Tapazole (Methimazole) is used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It is also taken before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy.
Side Effects
Methimazole may cause side effects [1]. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- skin rash
- itching
- abnormal hair loss
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- loss of taste
- abnormal sensations (tingling, prickling, burning, tightness, and pulling)
- swelling
- joint and muscle pain
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- decreased white blood cells
- decreased platelets
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- sore throat
- fever
-
headache
- chills
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- right-sided abdominal pain with decreased appetite
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- skin eruptions
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [].
Long Term Effects
Long-term use of methimazole may lead to a remission of the hyperthyroidism [2].
In the report of "What Tapazole side effects to expect?" by eHealthMe.com [3], the top 10 long term Tapazole side effects are listed as
- Cardiomegaly
- Haemorrhage Subcutaneous
- Cardiac Failure
- Ovarian Neoplasm
- Prothrombin Time Shortened
- Haematocrit Decreased
- Hepatic Neoplasm Malignant
- Drug Interaction Nos
- Breath Odour
- Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke)
You may need to keep taking methimazole long term to control your condition. Stopping the medication could cause your symptoms to return. Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Sources:
[1] Methimazole, U.S. National Library of Medicine
[2] Medications and Drugs, GENERIC NAME: methimazole, BRAND NAME: Tapazole, Northyx, MedicineNet.com
[3] What Tapazole side effects to expect?, eHealthMe.com
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