on the quantity or number of refills beyond what the prescriber specifies.
While Westhroid is not controlled, it does carry important regulatory considerations: it is a grandfathered drug that has not gone through modern FDA approval processes, which affects insurance coverage and formulary placement. Most insurance plans and Medicare do not cover Westhroid for this reason.
Westhroid is generally well tolerated at appropriate doses. The most commonly reported side effects include:
Temporary hair loss during the first few months of treatment (usually resolves as levels stabilize)
Weight changes (weight loss as metabolism improves)
Increased appetite and energy as hypothyroid symptoms resolve
These are typically signs of over-replacement (too high a dose):
Chest pain or palpitations (fast or irregular heartbeat)
Excessive sweating, tremors, nervousness
Insomnia, anxiety
Allergic reaction (rare; especially in patients with pork allergies)
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Armour Thyroid
Most widely available NDT brand (AbbVie); contains same T3+T4 ratio; available at most major pharmacies
NP Thyroid
Affordable NDT by Acella Pharmaceuticals; widely available; simpler inactive ingredients
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Synthetic T4-only; most widely prescribed thyroid medication; covered by most insurance; generic available
Liothyronine (Cytomel)
Synthetic T3; used in combination with levothyroxine for patients needing direct T3 supplementation
Compounded Desiccated Thyroid
Custom-compounded NDT from PCAB-accredited compounding pharmacies; can match any dose and formulation
Prefer Westhroid? We can find it.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
majorWesthroid significantly increases warfarin's anticoagulant effect. INR must be monitored closely when starting or adjusting Westhroid dose.
Insulin / Oral hypoglycemics
moderateThyroid hormones affect glucose metabolism. Blood sugar monitoring should be increased when starting Westhroid.
Cholestyramine / Colestipol
moderateThese medications bind thyroid hormones in the gut, reducing absorption. Separate doses by at least 4 hours.
Iron supplements
moderateSignificantly reduces Westhroid absorption. Separate by at least 4 hours.
Calcium carbonate / Antacids
moderateReduces thyroid hormone absorption. Separate by at least 4 hours.
Estrogens / Oral contraceptives
moderateIncrease thyroid-binding globulin, potentially requiring higher Westhroid doses.
Carbamazepine / Phenytoin
moderateAnticonvulsants that speed up thyroid hormone metabolism, potentially requiring higher doses.
Sertraline (SSRIs)
minorMay alter thyroid hormone metabolism; monitor TSH when starting or adjusting SSRIs.
Westhroid has a long history as a natural desiccated thyroid medication, valued by patients and integrative medicine providers for its combined T3/T4 profile. For patients who don't convert T4 to T3 efficiently—or who simply feel better on NDT than on synthetic levothyroxine—it has been a meaningful treatment option for decades.
Unfortunately, Westhroid's availability has been severely impacted since August 2020 due to manufacturer RLC Labs' recall and subsequent quality remediation. As of 2026, most patients cannot reliably fill a Westhroid prescription. Patients who need desiccated thyroid should discuss transitioning to Armour Thyroid or NP Thyroid with their provider, or consider compounded desiccated thyroid from a reputable compounding pharmacy.
If you have a prescription and want to check current availability, medfinder can search pharmacies in your area to find which ones have Westhroid or its alternatives in stock. It's the fastest way to locate your medication without spending hours on hold.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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