Carbimazole is the usual first line medication to control overactivity of the thyroid gland in patients with hyperthyroidism; in some patients propythiouracil (PTU) is used particularly if carbimazole has caused side effects or you are pregnant. They are effective in reducing the production of thyroid hormones in the majority of patients with hyperthyroidism and side effects of these drugs are rare. If you have Graves' disease you will normally be offered treatment for between 6 months and 2 years in the first instance, this results in long-term remission in about one third to one half of patients once the drug is stopped.
Both drugs have common side effects of rash and joint pains, but more rarely (less than 1 in 500 patients) a serious reduction in the circulating white blood cells (agranulocytosis) occurs during treatment and/or a reduction in the blood platelets (needed to form clots).
The earliest sign that the drugs may be affecting the white blood cells is a sore throat, mouth ulcers, excessive bruising, fever or a rash – if these occur then you must stop taking your carbimazole or PTU immediately. You may need to attend your surgery, your doctor's office or hospital emergency department to arrange a blood test, usually the next working day stating the drug you are taking. If the white cells and platelets are fine then you should continue taking your carbimazole or PTU.
Sore throats, mouth ulcers and rashes are common and it is more likely that if you get these it is not due to the carbimazole or PTU. However the only safe thing to do is stop the medication temporarily and wait for the result of your blood test.
Very rarely, serious liver injury has been reported in patients, including children, taking PTU, especially during the first six months of taking the drug. Your doctor should monitor you for symptoms and discontinue the PTU if liver injury is suspected or found. If you develop loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, notice any yellowing of the eyes or skin or dark urine or develop itchy skin you should see your doctor immediately.
Carbimazole is not suitable in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and it is not recommended in women who might get pregnant and/or are planning pregnancy – we would normally switch to PTU in these circumstances.
If you are ever in any doubt contact your doctor and/or the doctor who has started the treatment.