WP Thyroid, Nature-Throid and NP Thyroid recall-October 2020 update

[~MaryO~]

 
Dr. Friedman wants to update his patients about natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) recalls based on new information from the FDA. Dr. Friedman prescribes various thyroid hormone preparations to his patients with hypothyroidism. This includes natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) of which two preparations are WP Thyroid and Nature-Throid, both made by RLC Labs. On August 25, 2020, RLC Labs announced a voluntary, consumer-level recall of all lots of Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid tablets because some lots contain less than the required 90% of the active ingredient as determined by the FDA. The RLC spokesperson said to Dr. Friedman that one lot of WP Thyroid and 5 lots of Nature-Throid contained between 87% and 90% of the labeled amount of levothyroxine (T4) or liothyronine (T3). Recently the FDA announced which lots are recalled that are listed below. According to the recall, if a patient receives a sub-potent tablet, hypothyroid symptoms may not be controlled. To date, there have been no reports of adverse events related to this recall. Patients who have had an adverse event should contact RLC Labs. The lot numbers are listed on the bottles of Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid.
 
With this information about which lots are recalled, Dr. Friedman is only recommended those taking the effective lots to discontinue them. Currently no lots of Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid tablets are commercially available, so a replacement with the same product is not an option. It is unknown how long it will be before Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid become commercially available.
 
In September 2020, the FDA also announced that two lots (one of 15 mg and one of 120 mg) (see table) of NP Thyroid made by Acella Pharamceuticals were also recalled due to reduced potency between 87% and 90% of the labeled amount of levothyroxine (T4) or liothyronine (T3). Other lots are currently available. The lot numbers are not listed on the Acella product bottles, but the expiration dates are. If patient has one of the products with the expiration date listed, they can ask their pharmacy for the lot number.
 
Dr. Friedman has several comments about these recalls. Dr. Friedman sees them as unfortunate, but still believes NDT is a good option for patients with hypothyroidism. The “subpotent” Nature-Throid, WP Thyroid and NP Thyroid pills are only slightly less potent than stated in that only the effective lots are between 87% and 90% of the T4 and T3 levels. For most patients, they will not have symptoms from these subpotent pills and if they are taking a lot that is subpotent, the dose can be adjusted based on laboratory levels at your next appointment with Dr. Friedman.
 
According to Dr. Friedman, patients taking Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid with the subpotent lots have three options: 1) they can continue taking Nature-Throid and WP Thyroid knowing they may have a subpotent lot and knowing that they may not be able to get a refill at least temporarily. 2) patients can be switched to Armour thyroid, NP thyroid or have a compounding pharmacy compound the equivalent dose using USP grade porcine powder. Please let Dr. Friedman’s office know if you would like to go on a different desiccated thyroid product (and which one) and what pharmacy you would like to use, 3) Dr. Friedman has a small supply of desiccated thyroid with no reclled lots that is available at his clinic for those in Los Angeles on the last Tuesday night of each month. He will not be able to mail desiccated thyroid. Please contact his office about this option. Patients with a subpotent lot of NP thyroid can have their pharmacy switch them to an unaffected lot at no charge. 
 
Patients do not need to contact Dr. Friedman, but if you have any questions or need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Friedman, please email us at mail@goodhormonehealth.com or schedule an appointment on his website at www.goodhormonehealth.com.