Neutropenia caused by Carbimazole

[LauPalm]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Graves and hyperthyroidism back in 2005 and over the years is has been up and down, to the point where it has been settled for the last 4 years and I have not needed carbimazole. My last thyroid test showed it has become over active again and my consultant has put me on 15mg carbimazole until my next test. My concern is that last time I was on carbimazole I ended up having a reaction and became neutopenic. I stopped it straight away and started propylthyoricil. My query is, has anyone had neutropenia from carbimazole previously and then tried again and it be ok? I’m due to see the gp Friday to discuss but have been told I can start the medication now. Any advice appreciated. Thanks

[helvella Administrator]

You have inadvertently posted the same thing twice.

I've switched off replying on your other post so that replies don't get split across two threads - which can be very confusing.

I'll delete the other post when I am sure no-one else is editing/changing posts!

[PurpleNails Administrator]

If you previously had reaction to carbimazole & did better on PTU I would have thought restarting on PTU would have been a better choice.

I have heard that stopping & restarting antithyroid can trigger different (or no) side affects the subsequent time. So it might be that you will have no reaction this time.

Are you being closely monitored? You need full blood count & TSH, FT4 & FT3. Dose will need to be adjusted by FT4 & FT3.