Methimazole
Tapazole
Tapazole is an FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland. Doctors also prescribe this medication before surgery and radioactive iodine treatment for treating the overactive thyroid gland. Tapazole is available in the market in the form of oral tablets with different strengths. While it is suitable for adults and children to use, the dosage may vary based on the severity of the medical condition and the body weight. Therefore, always talk to a healthcare provider before starting your treatment with Tapazole. Moreover, Tapazole is a prescription medication, so do not share your tablets with other people, even if they share the same condition.
Product Overview
Tapazole, a widely prescribed medication for treating hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), contains the active ingredient Methimazole. This component restricts the production of thyroid hormones, effectively controlling the symptoms associated with overactive thyroid. Tapazole is an FDA-approved prescription drug, which ensures its safety and efficacy for patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. It is commonly recommended by healthcare professionals for its reliable performance in managing thyroid hormone levels.
Tapazole is available in tablet form, with 5, 10, and 20 mg strengths. The medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, typically thrice daily, depending on your condition. It can be taken with or without food. Tapazole is suitable for adults and children over the age of 6 under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Methimazole, the active ingredient, works by blocking the thyroid gland’s ability to produce excessive thyroid hormones, thereby normalizing thyroid function and alleviating symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Common side effects of Tapazole may include nausea, headache, joint pain, and dizziness. It is crucial to follow your medical provider’s advice to minimize these effects. In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose—do not double up. In the event of an overdose, get medical attention immediately. Patients should inform their healthcare practitioner of any existing health conditions or allergies before starting Tapazole. Tapazole offers a reliable solution for managing hyperthyroidism, ensuring patients can lead healthier lives with controlled thyroid hormone levels.
What Is Tapazole Used For?
Tapazole is used for the following purposes:
- Hyperthyroidism Treatment
- Preparation for Thyroid Surgery
- Preparation for Radioactive Iodine Treatment
What Strengths Does Tapazole Come In?
Tapazole oral tablet is available in the following strengths:
- Tapazole 5 mg tablet
- Tapazole 10 mg tablet
- Tapazole 20 mg tablet
What Is the Typical Dosage of Tapazole?
The dosage recommendations for Tapazole for thyroid depend on several factors, including the type/severity of your medical condition and the dose of medication you take. Generally, medical professionals prescribe a starting dose and gradually adjust the drug doses as needed. It is important to note that the dosage recommendations below are only for the average dose. So, if you have been prescribed a different dose, do not change it without consulting your medical practitioner.
Dosage of Tapazole for Hyperthyroidism
- For Adults: The initial dose is 15 to 60 mg of Tapazole each day, given in three divided doses every eight hours. Then the doctor will prescribe a maintenance dose of 5 to 15 mg each day.
- For Children: Pediatric doses are based on the body weight, so it should be determined by your medical practitioner. The starting dose is 0.4 mg per kg of body weight each day. The doses are divided in three equal parts and given every eight hours. Doctors will then prescribe a maintenance dose of 0.2 mg per kg each day.
[Note: These recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How Should Tapazole Be Taken?
Read the medication guide or PIL (patient information leaflet) thoroughly to know the correct steps of administration. Doing so will prevent any serious complications. If you have any questions, you can contact your doctor. Here’s how you should take your Tapazole for thyroid:
- Follow the prescribed doses exactly as they are mentioned on the prescription label.
- Do not exceed or subceed the doses without consulting your medical practitioner. This will increase the risk of side effects.
- Take the medication orally, with or without food, thrice a day or as your doctor prescribes.
- Children’s dosages are based on their body weight. Therefore, do not take the medication without consulting a medical professional.
- If you are taking more than one dose in a day, take them at regular intervals. If you need expert opinion on when to take the medication, talk to your doctor.
- Take your medication regularly at the same time to get the most benefit from it.
- Swallow the tablets as a whole with a full glass of water.
- If you are unable to swallow the tablets, talk to a medical professional. They will suggest alternate options, suiting your body needs.
- Avoid breaking, crushing, chewing, or splitting the tablets. Doing so may release the drug at once.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Tapazole Work?
