Does Carbimazole suppress the immune system?

[Crabb]

I know that a low white blood cell count is a dangerous, yet relatively rare side effect of Carbimazole. However, does Carbimazole suppress the immune system in general?

The reason I ask, is that I'm due to come off it and trying to weigh up the risks. Stopping Carbimazol, but not going into remission and needing the NHS at a time when it will seriously overstretched versus staying on it until the Coronavirus is under control, but with a potentially compromised immune system (from the Carbimazole).

Any thoughts?

[Coconutty]

Don’t even think about stopping unless your antibodies are in remission. If they are in remission, and you and your doctor decide to stop, my advice would be taper very slowly, don’t just stop. Don’t stop just because you’ve reached some arbitrary timescale (usually set at 18 months). It’s all about antibodies! I still take 5mg twice a week even though I’m in antibody remission, because I have a history of relapse. Also I’m near menopause age and my Endo says this can really mess you up again so prudent to stay covered until well through menopause (his words not mine). He did mention trying LDN if I don’t want to stay on it. You have to do what’s right for your personal situation. I’m not rocking any boats right now. Just taking my meds and gob-fulls of vitamins. Don’t make decisions about your thyroid health based on anything other than your thyroid health.

[Crabb in reply to Coconutty]

Hi Coconutty

Thanks for your reply. My TSH, FreeT4 and T3 have all been in range for many months, which is what my Endo was basing this decision on, but you are absolutely right, I really need to know that my antibodies are in remission and these haven't been checked since December 2018!

Will request an antibody test before I even begin to make any decisions about next steps.

When you say near menopause age, I'm wondering how near? I'm 45, should this be a consideration for me too?

Best wishes

Crabb

[Coconutty in reply to Crabb]

Well I’m 49 and definitely in perimenopause. It’s a consideration for me because I’ve been struggling anyway with this, shorter heavier cycles, menstrual migraines every single month etc. I’m on body identical progesterone because my oestrogen is very high through my cycle, unopposed oestrogen is not good. Still tinkering with dose etc.

[Coconutty in reply to Coconutty]

I should add I’ve relapsed twice, but this might not happen to you. We’re all different 😊

[Crabb in reply to Coconutty]

Update: My Endo has now suggested that I continue with my current dose of Carbimazole (2.5mg per day) until we're through the worst of the Coronavirus. It's a sufficiently low dose for it not to suppress my immune system and I can attempt remission at a time when the NHS isn't so overstretched. When things calm down I will ask to get my antibodies checked before attempting remission, if that doesn't work I might pursue LDN. Stay safe!