ARMOUR THYROID Patient Assistance Program

Your thyroid gland — a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck — produces two essential hormones: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). These hormones regulate nearly every process in your body, including metabolism, energy level, heart rate, body temperature, brain function, and mood. T4 is more abundant but relatively inactive — your body must convert it to the active T3 in your tissues. T3 is the hormone that actually drives the metabolic effectsyou feel.
When your thyroid can’t produce enough of these hormones (hypothyroidism), every system slows down. Most synthetic thyroid medications like levothyroxine provide only T4, relying on your body’s ability to convert it to T3. Armour Thyroid takes a different approach: because it is derived from desiccated porcine thyroid glands, it naturally contains both T4 and T3 in a ratio similar to what a healthy thyroid produces. This means Armour Thyroid supplies the active T3 directly, bypassing any conversion issues. For patients whose bodies don’t efficiently convert T4 to T3 — or who simply feel better with both hormones provided directly — Armour Thyroid can resolve persistent symptoms that T4-only therapy doesn’t fully address.

How It Works:

Acne develops when hair follicles in your skin become clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum). Normally, dead skin cells rise to the surface and shed, but in acne-prone skin, these cells stick together and plug the pore. The trapped oil creates an environment where bacteria multiply, triggering the inflammation, redness, and swelling that characterize acne breakouts.
Arazlo works by delivering tazarotene — a retinoid (a form of vitamin A) — directly to the affected skin. Once absorbed, tazarotene is converted into its active form (tazarotenic acid), which binds to retinoid receptors in skin cells and triggers several beneficial changes. First, it normalizes skin cell turnover, preventing dead cells from sticking together and clogging pores. Second, it reduces excess oil production by the sebaceous glands. Third, it decreases inflammation in the skin. Fourth, it promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells to replace damaged tissue. What makes Arazlo unique is its 0.045% concentration in a lotion vehicle — specifically developed to provide effective acne treatment while reducing the irritation, dryness,
and peeling that can cause patients to discontinue retinoid therapy.

Form and Use:

Available in strengths from 15 mg to 300 mg. Take one tablet daily on an empty stomach, typically 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast, with a glass of water. Separate from supplements containing iron or zinc by at least 2 hours.

Generic Availability:

As of April 2026, there is no direct generic equivalent of Armour Thyroid available in the United States. While Armour Thyroid is itself a desiccated thyroid product, it is considered a branded formulation with a specific manufacturing process. Other desiccated thyroid products are
available as alternatives at approximately $20 to $72 per month with coupons, but they are separate branded products, not generic substitutes. For patients open to synthetic alternatives, generic levothyroxine (T4-only) is available for as little as $4 to $15 per month.

Warnings:
This is a medication you cannot skip or stop without risking serious thyroid symptoms. Do not stop taking Armour Thyroid without medical supervision — even a brief interruption in hormone replacement can cause your symptoms to return rapidly. Switching between desiccated thyroid brands should only be done under your doctor’s supervision with follow-up lab testing. Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, as some can affect thyroid hormone absorption.