Tapazole for thyroid works by reducing the production of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland. Its active ingredient, Methimazole, restricts the thyroid peroxidase enzyme, which is crucial for synthesizing these hormones. By blocking this enzyme, Tapazole effectively decreases thyroid hormone levels in the body, helping to control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, and weight loss. This allows the thyroid gland to gradually return to normal function, providing relief from the overactive thyroid symptoms. Tapazole is prescribed by healthcare professionals to ensure proper management and monitoring of thyroid hormone levels.
What Are the Important Safety Information for Using Tapazole?
What Are the Side Effects of Tapazole?
Common Side Effects of Tapazole: Tapazole for thyroid can cause a variety of side effects, which generally aren’t permanent and usually last from a few days to a few weeks. If you find that these side effects don’t go away or they become more intense over time, it’s important to seek medical help promptly. Here’s a straightforward explanation of the common side effects you might experience while taking Tapazole:
- Mild Skin Rash/Itching: You may notice small, raised bumps on the skin or an itchy feeling.
- Headache: You could experience mild to severe headaches.
- Hives: These are red, itchy, raised areas on the skin that often appear suddenly.
- Skin Pigmentation: Changes in skin color can occur, typically as darkened patches.
- Neuritis (Nerve Inflammation): This can cause pain, weakness, or numbness due to inflamed nerves.
- Drowsiness: You might feel unusually sleepy or lethargic.
- Dizziness: This can include feelings of unsteadiness or like you might faint.
- Stomach Upset: Symptoms might include pain, discomfort, or indigestion.
- Edema: This is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues.
- Lymph Node Diseases: You may notice swelling or tenderness in the lymph nodes.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or actually vomiting can occur.
- Muscle, Joint, or Nerve Pain: You might experience pain in these areas, which can vary in intensity.
- Swelling: General swelling can occur in various parts of the body.
- Hair Loss: You may notice that you’re losing more hair than usual.
- Change in Taste: Foods may taste different, or you may have a metallic taste in your mouth.
- Cough: An ongoing cough that doesn’t seem related to a cold or flu.
- Unusual Sensations: These might include feelings of prickling, burning, tingling, tightness, or pulling.
- Reduced Platelets: This can lead to increased bleeding and bruising more easily than usual.
Serious Side Effects of Tapazole: Tapazole medication for thyroid can sometimes cause serious side effects, some of which may be life-threatening. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get in touch with a healthcare professional right away. Serious side effects of Tapazole that may include:
- Jaundice: This is when your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, indicating potential liver issues.
- Dark Urine: If your urine becomes dark in color, it might suggest liver or kidney problems.
- Persistent Nausea or Vomiting: Ongoing queasiness or vomiting could indicate a serious underlying condition.
- Change in the Amount of Urine: Noticing an increase or decrease in how often you urinate or the amount can be a sign of kidney issues.
- Extreme Stomach or Abdominal Pain: Severe pain in your abdomen should not be ignored as it could indicate serious conditions including liver toxicity.
- Agranulocytosis (Reduced White Blood Cell Counts): This condition makes you more susceptible to infections due to a decreased number of white blood cells.
- Liver Toxicity: Symptoms like jaundice or dark urine can indicate your liver might be damaged.
- Low Thyroid Levels: Symptoms can include feeling unusually weak, tired, colder than usual, constipation, hair loss, weight gain, depression, dry skin, and possibly a sore throat.
- Chills: Feeling unusually cold or shivery can be related to infections due to low white blood cell counts.
- Unusual Bleeding or Bruising: Easy bruising or unexpected bleeding can indicate a problem with your blood cells.
- Skin Eruptions: These can include rashes or eruptions on the skin that are unusual for you.
These side effects are serious and require immediate attention from your healthcare provider to manage and mitigate risks effectively. Always communicate any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor as soon as they appear.
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Using Tapazole for thyroid?
Tapazole medication for thyroid can cause severe side effects in certain patients, or it may not be an ideal treatment option for specific populations due to their medical conditions. So, if you are using this medication, you should remain cautious. Its warnings are as follows:
- Lactose Warning: Tapazole contains lactose monohydrate. Therefore, patients with hereditary problems like galactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or Lapp lactase deficiency should not take this medication. This may result in severe allergic reactions, which can cause life-threatening situations.
