Tapazole thyroid medication can bring many symptom-alleviating benefits to patients with hyperthyroidism, but patients should take note of the side effects, as well.
Tapazole, known generically as methimazole, is designed to stop the thyroid from producing an excess of thyroid hormones, which causes the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
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In regulating the thyroid's hormone production, methimazole helps to decrease the presence of signs of the thyroid disease, such as rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, and hair loss. In more serious conditions where a patient develops Graves’ disease, which is characterized by blurred vision or even blindness, or a goiter — a lump on the throat due to the swelling of the thyroid — Tapazole is designed to help.
One of the greatest advantages of Tapazole is that it can be taken one to three times a day depending on the dosage, Endocrine Web reports. It is more concentrated than Propylthiouracil, another anti-thyroid medication, but has fewer side effects and still works quickly,
according to Endocrine Web.
Common side effects of methimazole include dizziness, jaundice, itchiness, nausea, swelling, and joint pain,
says Everyday Health.
More serious side effects include those related to the blood. Tapazole is linked to decreases in the numbers of red and white blood cells as well as platelets. Such lower counts may leave patients more susceptible to illness as the immune defense is weakened,
Drugs.com notes. Specifically, this condition is known as agranulocytosis, where immune cells called granulocytes are attacked. Patients taking Propylthiouracil, however, are two times more likely to develop agranulocytosis than those using Tapazole, Endocrine Web reports.
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Drugs.com recommends patients avoid taking live vaccinations because there is a higher chance for the development of the disease.
Other serious side effects may include arteries and kidneys becoming inflamed, and liver damage can also occur, says Everyday Health.
Everyday Health recommends women who are pregnant or breastfeeding do not use Tapazole. Studies show it may cause birth defects, and it can get into breastmilk.
Patients who experience symptoms of an allergic reaction should contact a medical professional immediately. Serious allergic reactions are rare.
Tapazole does not interact with many medications, but Drugs.com says it can interact with blood thinners, anti-beta blockers, digoxin, and theophylline. People taking these drugs should speak with a physician before treating hyperthyroidism with Tapazole.
All patients should speak to their doctor prior to beginning to take Tapazole to discuss dosage and possible risks.
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