[Bobbi]

#1064971

Your best bet is to get another doctor, and at least get a second opinion. While your doctor is correct that the incidence of liver damage with methimazole is relatively rare, his reason for ignoring your concerns does not sound medically rivetting. It is indeed your body, and whatever treatment you choose is one that you must be able to live with for the rest of your life.

The thing is, that since the occurrence of liver damage with the med is slight, you should consider taking it WHILE you get that second opinion. Being hyperthyroid is a real and present danger to you. Every day you spend hyperthyroid is horrid for your body, and for your long-term health. If you can bring yourself to take the meds while waiting for another doctor, you will be helping your body by starting to control your thyroid hormone levels back towards normal.

I wish you well,

[snelsen]

#1064972

As Bobbi says, remaining in a hyperthyroid state is really tough on our bodies, and dangerous.

The two anti thyroid drugs, Tapazole, (methimazole) and propythiouracel (PTU) are used as they are described-ANTI-thyroid drugs, ie, to decrease the amount of thyroxin which is being produced. Too much thyroxin causes hyperthyroidism. The drugs decrease the ongoing large amount of thyroxin, which is what causes a hyper (too much) thyroid state.
Surgery or RAI cannot be considered until the hyperthyroid state is decreased. When taking either drug, labs, including liver function, should be done, especially in the first six months. This complication is very rare, but it exists. This rare incidence occurs with both drugs, but should not be a reason to not take them. As a matter of fact, there is a new black box warning for PTU, just issued in May by the FDA.** It says that in rare instances, liver damage can occur. This is not new information, and it is a rare occurence. The big message here, is for the doc to do labs, including the liver function labs, when you begin the drug, and while you are on it.

You definitely should be seeing an endocrinologist who deals with thyroid disease. You are NOT too young for thyroid surgery (I was 24 when I had mine) But the first order of your health is to be in the hyperthyroid state as short a time as possible, and that is accomplished by taking the antithyroid drugs.
This is a great site, and I am sure you will hear more from the facilitators, and they can also amend or correct what I have said if needed. Sure glad you found this site, and I wish you the best of luck getting a second opinion. Be sure to find an endocrinologist, when you call, tell them you have your labs, that you are hyperthyroid, that you would like the first available appt.
**http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/ucm209023.htm

[fj122876]

#1064973

thanks for the info, i’ve been trying to find a new doctor all morning but they are either not accepting new patients or they are a good distance away. I wasfinally able to get a consult with my docor tomorrow so we will see how that goes. I guess if all else fails I’ll drive the distance for another doctor. Thanks again, I am so glad I found this website.

[Kimberly]

#1064974

Hello – Also keep in mind that the liver issues generally don’t develop overnight…and if warning signs are spotted early, *most* people will see an improvement upon stopping the drug. There is a blood test called a Complete Metabolic Panel that can be used to monitor potential liver issues. Also, when you get a prescription for the drug, you will get a list of warning signs that indicate you should *stop* taking the drug and consult your doctor. Definitely pay close attention to this info.

Your relationship with your doctor is going to be a long-term one…so you definitely want someone on your team who will treat your questions and concerns with respect.

[fj122876]

#1018454

Hi everyone,
Ihave a question about methizamole, I now there is a potential for liver damage when taking this medicine and this worries me. My grandmother recently passed away due to liver failure caused by medication. Given this family history it makes me very nervous to take the medicine and I feel surgery would be a better solution. My doctor, (who won’t speak to me on the phone, only his nurses) has basically told me to suck it up and take the meds despite the family history. He says liver damage is very rare and thinks I am to young for the surgery. ( i’m 33) At this point I am so frustrated and annoyed with my doctor. I know surgery isn’t a quick fix/instant feel better but I think its better than liver damage. Has anyone had problems with methizamole? Am I crazy to worry or am I right in thinking this is my body and my decision? Any advice would be helpful. (sorry for any typos i have a toddler helping me type ” title=”Smile” /> )

[cynthia]

#1064975

I am on methazole 20 mg a day for 2 weeks it can be hard to take …in refrence to the side effects.. liver damage is big one but can be monitered by labs….. my issue is that it take so long to get to see a endo I am lucky to have a great one she sees me in a day if I am having problems she books a day and then adds on to the end of the day with sicker needer pt. she is great but there is far too few endos arround don’t really understand ????? they are needed!!!!!! I also want surgery I am a lot older than you but even if I was yunger would opt for surgery can always take trhoid not that big of a deal in comparision to living like this!!!!!!! also methazole is the safest drug arround or at least this is what I have been told……. good luck cb

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