- Anticoagulant Therapy: Co-administration of Tapazole (Methimazole) and warfarin drugs may have certain interactions. Methimazole alters thyroid function, which simultaneously impacts the response of anticoagulant medications. So, patients taking these medications should remain under the supervision of a medical professional. Moreover, if you are starting, discontinuing, or adjusting your Tapazole doses, do it under medical assistance, as this shift can cause two serious concerns such as agranulocytosis and liver toxicity.
- Skin Issues: This medication is not recommended for patients with skin problems like exfoliative dermatitis. Using Tapazole in such conditions may cause serious side effects. Talk to an expert practitioner or dermatologist before making any decision.
- Pregnant Women: Such a group of patients who have untreated Graves’ disease should not take this medication. Doing so may increase the risk of complications like maternal heart failure, neonatal hyperthyroidism, preterm birth, and sudden abortion. Methimazole can cross the placental membrane, affecting the unborn baby. So, doctors usually give a sufficient but not excessive dose of Methimazole during pregnancy. In some cases, anti-thyroid therapy can be stopped a few weeks or months before delivery.
What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Tapazole?
Boxed warnings, sometimes referred to as black-boxed warnings, are said to be the most stringent guidelines issued by the FDA. These warnings alert doctors and patients about the harmful effects of a particular drug, which can be life-threatening if overlooked. Tapazole has some boxed warnings, so if you are taking this medication, be mindful of the following warnings:
- Agranulocytosis (Low Blood Cell Count): This condition is among the most serious side effects of Tapazole. Its symptoms may include fever and sore throat. If you are experiencing any of these during your treatment with this medication, talk to your doctor. Moreover, Tapazole may also cause thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, and leukopenia. In such situations, discontinue using this medication, and the doctor should monitor the patient’s bone marrow function.
- Liver Toxicity: Both Methimazole and propylthiouracil can cause severe liver reactions. Although rare, there have been reports of fulminant hepatitis, hepatic necrosis, encephalopathy, and even death. Cholestatic jaundice is also possible. Patients taking these medications should watch for symptoms of liver dysfunction, including jaundice, loss of appetite, itching, or pain in the upper right abdomen. If any of these symptoms occur, they should seek medical assistance and consider stopping this medication.
What Are the Special Precautions of Methimazole?
When considering treatment with Tapazole for thyroid, patients should discuss every risk and benefit with their medical practitioner. Here are some of the precautions that you can take before using this anti-thyroid drug:
- Before taking Tapazole, tell your healthcare provider about your allergies or if you are allergic to any of the product’s ingredients. The product may contain certain inactive components that can cause severe allergic reactions.
- When considering treatment with Tapazole, inform your doctor about your or your family’s medical history, especially of any:
- Blood disorders
- Liver problems
- Pancreatitis
- If you are undergoing any surgery or medical procedure, tell your surgeon or healthcare practitioner about the products you use. This includes all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products.
- It is important to note that Tapazole is not recommended for use in pregnant women during their first three months. Your practitioner may suggest other anti-thyroid medications during that time. However, if you need Methimazole for emergency treatment, your doctor may prescribe the medicine in the last six months of your pregnancy. Therefore, discuss every risk and benefit with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby.
- Methimazole may pass into the breast milk. So, if you are a nursing mother and taking this medication, talk to your doctor, as it may cause adverse effects on the breastfeeding child.
- While rare, Tapazole may temporarily reduce the white blood cell count, increasing the chances of infection. To reduce the chance of infection:
- Avoid contact with people having infections. If you think you have an infection, fever, cough, lower back pain, or chills, visit a medical professional.
- If you observe unusual bleeding, bruising, or blood in urine or stools, consult with your doctor.
- Avoid touching your nose or eyes when you have not washed your hands. This may increase the risk of infections.
- When using sharp objects like razors or cutters, beware of not cutting yourself. Additionally, avoid sports that involve bruising or injury.
- If you are experiencing symptoms including nausea, vomiting, not feeling hungry, pale stools, dark urine, or stomach pain, talk to a medical practitioner, as these may be signs of liver problems.
- Closely monitor your child’s progress at regular intervals to make sure that the medication is working properly & not causing any adverse effects. Your doctor may order blood & urine tests to check for unwanted results.
- Tapazole may result in very low levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. So, if you are noticing a depressed mood, dry skin, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, husky voice, muscle cramps, weight gain, or sudden tiredness, contact a medical professional.
