Congressman Abe Hamadeh Questions FDA About Availability of Popular Thyroid Medications

WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08) reached out to the esteemed Dr. Martin Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, to inquire as to recent FDA actions that may impact the availability of desiccated thyroid medications.

In his letter to Dr. Makary, Congressman Hamadeh wrote on behalf of constituents who rely on these medications and are deeply concerned about potential market restrictions.

“Arizona's 8th Congressional District has a significant veteran and senior population who depend on consistent access to thyroid medications. Many of these patients have found desiccated thyroid medications to be more effective than synthetic alternatives for managing their thyroid conditions. Any disruption to their treatment regimens could have serious health consequences and undermine the doctor-patient relationship,” wrote Congressman Hamadeh.

In his letter, Congressman requested the FDA provide answers to the following questions by September 5, 2025:

1. What specific actions, if any, is the FDA taking regarding desiccated thyroid medications like Armour Thyroid?
2. What evidence supports any potential restrictions on these long-established medications that have been safely used for decades?
3. Has the FDA conducted a comprehensive analysis of how any restrictions would affect patients who rely on these medications?
4. If restrictions are being considered, what steps will the FDA take to ensure patients maintain access to effective thyroid treatment options?

Congressman Hamadeh expressed his concern about the need to “prevent federal agency overreach into medical decisions that should remain between patients and their physicians.”

“I have heard from veterans, mothers, and other individuals in my district, who believe their health will be negatively affected by the elimination of these medications,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “They have all shared their positive experiences with these drugs and their belief that their quality of life could be negatively impacted without them. This is of deep concern to me.”  

“I have confidence that Dr. Makary and his team will give serious consideration to the concerns of these patients, and I look forward to providing his team’s answers to my constituents,” Congressman Hamadeh stated.  “The FDA's primary mission should be ensuring drug safety and efficacy, not unnecessarily restricting access to medications with established track records of safety and effectiveness and I believe the Trump administration is committed to that mission.”

Read Congressman Hamadeh’s letter here.