Armour Thyroid is a medication used to address thyroid hormone deficiencies. Understanding its manufacturing location is a common inquiry for patients seeking transparency and quality assurance.
Current Manufacturing Details
Armour Thyroid is presently manufactured by AbbVie, a global pharmaceutical company. This ownership resulted from AbbVie acquiring Allergan in 2019, which had previously taken over Forest Laboratories, the original manufacturer. This places Armour Thyroid under AbbVie’s umbrella.
AbbVie operates manufacturing sites globally, including facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. While specific production locations for Armour Thyroid are not always disclosed, AbbVie’s operations include sites in Illinois, Ireland, Germany, and Puerto Rico. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Armour Thyroid, derived from porcine thyroid glands, is procured from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-inspected slaughterhouses. The manufacturing process for this API is proprietary.
Regulatory Oversight and Quality Control
Pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly for prescription medications like Armour Thyroid, is subject to stringent oversight by regulatory bodies to ensure product quality, safety, and consistency. In the United States, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes comprehensive guidelines and regulations for the pharmaceutical industry. These regulations ensure drugs are safe, effective, and of high quality.
A cornerstone of this regulatory framework is the enforcement of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). These cGMP regulations outline minimum requirements for the methods, facilities, and controls used in the manufacturing, processing, and packing of drug products. Adherence to cGMP assures the identity, strength, quality, and purity of drug products by requiring manufacturers to adequately control their operations. This robust system of controls helps prevent contamination, mix-ups, and other deviations, thereby maintaining consistent quality standards for medications, regardless of the specific production site.
Identifying Your Medication
Patients can take steps to verify the authenticity and origin of their specific Armour Thyroid medication. The manufacturer’s information, currently AbbVie, is typically printed on the medication’s packaging. This packaging also includes lot numbers and expiration dates, which are important identifiers for tracking the product.
If there are any concerns about the medication’s origin, appearance, or quality, it is advisable to consult with a pharmacist or healthcare provider. These professionals can offer guidance and help confirm that the medication received is legitimate. They can also address any questions regarding the product’s characteristics or any potential changes in its appearance or packaging.