Hives after 3 weeks of taking Carbimazole

[amara6609]

Really painful that I am suffering from hives all over my body including the ears, neck, limbs and torso. My GP recommended to take Carbimazole and I was taking this since 12 Oct. But last Saturday (30 Oct), I am suffering from hives all over my body. It is very uncomfortable and I am having fever since Sunday. I am seeing my GP again tomorrow. Do you guys have the same issue that I am facing? I have been diagnosed by my GP that have hyperthyroidism.

[Anthea55]

You might find this previous post useful. It's one of the 'Related Posts' headed 'Carbimazole, rashes/hives' healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Anthea55]

Very much agree that thread has a lot of information.

[amara6609 in reply to Anthea55]

thanks. I will take a look.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Welcome to the forum

Are you based in U.K. ?

Have you had Graves’ disease confirmed by testing TSI or Trab antibodies

What were your most recent TSH, Ft4 and Ft3 results

Have you had vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 levels tested

[amara6609 in reply to SlowDragon]

Thanks for the reply. I am based in Singapore. Previously, I went to the doctor to consult about my heart palpitation issues. And my gp consulted me to take Carbimazole because of my blood result. Lab report shows I have Free T4 65.2 which is higher than normal range: 12.0 to 22.0. My TSH is 0.01 mIU/L.

I have taken the antihistamine jab yesterday but still my hives are not gone and I am still taking antihistamine medications from the doctor.

[PurpleNails Administrator]

FT4 65.2 (12.0 to 22.0) is a very high result but you do still need FT3 test & very important to test antibodies to confirm cause.

TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) or

Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI)

A positive result in either antibodies is confirmation of Graves’ disease.

Hyperthyroid results can sometimes be transient and your levels could quickly drop being on antithyroid medication will hasten the drop & you could very quickly have under active levels.

If your hives don’t settle and you can’t tolerate carbimazole there is a second option. A chemically different medication called Propylthiouracil, PTU.

How much carbimazole have you been prescribed?

[amara6609 in reply to PurpleNails]

Thanks for the suggestion

I will consult with my GP to have these tested as well.

I have taken carbimazole 5MG 3 tabs for 2 times a day since 12th Oct.

Previously, I wrongly take 3 tabs for 3 times instead of 2 but I switch to correct dosage after 1 week.

[PurpleNails Administrator in reply to amara6609]

3x5mg (15mg) x2 daily or total 30mg is an appropriate dose for FT4 levels as high as yours.

Taking the extra 15mg per day, for first week totalling 45mg per day doesn’t exceed the highest dose and not an issue for 1 week.

You will need a repeat test to see how your levels are responding and likely dose adjusted to keep levels in range, usually around 6 weeks of medication. Had this been scheduled? Make sure the FT4 & FT3 in assessed when adjusting dose and not just TSH. As the TSH takes longer to respond.