[Tiffany]

#1019218

Hello

I was wondering if there is any difference between these two drugs? I have had two severe episodes of hypothyroidism. This first time I was put on PTU and this time Carbimazole.
First time around I recovered quite quickly this ime it is taking longer with lots of extreme changes in my levels. Just wondering if I am on the right medication. I also take propanalol.
Any light shed would be appreciated.
Thanks

Tiffany

[Ski]

#1070180

Firstly ~ you are being treated for hyperthyroidism with PTU and carbimazole. I know it seems odd because the TSH is extremely low, but it has an inverse relationship to our actual thyroid hormone.

The two medications differ slightly in the chemical process that lowers thyroid hormone levels ~ I’m not well versed on the precise differences ~ but if you were successfully treated with PTU earlier, I would take some time to ask your doctor why they chose the other medication this time. You should be able to go back to using the one you used before.

[hyperm]

#1070181

Hey,

I have been on both was on carbimazole after diagnoses switched to PTU with pregnancy. Then was back on carbimazole HOWEVER….this time my WBC when into my boots and was very low so I had to switch to PTU. Did you have a problem with WBC?
I gather you are in the UK? Carbimazole is the preferred ATD in the UK so I am wondering why they choose PTU this time. It may be worth finding out. I find that the times I have been on PTU and still at this stage on them I have oedema, otherwise I’m ok.

Ski is right these are meds for hyperthyroidism – levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.

HTH

M xxx

[Tiffany]

#1070182

Oh, of course I’m hyper…….Late at night. Insomnia. Grave’s Disease. Slightly mad. You know how it is…..

Thanks for your replies. I am in Australia. I’m not quite sure what WBC is?

Thanks

Tiffany

[Ski]

#1070183

” title=”Very Happy” /> We do know how it is.

WBC would be a white blood cell count ~ the ATDs can have the side effect of lowering our white blood cell count to dangerous levels, where we could lose the ability to fight infections on our own, and if it happens while you’re taking one of the ATDs, they may switch you to the other. They wouldn’t necessarily both have the same effect on you.

Did they give you any reason for using the other med this time? PTU is preferred during pregnancy, as long as your dose is under a certain threshold ~ were you attempting pregnancy the first time you were treated, and that’s no longer an issue now? PTU has lately been "in the news" because pediatricians are being advised against prescribing it for their Graves’ patients, but no such restriction has yet been made for adults. The issue was a small percentage of kids that went into liver failure after using PTU, and since there are two meds to choose from, the new rule is no PTU for children. Liver enzymes are usually monitored carefully, and as far as I know the issues can be resolved by discontinuing the meds, so it is something manageable with adults. Perhaps the doctor is being cautious with you. It’s worth asking, especially since you aren’t feeling well on the alternative.

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