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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Stop Taking Carbimazole Until The Next Episode Of Hyperthyroidism?

I have graves disease diagnosed over 3 years ago and have relapsed in January, since then I have been on a decreasing dose of carbimazole 20mg to 10mgs to my present 5mgs daily. Endo on last visit said if Radioactive iodine was not an option I should stay on 5mg carbimazole for life. My thyroid levels two months ago are in normal range but I have gained a lot of weight and bloated abdomen and feel sluggish and tearful all the time. I would like to stop taking carbimazole until the next episode of hyperthyroidism - do you think this advisable?
Wed, 1 Oct 2014
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello there,
Hyperthyroidism by graves is best treated by radioactive iodine. I do not know why it's not an option. The effects of hyperthyroidism put you at risk of heart problems. You can gradually reduce your dose of carbimazole to alternate day 5mg. Then after 6 weeks check TSH and FT4 levels. If things are normal u can try to stop it for 4 weeks and check thyroid functions again. So you need to be gradual and careful in stopping your carbimazole and keep checking regularly.
I would say try to get radioactive iodine ablation if possible.
Take care.
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Is It Safe To Stop Taking Carbimazole Until The Next Episode Of Hyperthyroidism?

Hello there, Hyperthyroidism by graves is best treated by radioactive iodine. I do not know why it s not an option. The effects of hyperthyroidism put you at risk of heart problems. You can gradually reduce your dose of carbimazole to alternate day 5mg. Then after 6 weeks check TSH and FT4 levels. If things are normal u can try to stop it for 4 weeks and check thyroid functions again. So you need to be gradual and careful in stopping your carbimazole and keep checking regularly. I would say try to get radioactive iodine ablation if possible. Take care.