They've updated the leaflet on antithyroid treatment, and it now includes the following:
Can I take CMZ or PTU long term?
In theory there is no reason why not, provided your thyroid gland remains well controlled. It will initially involve regular clinic visits and blood tests every six to 12 months, under the supervision of a specialist, as doses may continue to need to be adjusted. Once you are stable on a low maintenance dose you may be discharged for follow-up by your GP. You will, however, remain at risk of side effects. Many people feel that radioactive iodine is a more straightforward solution.
It is a pity Doctors don't read up about Graves' because most of the Doctors I have seen know nothing about it. When I was in A & E on Monday the Consultant there said he did know of it and then said "Having an x-ray might help your thyroid" which I disagreed with and insisted on a thyroid guard. I have been lucky because I don't have an enlarged thyroid and I haven't suffered with TED so far but I have no idea what will happen in the future.
Agreed. I’m a smoker and have had Graves for 9 months. I finally quit 2 weeks ago when I read that it substantially increasing your risk of TED (which I have) and reduces the impact of the treatment for TED and Graves.
None of my doctors ever told me this. They said I should think about smoking cessation but didn’t definitely say I needed to stop (so I just cut down). I was recently signed off work for a month which has given me the space to do more research.
I only have myself to blame. It has taught me the importance of research and cross checking absolutely everything the endo says. I have also decided to go private for endo treatment.
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Graves' Disease: Can It Be Cured? 
Antithyroid Treatment as Effective as RAI for Graves Relapse and better for TED
Hyperthyroidism (Graves disease)
