Scared to take ptu

[jason0224]

I am 19 and have had high thyroid levels for a while now, I finally got prescribed ptu but after reading the possible liver damage, I am very concerned. Should I ask for tapazole instead?

[Clutter]

Jason0224,

You could ask your physician why you've been prescribed PTU instead of Tapazole.

PTU is a second choice anti-thyroid drug because it does sometimes raise liver enzymes. It is a safe drug though because pregnant hyperthyroid women are switched from drugs like Tapazole to PTU which doesn't cross the placenta barrier.

People who are unable to tolerate Tapazole will be switched to PTU.

[jason0224 in reply to Clutter]

Tapazole is safer when it comes to the liver though correct?

[Clutter in reply to jason0224]

Jason0224,

It's less likely to raise liver enzymes, true, but it isn't a given that PTU will raise them either.

[jason0224 in reply to Clutter]

Have you taken any of these medications?

[Clutter in reply to jason0224]

Jason0224,

No, I was never hyperthyroid. Carbimazole is the anti-thyroid drug prescribed in the UK and PTU is prescribed to patients who can't tolerate Carbimazole or are pregnant.

[marram in reply to jason0224]

I have had Carbimazole and PTU. I assume tapazole is a modern version of Carb. Unfortunately I had problems with Carb so was put on PTU which did not cause problems, it controlled the overactivity but as soon as they stopped it, it came back. Some people will find this, others go into remission when they are treated. But one thing I do know. If you ever, ever had an overactive thyroid go out of control and into .Thyroid Storm, you would take anything they give you to control it.

Bear in mind that it will be carefully monitored all the time you are on the medication, I would say, take it and see how it goes, because it is better than having an overactive thyroid. An overactive thyroid, if not controlled, can cause short terms and long term damage, and can even kill you.

I was diagnosed at 13, so I know how it feels to be a young person with this cruel condition. If there is a chance to control it, I would recommend taking that chance. Life with an overactive thyroid is not a happy life, is it?

The final decision is yours, but I have given you the best advice I can.

Marie xxx

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to marram]

As I understand, carbimazole is converted very quickly into methimazole once absorbed. And Tapazole is just a brand name for methimazole.

I have no idea why many countries (USA, for example) choose methimazole whereas others (UK, Australia) choose carbimazole. Because carbimazole converts into methimazole, there seems little phramacological reason. Perhaps historical and/or commercial are behind the split?

[Qwerty12345]

I was on ptu for around a year and have been in remission from graves since. I didn't have any problems whilst on it. I understand your concerns though as I felt apprehensive too but I soon relaxed once I'd been on it a wee while. Yr liver will be monitored regularly with blood tests.

[jason0224]

My doctor agreed to switch me to methimazole. After doing research the risk of liver problems is much higher with ptu and the fda added a boxed warning to it.