[StacyA]

#1059597

Taking low dose 10 Mg daily methimazole and have what seems to be common itching and small localized rash that may or may not be from meds. Been on the methimazole a month and as of a week ago have started to feel tons better with much allieviation of grave’s symptoms so I can absolutely tell it’s finally working. Called the endo on call for bloodtesting to see if maybe we can lower the dose and see if the itching goes away if bloodwork supports this move. He said maybe but he’d rather be conservative and switch to PTU. I don’t want to switch… I am very paranoid about liver effects with PTU and my endo who will be back in early Feb from maternity leave says she does not use PTU and strongly prefers methimazole. Is it okay for me to insist I stay on the methimazole or am I headed for a bad allergic reaction? Also apparently 50% of people who itch from methimazole also have the same issue with PTU anyway. Its not a horrrendous itch but I don’t know how it will progress. Its been itching for a week but again, not interfering with sleep or functioning. If you all feel its not bad to refuse the switch to PTU at this time, how do I tell the endo on call I’m refusing? Advice appreciated!!!

[Kimberly]

#1176045

StacyA – This is a decision that you and your doc will need to make after weighing the seriousness of the reaction and the risks of switching to PTU.

Some patients will experience skin issues as a result of hyperthyroidism. The latest medical guidance (which you can find in the second link in the “Treatment Options” thread in the Announcements section at the top of the forum), notes:

“Minor cutaneous [skin] reactions may be managed with concurrent antihistamine therapy without stopping the antithyroid drug. Persistent minor side effects of antithyroid medication should be managed by cessation of the medication and changing to radioactive iodine or surgery, or switching to the other antithyroid drug when radioactive iodine or surgery are not options.”

Is it possible that your general practitioner could give you some guidance? February sure seems like a long time to wait for an answer!

[StacyA]

#1176046

Thanks. So the endo agreed to my lowering the dose but really wants me to switch off it. I don’t know how to determine if its bad enough to switch off of especially since 50% of people with a reaction to the methimazole also react to the ptu and I don’t want to run out of options so early in the game here as I really am not even close to ready for surgery … can i take zyrtec and lower to 5 Mg from 10 Mg methimazole? Is that unreasonable? How do I know if this rash is dangerous or Just an annoying side effect? (((

[Kimberly]

#1176047

Hello – I totally understand wanting to leave your options open! However, we’re fellow patients here, not docs, so it’s really important to make any dosing decisions in conjunction with your doctor. Also, only your doc can help you sort through whether a reaction is considered “mild” or more serious.

If your endo agreed to the dosage change, that would appear to be a good place to start. Just keep an eye out in case your symptoms of hyperthyroidism start to return, and call the office to get a set of labs run ASAP if that happens.

Take care!

[StacyA]

#1176048

How do I know.if its a side effect or an allergy? Is it based on severity? Seems a lot of people have this as a side effect which they have the option to ignore ..but I don’t want to have a dangerous allergy.

[Kimberly]

#1176049

Hello – My understanding is the severity (or mildness, rather) of the reaction, regardless of cause, is what is used to determine whether or not continuing with the medication and/or switching to the other ATD is an option.

However, I would definitely check with your doctor or pharmacist to get some further direction.

Take care!

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