How does it work?

Carbimazole is a medicine that is used to decrease the amount of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Iodine is a chemical used by the thyroid gland in the formation of thyroid hormones. Iodine must be converted in the body to a useable form before it may be combined with other components to form thyroid hormones. Carbimazole acts to prevent the conversion of iodine to its useable form. Carbimazole also acts to block the combination of converted iodine with other components to form thyroid hormones. This results in a decreased production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, carbimazole is useful in the treatment of conditions where excessive amounts of thyroid hormones are being produced by the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). As carbimazole can only decrease the production of thyroid hormones after it is taken, it cannot immediately decrease the blood levels of previously produced thyroid hormones. Previously produced thyroid hormones must be used up by the body before the thyroid hormone blood levels may begin to decrease. This can take three to four weeks.

What is it used for?

Hyperthyroidism

Preparation for thyroidectomy in hyperthyroidism

Preparation for, or used with, radio-iodine therapy

Warning!

Carbimazole should be stopped temporarily at the time that radio-iodine is to be administered.

Regular blood tests should be conducted. Notify your doctor immediately if any signs of fever, mouth ulcers or sore throat develop.

Use with caution in

Decreased blood cell production by the bone marrow

Fever (pyrexia)

Liver disease

Mouth ulcers

Sore throats

Not to be used in

Previous allergic reaction to the medicine

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended when taking this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Itching (pruritus)

Nausea

Blood disorders

Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain

Pain in the muscles (myalgia)

Joint pain (arthralgia)

Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Hair loss (alopecia)

Decreased production of blood cells by the bone marrow (bone marrow suppression)

Skin rashes

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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