methimazole Health Article

Generic name(s):

methimazole

Brand name(s):

Tapazole

What is the most important information I should know about methimazole?

Do not take methimazole if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Methimazole can increase your risk of bleeding. If you need to have surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Methimazole can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with methimazole, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you. Keep using this medication even if you feel fine or have no symptoms of hyperthyroidism. You may need to keep taking methimazole long term to control your condition. Stopping the medication could cause your symptoms to return.

What is methimazole?

Methimazole prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone.

Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.

Methimazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking methimazole?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to methimazole.

Before taking methimazole, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• a blood cell disorder; or

• a weak immune system.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use methimazole, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not use methimazole without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Methimazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use methimazole if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take methimazole?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take methimazole with a full glass of water.

Methimazole can be taken with or without food, but you should take it the same way each time.

Methimazole can increase your risk of bleeding. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Methimazole can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

It is important to use methimazole regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Keep using this medication even if you feel fine or have no symptoms of hyperthyroidism. You may need to keep taking methimazole long term to control your condition. Stopping the medication could cause your symptoms to return. Store methimazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.