Description
What is Methimez® Antithyroid Methimazole USP?
The main benefit of Methimazole 5mg/10mg (Tapazole generic) is that it can be taken one, two, or three times a day (depending on your dosage). Pills are available in 5 or 10 milligrams. It also has fewer side effects and often reverses hyperthyroidism quickly. Methimazole is more concentrated than PTU. According to the American Thyroid Association clinical guidelines, the daily dosage varies from 10 to 40 milligrams, depending on the seriousness of your condition and your age. Again, this information is general, as dosing varies from patient to patient. Always follow your doctor’s specific dosing instructions.
Methimazole prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). It is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. Methimazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Side Effects of Antithyroid Medication Methimazole
Adverse reactions to antithyroid medications are uncommon (affecting only 1-3% of patients), but they do occur. These side effects include rash, itching, abnormal hair loss, and fever. Less common side effects include nausea, swelling, heartburn, muscle and joint aches, numbness, and headache.
In very rare instances, the drug can cause liver damage. In the most severe cases, this can result in death. Regular follow-up visits with your doctor will greatly reduce the risk of this severe complication.
Nate –
I’ve been on mar-methimazole for about 2 months, taking only 5mg a day. Recently I have been getting low leg muscle pain and numbness of my toes on and off. Is this normal or had anyone else been getting this?
Shane –
I went to the endo and he told me to do RAI because if tapazole gave me rash other med prob will do the same. So feb 2 I’ll take iodine and the 3rd scan to see how much iodine my thyroid absorbed. So the 4th feb will take the RAI. My endo said will take a small amount that he doesnt need to get rid of the entire thyroid just enough to keep normal levels and that probably I won’t need synthroid. I think this is for the best. I stopped tapazole January 15th because of the rash on one arm but my legs were itchy too. The sensation of itchiness on my legs finally stopped but my left arm starting itching too. I scratched a bit so now I have bit of rash too. The first 4 months of tapazole were ok but after that…dizziness, stomach pain, and rash started. They lower the thyroid levels fine but side effects are too much
Jeff –
hi this is an update of my hyperthyroidism. I’m at the beginning of month 6. I’m taking 10 mg a day now but I started with 30 mg. With my treatment my side effects started at month 4 with been dizzy all day and feeling like gastro..started having a lot of gas and my stomach make weird noises. I did all the tests twice he said I saw all your results and all is good then you have to wait until we finish the treatment it may be the meds. Finally, the nausea is gone but still feel my stomach weird sometimes and also some tingling. Also few days ago I got some red bumps allergy in my right arm but very mild but is almost going away. About the weight gain I got 20 pounds but I started to getting back to normal once they lower the meds. no more water retention. Just to finish I ask you to put the time when your side effects started. So thats why put the time frame so we can all compare. Cheers
Martina D –
I’ve been on Tapazole Methimez for several weeks now. I’ve seen many negative experiences online, and wanted to share my early positive experience. I am currently on a low dose, and within the first 3 weeks my hyperthyroidism has responded very well – levels were extremely high before and have come down to the upper end of the normal range. TSH is still low, but I’m told that takes longer to respond to treatment. The first few days on Tapazole were challenging, but manageable: headaches, tiredness, overall feeling blah. I experienced some swelling from water retention, as well as itchy skin. A couple of weeks in and most drug side effects have disappeared, and a lot of hyperthyroid symptoms have improved too. My heart is still racing, but overall I’m happy I tried this drug.