Carbimazole is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland by reducing the formation of thyroid hormones.
This medicine may also be used to prepare for the surgical removal of the thyroid or in addition to treatment with radioactive iodine.
Take Carbimazole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Carbimazole must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- blood disorders
- history of acute pancreatitis (a condition where the pancreas becomes swollen over a short period of time)
- severe liver disease
as Carbimazole may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- intrathoracic goitre (enlarged thyroid gland wherein most of its mass is situated within the chest)
- mild to moderate liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Carbimazole. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child or the elderly. Children or elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Your doctor will perform a test to confirm that you have an overactive thyroid gland before starting your treatment with Carbimazole.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, thyroid and liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs of infection may also be needed.
Carbimazole may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, stomach discomfort, rash, and hair loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- abdominal pain that radiates to the back, fast or irregular heartbeat
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever or a cough or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other thyroid medicines e.g. thiamazole, propylthiouracil
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin
- theophylline (asthma medicine)
- erythromycin (antibiotic)
- prednisolone (anti-inflammatory medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Carbimazole.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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