Five members of Congress are urging the FDA not to restrict Desiccated Thyroid Extract (DTE), warning that millions of patients who don’t respond to synthetic thyroid drugs could lose access to the only treatment that works for them. They’re demanding clarity and protection for continued patient access to this century-old, life-stabilizing therapy.
Dear Friends-As
a board-certified endocrinologist and dedicated healthcare provider, I
am outraged at the FDA’s
recent action against desiccated thyroid extracts (DTEs), a treatment
that has been indispensable for over 1.5 million hypothyroid patients
across the country.
I deeply appreciate the lawmakers who recently signed
a letter urging
the FDA to protect patient access to DTEs. Now, I call on the FDA to
act responsibly and preserve this vital therapy option.
As the medical director at the Metabolic Center for Wellness, I know
the importance of DTEs. For over a century, some patients respond better
to DTEs than other options.
Relief
from hypothyroid symptoms is transformative. Removing or restricting
access to DTEs would
cause unnecessary suffering for millions. I urge you to join me in
thanking the lawmakers who are defending patient choice, and in
demanding that the FDA protect access to this vital medication. For the patients who depend on DTEs, this is not merely a
treatment option, it is a key to endocrine care and wellness.
I appreciate your bringing attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Angela Mazza, DO, ECNU and Medical Director at the Metabolic Center for Wellness
Office: (407)542-0661
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The Issue
In my clinical practice, I have witnessed how
desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), or "natural" thyroid hormone replacement, can be life-changing for individuals struggling with thyroid issues. Many of my patients, who do not achieve adequate symptom control with levothyroxine alone, report significant improvements in their quality of life when switched to DTE. The availability of natural thyroid hormone replacement is not just a matter of personal choice; it's a necessity for many who need an alternative to synthetic options.
Research has shown that thyroid hormone replacement isn't one-size-fits-all. While levothyroxine works for some, there are thousands of individuals who experience persistent symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and depression despite being compliant with their prescribed synthetic treatments. DTE offers a more comprehensive profile of thyroid hormones, providing T4 and T3, mirroring what a healthy human thyroid naturally produces.
According to the American Thyroid Association's reports, the incidence of hypothyroidism affects nearly 5% of the US population, which translates to millions who could potentially benefit from alternative treatments like DTE. Despite these numbers and numerous patient testimonies, the FDA has been under increasing pressure to restrict access to natural thyroid options. This would severely limit therapeutic avenues for patients who have seen no improvement with standard therapies.
The decision to limit access to DTE could lead to unnecessary suffering for countless individuals whose only hope for relief may lie in alternatives like this. Ensuring these options remain available aligns with the ethical responsibility of patient-centered care.
We urge the FDA to recognize the importance of empowering patients and clinicians with diverse treatment options. The voices of those who have found relief through DTE must not be ignored, and their treatment choices should not be taken away.
Join us in advocating for the continued availability of desiccated thyroid extract as an indispensable option for thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Sign this petition today to help us protect the rights of patients seeking comprehensive care and ensure they continue to have access to all necessary medications. No need to donate!
Just your show of support is all we need:) Sign the Petition
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