Infection

[Turquoise52]

So the doctors have said I need to stop taking carbimazole and get immediate blood test if I get sore throat etc? Has anyone experienced this and what was the outcome? I teach reception so there’s no chance of avoiding infection and so I’m a little concerned?

[pennyannie]

Hello Turquoise :

That information is correct, and it should also be detailed on the Patient Information Leaflet inside the box of Carbimazole.

I was advised to go straight to A & E if I developed a sore throat.

How long have you bee on the medication ?

It's a reaction to this particular medication and you will be swopped to a different anti thyroid drug - PTU - Propylthiouracil.

[Turquoise52 in reply to pennyannie]

I’ve been taking it for ten days. I don’t have a sore throat now but my worry is that we pick up all sorts of things at school.Is it that the medication sometimes causes sore throats then?

Or could an infection picked up at school be dangerous?

[pennyannie in reply to Turquoise52]

Do you have the PIL and can read further about the side effects of Carbimazole ?

The sore throat symptoms we are talking about are a relatively rare side effect which, in some people, can reduce their blood cell count which is why you need immediate care from A & E with a blood test.

It is different from the " usual " colds and coughs going around at this time in year.

[NIKEGIRL]

I had a sore throat on Carbimazole. Flu like and cold symptoms is what to look out for. Not just a sore throat.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

Any of these signs means you need a full blood count blood test.

* Any infection such as a sore throat or mouth ulcers of think you may have an infection

* Fever

* Unusual bruising or bleeding

* Feeling unusually tired

The blood count which will show if your white cells are low. This is the main concern, that carbimazole can cause a drop in white cells, There are several different types of white cell.

I’ve not had low white cells

This is my experience:

I had gone to practice on another matter when the nurse had a mini freak out at a swollen tonsil. I get a lot of stones so I hadn’t thought much about it. “But your on carbimazole aren’t you? Then you need a blood test today.”

In my case almost every result was elevated and they wanted to repeat the test.

2nd set results similar so GP consulted a haematologist who suggested it was probably “thyroid related” but didn’t explain how and wasn’t worried.

The GP was asked to do an iron panel but system “didn’t allow” so was never done, so I got a 3rd FBC which were again above range. Plan = repeat test.

I asked if having no interpretation or plan to investigate in any other way what’s the benefit of having 4th test, other than hopefully getting the right result? He didn’t have an answer except it was best thing to do.

So when I wasn’t called back I didn’t chase up. If I was unwell I’d have been banging on door.

Perhaps not the best action on my part.

Others have said some medics seem unaware of this risk and procedure. Take patient leaflet with you or you can print off warning cards. The BTF British thyroid foundation have them.

I have heard of others being made to feel a time waster & told it’s only a risk in first few months but this is not accurate. The risk remains the same while you remain on the medication. Which is low eg under 1%.