Gastric upset on Carbimazole

[Minky70]

I was just wondering if anyone has experienced bloating and discomfort whilst taking Carbimazole. I have been on it for 4 weeks now and this has just occurred in the last week or so.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Contact GP request full thyroid and vitamin testing

Plus thyroid antibodies

TPO and TG antibodies for Hashimoto’s

(and Graves’ disease)

TSI or Trab antibodies for Graves’ disease

[Lalatoot]

Minky, I found going gluten free sorted out my bloating. I was tested negative for coeliac. However that tests for true allergy and does not show up just an intolerance. I used to have problems if I ate too much bread before I became hyper so maybe the 2 arent linked but it is worth a try.

[pennyannie]

Hello again :

There is an alternative to Carbimazole if the side effects are upsetting you and is called Propylthiouracil PTU for short :

There should be an Patient Information Leaflet in the packet detailing the potential side effects of each of the Anti Thyroid drug options:

Do you now have a TSH, T3 and T4 blood result and range prior to taking the AT drug and can you see any Graves antibodies - written as either a TR ab ( a thyroid receptor blocking ) or a TSI ( a thyroid stimulating ) number or range, and on which your treatment plan is based ?

[Abosede]

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you've had these issues.

I've found taking Carbimazole a bit of a mine field. Some brands - and I get a different brand with every repeat prescription, annoying - work for me and some don't. I am now on an anti-inflammatory diet and like Lalatoot, I have stopped eating gluten as part of this diet. I've also cut out diary and alcohol. Doing this definitely stops my symptoms flaring up. So with the Carbimazole - I'm noting down the brands that work for me and try and request those ones on my repeat prescription. Hope that's helpful. All best,

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to Abosede]

Please consider making Yellow Card reports - if necessary, every single time you have an issue.

It might not help you personally, but the submission of reports does help to get things taken seriously. Eventually.

🟨 Making Yellow Card Reports 🟨

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

[Louisehamblin]

This is my third stint on carbimazole and I’ve put so much weight on. I’m currently on slimming World and feel much better eating healthily. I agree that giving up bread is a good idea. I also can’t tolerate alcohol, salt or chocolate. When I was initially on a high dose my muscle felt really tired all the time. Good luck. My next step is radio iodine - sick of the Graves.

[pennyannie in reply to Louisehamblin]

Please do your research into RAI - it is a toxic substance that is taken up, to a lesser extent by other glands and organs within your body and primary hypothyroidism caused by RAI is said to be more difficult to treat, I could go on, but risk being ' that ' broken record.

I fully understand this auto immune disease can be exhausting to live with and tolerate.

I was fortunate and well on the AT drug but wasn't given any option back in 2005 and deeply regret having had RAI thyroid ablation.

Surgery is a much cleaner and a more precise procedure but fully understand that neither option, ingesting a poison or having your throat slit open - appealing.

For all things Graves Disease - elaine-moore.com

Most current research on RAI - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/306...

Most current research on treatment options - pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/338...

[Sue-A]

Hi Minky70

I would agree with Pennyannie.

I took Carbimazole for very many years and PTU for a while too.

I don't recall having bloating or any other side effects during that time. I do remember it took a while after starting the medication for the carbimazole to have full effect and that the dose was gradually reduced.

I have/had Graves disease which is now thankfully in remission. So I no longer take any anti thyroid drugs. It would helpful for you to know why you are being given this medication there are a number of different causes of an overactive thyroid.

Graves disease is an autoimmune disease and unfortunately if you develop one autoimmune disease you are more likely to develop another, so it is worth following this through with your GP.

It would be also be wise to read the Patient Information Leaflet in the packet as there as some serious side effects with carbimazole that you need to be aware of. Having said that I took it for the best part of 30 years without any side effects.

I hope you start to feel better soon

[Cookingongas4]

Hi Minky

I reacted quite badly with a blistering itchy burning rash. I may have had other symptoms but the rash was the worst. I have since developed gallbladder/gallstone problems so have suffered with my stomach for quite a while. I had an ultrasound and stones were diagnosed. Since altering my diet quite considerably things are aot calmer.

[Purplebrick]

I have been on Carbimazole for over a year and had no problems at all. Now on 5mg a day.

[Pepsi22 in reply to Purplebrick]

I took carbimazole for over 30 years (5mg) and never had any problems. I am now free of the disease (don’t know how) and no longer need it proof there is light at the end of the tunnel.

[pennyannie in reply to Pepsi22]

Given time if diagnosed with Graves it can burn itself out - it's just a question of the degree of inconvenience being suffered and the treatment options offered by the NHS.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/338...

elaine-moore.com

[debbiejayn]

Hi Minky,sorry to reply so late but had to answer as I really relate to your experience with Carbimazole.. I have been taking it for about 3wks.(its my 2nd experience with Carb..I had a relapse) anyway I have developed really relentless lower abdominal pain and bloating..Its stopping me sleeping..Im seeing a Gastro nxt wk as im so worried..However when I read your post it seems similar. to my experience .My GP thinks its a combination of being hyperthyroid and Carbizamole..Hope you are feeling better D.x

[Minky70 in reply to debbiejayn]

Thank you for replying. I have since had an ultrasound and they found a large uterine fibroid. Being 52 and the fact they couldn’t see my ovaries, I have been referred for an urgent hospital appointment for further scans/tests. To say I am sick with worry would be an understatement. I hope you get your tummy upset sorted and it is a simple fix. M xx

[debbiejayn]

Hi Minky..Im so sorry..That must be worrying for you..x..I hope that it turns out ok..I had a hysteroscopy lst yr so I dont think its anything gynae with me, but do worry about possible diseases of digestive system..I was looking online ystrday and found that Gastro doc that works at a local hospital has a cancellation of a Private appointment on Monday..Its going to be expensive but Ive booked it.I cant go on without sleeping.. If it is Hyper/Carbimazole then hope they may change tablets....Really hope things go well for you...Gynae organs are things that we can live without...do take care.D.xx

[Minky70 in reply to debbiejayn]

Thank you 🙂 I know, I have been googling everything as I’m sure you have. I’m sure it will be a reaction to the Carbimazole and they will be able to sort it for you. Some people must have different reactions to others. Best wishes xx

[debbiejayn]

Thankyou.