I am overactive on carbimazola how long can you take the drug have had it for 2 years? I take 7.5mg and 5mgs on alternate days TSH 0.09 low

[corena7]

[shaws Administrator]

This is an extract from an article in Pulse online by Dr Toft of the BTA:-

5 Patients with hyperthyroidism often ask for advice on drug treatment versus radioiodine therapy. Can you summarise the pros and cons of each?

The three treatments for hyperthyroidism of Graves’ disease – antithyroid drugs, iodine-131 and surgery – are effective but none is perfect.

Iodine-131 will almost certainly cause hypothyroidism, usually within the first year of treatment, as will surgery, given the move towards total rather than subtotal thyroidectomy.

There is no consensus among endocrinologists about the correct dose of thyroid hormone replacement so patients may prefer to opt for long-term treatment with carbimazole. Standard practice is that carbimazole is given for 18 months in those destined to have just one episode of hyperthyroidism lasting a few months.

But there’s no reason why carbimazole shouldn’t be used for many years in those who do relapse. Any adverse effects such as urticarial rash or agranulocytosis will have occurred within a few weeks of starting the first course.

Iodine-131 treatment for toxic multinodular goitre is the most appropriate choice as hypothyroidism is uncommon. Surgery would be reserved for those with very large goitres and mediastinal compression.

Once hyperthyroidism has developed in a patient with a multinodular goitre, it will not remit and any antithyroid therapy would have to be lifelong.

[corena7]

thank you for the information

[glo42]

Hello Corena7

I was diagnosed overactive thyroid condition in April 2011 and was prescribed 10mg carbimazole daily initially but had painful muscle cramps and so dose was dropped to 5mg Carbimazole daily without further problems.

In April 2013 the tablets were stopped and I have had blood tested May,July and September and so far am not taking any medication but going through a "wait and see" period with ongoing monitoring of blood checks.

I have been told by the Endo Consultant that Carbimazole is taken for 2 years only and then RAI or surgery is the next option (neither of which I am happy to accept). At present I am feeling quite well and feel satisfied that I am being checked regularly with two monthly blood tests. I hope you will get the help and advice that you need now.

I have learned to listen to my body, some days are better than others. Take it easy and be kind to yourself. xx

[Nathalie70]

My endo just stopped Carbi for me after 12 months as I was going hypo with only 2.5mg per day. Now I have to wait and see. I have a blood test scheduled in 4 weeks. I was diagnosed in September of last year, went hypo in November with only 15mg and was put on 5mg mid-December as my TSH was already at 1.1. Everybody is different. The treatment is usually 12 to 18 months.

[WILSON12]

I went to hospital for check yesterday (i am hyper) on 5mg Carbimzole daily.Was told some blood tests were not bad

but others not too good Keeping me on 5 mg and told me it should only take a year for me to be back to normal with

3 monthly blood tests and check ups so fingers crossed .only thing is was told I may have to have gall bladder out

as i have a large amount of gall stones never knew I had them if its not one thing its another .I must admit I feel quite

well at the moment only get bouts of insomnia but I can live with that .look after yourself .

[corena7 in reply to WILSON12]

Thank you Wilson for the info I had asked my Doctor at the hospital if I would ever go back to normal without medication his answer was No. I do not have any sign of a Goitre but my TSH levels were 0.09 which he said was rather low but could not lower my meds. Wish you well with the Gall Stones.

[WILSON12]

Not worried about gall stones at the moment I am off to Gran Canaria on 5th October for some sun sea and Sangria

ha ha got an appointment to see surgeon on 18th October so will worry about it then .I dont have a Goitre but I have Graves and quite confident about the specialists opinion that I will be normal again in another year .Take care and

think positive .

[duster]

Hi Corena

I have been on carbimozole 20mg for the last three years. My endo has explained my choices and I decided to keep on the carb and no problems.

Take care and I hope you feel better soon.

[corena7]

Thank you Duster I also have been given choice and now I have decided to still stay on the Carb.