[mj_2669]

#1060218

How true that Methimazole you can get a liver problem and osteoporosis? I have overactive thyroid am taking Methimazole 3 times a day how long I will take that medicines? My TSH here in US there normal level of thyroid hormone is 0.16 – 1.12 My first TSH is 1.45 and my second blood test of TSH is 0.04 – 1.12

[adenure]

#1181306

Hi!

It is true that methimazole can cause liver damage, but it is not common. I was one of those who had to stop taking it because it was beating up my liver. I was on methimazole for 7 weeks (5 mg once a day). My liver enzymes were 8 times the normal range when I had my labs drawn. So, I stopped taking it that night and had surgery 6 weeks later to remove my thyroid.

You will take the medicine to keep your thyroid levels in normal range. From what I understand, about a year maybe into that you can wean down to see if you go into remission. Sometimes having labs to check antibody levels will help predict whether remission is likely (low antibody levels are an indicator that remission is more likely). If your TSH is 1.45, that is in normal range. So, maybe after some time, your doctor will attempt to lower your dose and wean you off the meds.

Osteoporosis is caused by being hyperthyroid for a long amount of time. I don’t think methimazole causes osteoporosis- but I’m not sure.

[Kimberly]

#1181307

Hello – Yes, agree with Alexis that it’s the hyperthyroidism that leads to osteoporosis, *not* the methimazole.

[mj_2669]

#1181308

Is Methimazole can decreased your platelets and WBC? Kimberly what are the symptoms if you are having liver damage caused by taking Methimazole? I am taking Methimazole 5 mg July 29, 2013 twice a day till September 9, 2013 because my blood test TSH is 1.45, then when I have again my TSH test my doctor increased my Methimazole 5mg for three times a day cause my TSH is 0.04 – 1.22.. the normal range here in US is 0-16 – 1.12..

Your reply you said my first result TSH 1.45 is a normal range?

I am already Taking Methimazole 5mg for almost 2 months and 4 days

[adenure]

#1181309

Hi,

Symptoms are dark urine, yellow colored skin, sore throat, fever, flu like symptoms. But, like I mentioned, I did not have any of those symptoms yet I still had liver issues with the methimazole. So, it is a good idea to have your liver labs run to check the range of your liver enzymes to make sure you’re okay.

Normally, the range for TSH is 0.4 to 4.0- so, 1.45 seemed to be in the normal range, but maybe your lab has a different range for what is normal?

[Kimberly]

#1181310

Hello – Yes, methimazole can *rarely* cause liver and WBC issues. Your pharmacist should have given you an informational sheet with your prescription that includes the potential side effects and symptoms to watch for. This is the best resource to refer to.

In general, though, symptoms of liver issues can include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, itchiness, dark colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes. A severe sore throat with fever is the most common symptom associated with WBC issues.

The best resource for determining whether TSH, T4, and T3 levels are in the “normal” range is to get a hard copy of your lab report. The lab results will show your actual level followed by the “normal” range in parenthesis.

[mj_2669]

#1181311

Hi Kimberly.

I think we have different in determining lab report, the secretary of my doctor called me yesterday that the result of my CBC is normal and my TSH and T4 result is and normal range, how come that my doctor advice her secretary that i will continue my medication which is Methimazole 5mg three times a day? even though that my TSH and T4 is in the normal range? sopposed to be that my doctor will reduce my medication?

thanks..

[Ski]

#1181312

Hyperthyroidism isn’t something we “get over.” When you’ve reached normal levels with methimazole, that’s when you keep the dose the same, but continue to monitor levels to ensure that the dose remains correct (adjustments are sometimes needed). Typical treatment plans include at least 12 months on methimazole, sometimes 24, before stopping to see if remission can be attained (remission meaning a period of at least one year where your levels remain normal with *no* medication at all). Others continue long-term use of methimazole to manage their hyperthyroidism.

[mj_2669]

#1181313

Hi Ski!!!!!

I was diagnosed of Hyperthyroidisim last July 29, 2013, first the lab normal range here for TSH in US is 0.16 – 1.12

my first TSH is 1.45
my Second TSH is 0.04 – 1.22
my latest TSH is 1.85

first i was taking Methimazole 5mg twice a day then suddenly my doctor increased my Methimazole 5mg for three times a day. then when they get the result of my blood test which TSH 1.85 continue the Methimazole 5mg three times a day,,they said I am in the normal range , so they will reduce my Methimazole 5mg…what is the normal range of TSH? am taking Methimazole already for almost 2 months 6 days…am confused between the normal range..

thanks

[Kimberly]

#1181314

The reason that the “normal” range is confusing is that each lab uses a slightly different criteria for “normal”. The best thing to do is get a hard copy of your lab report (your doctor’s office should give you this) so that you can see what “normal” range your specific lab uses.

[angelamercy]

#1181315

MJ – I agree with all. I was one of those “RARE” cases of methimazole. Don’t quote me but I do believe less than 4% will have a reaction to methimazole. I happened to be one of the worst case scenarios and my re-action was within 2 weeks of taking.

TSH levels can be very confusing. Testing for the past 22 months, every 3 months has been consistent. I am closer to hypo than hyper in the past 12 but at this point I am still in the “normal” range.

Remember to take your medicine consistently and also close to the same time daily. Sounds like you are doing well.

[mj_2669]

#1181316

Hi Kim and angelmercy!!!

THe TSH levels here in America is 0-16 – 1-12…. my first TSH 1.45 that time am taking Methimazole 5mg twice daily, then my second TSH 0.04 – 1.22 and the third TSH 1.85 that time am taking Methimazole 5mg three times a day..am lucky so far that i did not encounter side effects of Methimazole 5mg for the past 2 months and 5 days.. is it OK to have my monthly blood test for my TSH and T4 because that my doctor always doing for me?

[Kimberly]

#1181317

Hello – Yes, monthly testing is good to make sure your doctor is adjusting the dose as needed. Also, make sure you are understanding your doctor’s rationale for any dosing adjustments.

[mj_2669]

#1181318

Kimberly wrote:

Hello – Yes, monthly testing is good to make sure your doctor is adjusting the dose as needed. Also, make sure you are understanding your doctor’s rationale for any dosing adjustments.

This coming Saturday I will be back to my hometown Philippines, for 2 months due to have important agenda needs to be finish, My Doctor knows about it, that is why he decided to have my blood test before my flight, My question is it is OK for 2 months I will not I have my blood test monitor for my thyroid?

Because my doctor and me decided not to have check -up in the Philippines while am their because they will will ask me again for my new thyroid ultra sound and blood test, meaning it will start all over again..even though i will show them all my medical records.

Once I comeback on December in Florida I will have my blood test again.

thanks..

[mj_2669]

#1181319

Hi Angelmercy.

So far so good am lucky i did not experienced yet any side effect in taking Methimazole 5mg three times a day.

What happen you have a lot of surgery already you mean the medicine they gave you like Methimazole does not work out with your body?

you mentions you have Thyroid removal, therapy radiation,

what do you mean by orbital decompression surgery and Muscle alignment?

thanks

[Author]

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