Westhroid

Generic name: thyroid desiccated [ THYE-roid ]
Brand names: Armour Thyroid, Nature-Throid, NP Thyroid, Westhroid, WP Thyroid
Drug class: Thyroid drugs

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 2, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is desiccated thyroid?

Desiccated (dried) thyroid is a combination of hormones that are normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body''s energy and metabolism. Desiccated thyroid is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

Desiccated thyroid treats hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone). Desiccated thyroid is also used to treat or prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), and is also given as part of a medical tests for thyroid disorders.

Desiccated thyroid should not be used to treat obesity or weight problems.

Desiccated thyroid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You may not be able to use Westhroid if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

Call your doctor if you have signs of thyroid toxicity, such as chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, feeling hot or nervous, or sweating more than usual.

Before taking this medicine

Since thyroid hormone occurs naturally in the body, almost anyone can take desiccated thyroid. However, you may not be able to use this medication if you have a thyroid disorder called thyrotoxicosis, or an adrenal gland problem that is not controlled by treatment.

To make sure desiccated thyroid is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease, angina (chest pain);

• coronary artery disease;

• congestive heart failure;

• any type of diabetes; or

• problems with your adrenal gland.

Desiccated thyroid is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby, but your dose needs may be different during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking this medicine.

Small amounts of desiccated thyroid can pass into breast milk, but this is not expected to harm a nursing baby. However, do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take desiccated thyroid?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use Westhroid in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

While using desiccated thyroid, you may need frequent blood tests.

Keep using this medicine as directed, even if you feel well. You may need to take thyroid medication for the rest of your life.

Call your doctor if you notice any signs of thyroid toxicity, such as chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, feeling hot or nervous, or sweating more than usual.

If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using desiccated thyroid. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking desiccated thyroid?

If you also take cholestyramine (Prevalite, Questran) or colestipol (Colestid), avoid taking these medications within 4 hours before or after you take desiccated thyroid.

Avoid taking an antacid within 4 hours before or after you take desiccated thyroid. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb desiccated thyroid.

Desiccated thyroid side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects may include temporary hair loss (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect desiccated thyroid?

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with desiccated thyroid, especially:

• birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;

• insulin or diabetes medication you take by mouth;

• medications that contain iodine (such as I-131);

• salicylates such as aspirin, Nuprin Backache Caplet, Kaopectate, KneeRelief, Pamprin Cramp Formula, Pepto-Bismol, Tricosal, Trilisate; or

• steroids such as prednisone and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with desiccated thyroid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Popular FAQ

More FAQ

• Should you take your thyroid medication at night?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.07.

Wilate

Generic name: antihemophilic and von Willebrand factor complex [ AN-tye-HEE-moe-FIL-ik-and-von-WIL-e-brand-FAK-tor-KOM-plex ]
Brand names: Alphanate, Humate-P, Wilate
Drug class: Miscellaneous coagulation modifiers

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 20, 2023.

What is Wilate?

Wilate is an injection containing antihemophilic and von Willebrand factors. Antihemophilic and von Willebrand factors are naturally occurring proteins in the blood that help the blood to clot.

A lack of antihemophilic factor VIII is the cause of hemophilia A. A lack of von Willebrand factor is the cause of von Willebrand disease. This medicine works by temporarily raising levels of factor VIII or von Willebrand factor in the blood to aid in clotting.

Wilate is used to treat bleeding episodes in people with von Willebrand disease.

Warnings

You should not use Wilate if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor in the past.

Carefully follow all instructions about how to store this medicine. Each brand of antihemophilic and von Willebrand factor complex may have specific storage instructions.

Before using this medicine

You should not use Wilate if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to antihemophilic factor.

To make sure you can safely use this medication, tell your doctor if you have ever had a stroke or a blood clot.

Your doctor may want you to receive a hepatitis vaccination before you start using Wilate.

It is not known whether Wilate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether antihemophilic and von Willebrand factor complex passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Wilate is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

How should I use Wilate?

Use Wilate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Always check the strength of the medicine on the label to be sure you are using the correct potency.

Wilate is injected into a vein through an IV. You may be shown how to use an IV at home. Do not give yourself this medicine if you do not understand how to use the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Always wash your hands before preparing and giving your injection.

Wilate is a powder medicine that must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine.

After mixing the medicine with a diluent, store at room temperature and use it within 3 hours. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Do not use Wilate if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

While using this medicine, you may need frequent blood tests.

• Store Wilate for up to 36 months at +2°C to +8°C (36°F to 46°F) protected from light from the date of manufacture. Within this period, Wilate may be stored for a period of up to 6 months at room temperature (maximum of +25°C or 77°F). The starting date of room temperature storage should be clearly recorded on the product carton. Once stored at room temperature, the product must not be returned to the refrigerator. The shelf-life then expires after the storage at room temperature, or the expiration date on the product vial, whichever is earliest. Do not freeze.

• Do not use after the expiration date.

• Store Wilate in the original container to protect from light.

• Reconstituted the Wilate powder only directly before injection. Use the solution immediately after reconstitution. Use the reconstituted solution on one occasion only, and discard any remaining solution.

If stored in a refrigerator, take the vials out of the refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature before preparing your dose.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you have hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Wilate is used only when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are on a schedule, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Wilate?

Follow your doctor''s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Wilate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Wilate: hives; chest tightness, wheezing, difficult breathing; feeling like you might pass out; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• hot flashes when the injection is given;

• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• sudden cough, coughing up blood;

• pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one or both legs;

• pale or yellowed skin, dark colored urine, fever, confusion or weakness;

• bleeding from a wound or where the medicine was injected; or

• bleeding that is not controlled.

Common Wilate side effects may include:

• nosebleeds;

• rash or itching;

• numbness or tingling;

• headache, dizziness; or

• back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Wilate?

Other drugs may interact with this medicine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Wilate only for the indication prescribed.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.