What Should Not Take Tapazole?
It is contraindicated in:
- Patients with hypersensitivity reactions to Tapazole or any of its ingredients.
- Nursing mothers, as the drug can pass into the breast milk.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Tapazole?
Generally, it is advisable not to miss any doses of Tapazole, but if someone forgets, they can:
- Take the tablets as soon as possible or whenever you remember.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, you may omit the missed dose and follow your regular dosing schedule as your doctor instructed.
- Remember not to take double doses of your prescribed medication just for the sake of making up for the missed dose. This may cause adverse side effects.
- Use medication apps or set reminders on your phone to avoid skipping any doses.
- Take each dose at the same time every day to get the most benefit out of it.
- If you are still unsure about the missed doses, talk to an expert physician. They will guide you and suggest alternate options.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much Tapazole Medication?
While patients are educated enough to know the complications of overdose, there are times when they mistakenly take an excessive amount of Tapazole tablets. In such cases, patients are advised not to panic and instead look for unusual signs like:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Edema (swelling)
- Stomach discomfort
If you are experiencing such overdose symptoms, visit the nearest clinic or get medical assistance immediately by calling 911.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How Do You Store Tapazole Tablets?
To keep your medication effective after you buy Tapazole online from Canada, it’s important to store it correctly. Here’s a guide on how to do this correctly:
- Store the medication at a room temperature of 15 to 30°C.
- Keep the tablets in a tightly locked container, away from direct sunlight.
- Store the medicine somewhere safe, away from the reach and sight of children.
- Place safety locks on the container to avoid poisoning the children and pets. There are many products in the market that are not child-resistant.
- Do not flush the medication down the toilet.
- Avoid keeping the medicines in moist or damp areas, like the bathroom or near the sink.
- Do not keep the product under extreme heat.
- Avoid refrigerating the medication.
- Do not use a medication if its expiration date has passed. The expiration date is the last day of the month mentioned on the back of the prescription label or carton.
- You should dispose of the medications in such a way that children and animals cannot consume them, as it may cause accidental overdose and death if someone else consumes them.
- The best way to eliminate unwanted medications is to give them in the medicine take-back program.
- Ask a medical professional or pharmacist how to dispose of the medication properly without damaging the environment.
- Read the product’s label for detailed storage information.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Drugs Interact with Tapazole?
When Tapazole for thyroid is taken with other medications, there can be interactions that might increase side effects or affect how well Tapazole or the other drugs work. This can lead to unwanted reactions, so it’s important to know which drugs could interact with Tapazole. Here are some explanations for how some of these drugs may interact with Tapazole:
- Aminophylline and Theophylline: These medications are similar and can increase the risk of side effects when used with Tapazole.
- Anisindione and Warfarin: These are blood thinners, and using them with Tapazole might increase your risk of bleeding.
- Brentuximab, Clozapine, Daclizumab: These drugs affect the immune system. Tapazole can also impact white blood cell counts, potentially increasing the risk of infection or other immune-related issues when used together.
- Bedaquiline, Clofarabine, Fluphenazine, Isoniazid, Ketoconazole: These drugs have strong effects on liver function, and since Tapazole can also impact the liver, combining them might enhance liver-related side effects.
- Labetalol, Metoprolol, Propranolol: These are beta-blockers used for blood pressure and heart rhythm management. Tapazole can increase the risk of heart-related side effects with these drugs.
- Leflunomide, Teriflunomide, Lomitapide, Mipomersen, Pexidartinib: These medications can be toxic to the liver, and their use with Tapazole, which can also affect liver health, needs careful monitoring.
- Naltrexone, Efavirenz, Deferiprone: These drugs have diverse actions but can interact with Tapazole through liver metabolism pathways, increasing the potential for side effects.
- Oxtriphylline: Similar to theophylline, may also interact with Tapazole in ways that could increase side effect risks.
- Pegaspargase, Prednisolone, Remdesivir, Rifampin: These drugs can influence how Tapazole is processed in the body and could either increase its toxicity or decrease its effectiveness.
- Valoctocogene roxaparvovec: This gene therapy might have its absorption affected or might affect how Tapazole works in the body.
What Are the Other Tapazole Interactions?
