Thyroid news

Thyroid New Zealand was recently informed by CompoundLabs NZ of a medicine recall of Nature-Throid tablets (sold as "Whole Thyroid" tablets in New Zealand). This news follows a notice from the American manufacturer of Nature-Throid (RLC Labs, Inc.) about their voluntary recall of unexpired lots of this drug.

The reason for the recall is that testing has found that the tablets may contain less of the active ingredient (the thyroid hormones levothyroxine and liothyronine) than the amount stated on the label. The use of "sub potent" thyroid hormone replacement drugs may lead to hypothyroidism being undertreated and, therefore, symptoms of hypothyroidism not being controlled.

CompoundLabs has sent patient customers in New Zealand a letter advising them to contact their doctor immediately for advice on their treatment and/or a replacement prescription. Patients are also urged not to discontinue use of their medication without further guidance from their doctor.

Currently, no replacement tablets of Nature-Throid / Whole Thyroid are available. However, there are several alternative thyroid hormone replacement drugs available in New Zealand, including Whole Thyroid capsules. For detailed information about the thyroid hormone replacement drugs available in New Zealand, you can visit our Thyroid drugs information page.

Thyroid NZ recommends reading the "Letter to patients" and follow-up email for further information about the action to be taken by patients taking (Whole) Thyroid tablets in New Zealand.

18 September 2020