Carbimazole and Neutropenia

[PaperclipRedPen]

I have been on Carbimazole 20mgs for 3 months, reduced to 15mgs over last 2 weeks.

I had a sore throat yesterday and went up a&e for blood test to check white blood cell count. As per my Endo's recommendation.

I was made to feel like I was wasting everyone's time. That I shouldn't be there I should have waited to see if I got really sick before going in for a blood test. In fact, the a&e doctor actually said Neutropenia was only a risk when you first start taking the Carbimazole.

Is that true?

Was I never at risk as I have been taking the Carbimazole for 3 months, in spite of my Endo saying I should go to a&e?

Has this happened to anyone else?

What should I do in future?

[PurpleNails Administrator]

They shouldn’t have made you feel that way. You are right to be cautious. It might be more probable to develop neutropenia in the first few months but cases can present years after taking the medication.

It is the main justification behind doctors limiting the length of time patients remain on this medication and encouraging definitive treatments such as radioactive iodine or surgery. Otherwise it would be safe the continue on long term.