Besides interactions with other medications, Tapazole medication for thyroid can also be affected by certain medical conditions which might alter how well the medication works or increase the risk of side effects. If you have any of the following health issues, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider because they might interact with your Tapazole treatment:
- Conditions like aplastic anemia or other forms of anemia can be worsened by Tapazole, as it can further suppress bone marrow function.
- These conditions involve low levels of white blood cells, which are critical for fighting infections. Tapazole can decrease white blood cell counts, increasing the risk of infections.
- If you have lung diseases, you should be cautious with Tapazole, as it might exacerbate respiratory symptoms or complicate the management of lung conditions.
- Tapazole is processed by the kidneys, and impaired kidney function can affect the elimination of the drug, possibly leading to toxicity.
- Since Tapazole can cause liver toxicity, having pre-existing liver issues might increase the risk of severe liver damage.
- Like with breathing problems, Tapazole could affect respiratory function, requiring adjustments in the treatment plan for those with existing lung diseases.
- Tapazole can reduce platelet production, which is crucial for blood clotting. This can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly if platelet levels are already low.
- This condition affects blood clotting, and Tapazole might exacerbate clotting issues, increasing the risk of bleeding.
- This broad term covers various disorders of the blood cells and components, and Tapazole could potentially worsen these conditions.
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Tapazole. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Alternatives for Tapazole?
People usually take alternative drugs for many reasons. In some cases, the prescribed medication may not be an ideal option for them due to their medical conditions. On the other hand, they may not achieve the results they are aiming for. Therefore, you should talk to a medical professional before you start a particular treatment or if you want to change your medication. They may help you decide which medication is best suited for you. Some of the Tapazole alternatives are as follows:
- Propylthiouracil
- Potassium iodide
- ThyroShield
- Sodium iodide-i-131
- Hicon
- I3odine Max
- Propranolol
- Nadolol
- Metoprolol
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Tapazole Cost & Coupons
Tapazole cost is not the same everywhere. The actual price of these tablets depends on several factors, including your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacies you use. Tapazole, with its anti-thyroid qualities, can be expensive for certain patients. Here, insurance coverage plays a significant role. You can buy your medication at affordable rates with an insurance coverage plan. However, not all drugs/medications are covered under the insurance plan. If you are residing in America and searching for affordable pharmacies to manage your medication’s cost, reach out to Polar Bear Meds. Here, you can buy Tapazole online from Canada or the USA at discounted rates. Moreover, first-time buyers can use the Tapazole coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Tapazole do to the body?
Tapazole medication for thyroid works by stopping the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone. It is primarily used to treat hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid is overactive. Additionally, it is used to prepare patients for thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment, helping to manage hormone levels and reduce symptoms before these procedures.
What are the benefits of Tapazole?
Tapazole helps control the production of thyroid hormones in people with hyperthyroidism, effectively managing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and anxiety. It is also beneficial in stabilizing thyroid hormone levels before undergoing thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
What is the most serious side effect of methimazole?
One of the most serious side effects of methimazole, the active ingredient in Tapazole, is low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This condition can be very severe and, if not treated, may lead to death.
Can thyroid be cured permanently with Tapazole?
Tapazole is very effective at managing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism but it does not permanently cure the condition. Some patients might find that their symptoms go into long-term remission, while others may need ongoing treatment or might have to consider other options like radioactive iodine treatment or surgery.
Does Tapazole make my blood thinner?
Tapazole does not thin the blood. Its primary function is to reduce thyroid hormone production in the thyroid gland, helping to manage hyperthyroidism.
Does Tapazole cause weight gain?
Tapazole itself does not directly cause weight gain. However, by normalizing overly high thyroid hormone levels, it might lead to some changes in your weight. Hyperthyroidism usually speeds up the body’s metabolism and it may eventually lead to weight loss.
Can I take Tapazole at night?
Yes, you can take Tapazole at night. It’s important to take your medication at the same time every day, as prescribed by your healthcare provider, to effectively manage your thyroid hormone levels.
Does Tapazole increase cholesterol levels?
Tapazole medication for thyroid does not directly affect cholesterol levels. However, because it normalizes thyroid hormone levels in people with hyperthyroidism, it may indirectly cause cholesterol levels to change.
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