Carbimazol [Inn-Spanish, French]

• Antithyroid Agents
• ATC:H03BB01

• Athyromazole
• Atirozidina
• Basolest
• CG1
• Carbethoxymethimazole
• Carbimazol
• Carbimazol Spofa
• Carbimazol [Inn-Spanish, French]
• Carbimazole [Ban:Dcf:Inn]
• Carbimazolum [Inn-Latin]
• Carbinazole
• Carbotiroid
• Mertiran
• Neo-Mercazole
• Neo-Thyreostat
• Neo-Tireol
• Neomercazole
• Tyrazol

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antithyroid drugs.

An overactive thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone which causes a condition known as hyperthyroidism.

This can lead to symptoms such as fast or irregular heartbeat, sweating, mood swings, shaking, weight change, weakness, tiredness, intolerance of hot temperatures, worry, menstrual problems. Carbimazole is given as a medicine to correct this hormone imbalance. It may also be used together with other treatments for hyperthyroidism.

Carbimazole is also used in the preparation of patients for thyroidectomy (part or total removal of the thyroid gland) and before radioiodine treatment.

Carbimazole is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Neo-Mercazole. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Carbimazole

Before taking carbimazole make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer with liver problems
• if you suffer from bone marrow depression
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Carbimazole

• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the printed information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• Try to take this medicine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due, take both doses together.
• At the start of treatment with carbimazole, the total daily dose may be taken in two or three divided doses. When your dose has been reduced to its final level, the tablets can be taken as a single daily dose.
• In order to maintain control of the thyroid gland, you may need to take carbimazole tablets for several months. Your doctor will decide when treatment can be stopped. He may ask you to have occasional blood tests to check how you are responding to treatment.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of carbimazole contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside carbimazole.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking carbimazole.
• You must keep your regular appointment with your doctor, as they might need to adjust the dose of carbimazole you are taking and to keep a check on your condition.

Can Carbimazole cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Feeling sick, headache, upset tummy, skin rash, itching, joint pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) and occasionally muscle pain, hair loss.

IMPORTANT: Contact your doctor immediately if you develop an infection, a sore throat, mouth ulcers, a high temperature, unusual bruising or bleeding, or a general feeling of being unwell.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Carbimazole

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.