Frequently asked questions for Carbimazole
Carbimazole
Q. Can I just stop taking Carbimazole?
No, you should not stop taking Carbimazole even if you start feeling better. You may have to take it for several months depending on your investigations. The duration of the treatment will continue till the thyroid hormone levels return to normal. This duration may vary from six months to 18 months. Your doctor will decide when the treatment should be stopped.Q. How long does Carbimazole take to work?
You may start feeling better within 1-3 weeks of starting Carbimazole. However, it usually takes 4-8 weeks to see the full benefits of the treatment.Q. Can Carbimazole cause hair loss?
Carbimazole may cause hair loss but not in everyone. It has been seen that on discontinuing Carbimazole or replacing Carbimazole with another medicine, there is improvement and hair loss reverses.Q. Who should not take Carbimazole?
You should not take Carbimazole if you have serious liver disorder or serious blood disorder. You should also avoid taking this medicine if you are pregnant or are allergic to Carbimazole or any of the ingredients present in it Carbimazole.Q. My sister is taking Carbimazole for overactive thyroid gland. She frequently gets sore throat and stops and restarts the treatment again and again. Is there any risk if she continues to take Carbimazole when she has sore throat?
Very rarely, Carbimazole interferes with the bone marrow and causes a drastic drop in white blood cells. These white blood cells are a part of the body's defense against bacterial infections, such as sore throats. So, a sore throat can sometimes be the first clue that Carbimazole is affecting the bone marrow. Your sister should contact her doctor and get a blood test. If blood test shows her white blood cell count to be normal, then she can continue Carbimazole. If not, she should stop the treatment after consulting the doctor.Q. How does Carbimazole affect children?
The effectiveness and side effects of Carbimazole in children are more or less the same as in adults. Carbimazole should not be used in children less than 2 years of age.Q. I have been taking warfarin, so will it have any effect on Carbimazole therapy?
If you have started taking Carbimazole, the dose of warfarin may need adjustment. You should consult your doctor and get your bleeding time checked so that the dose can be adjusted according to the results of the investigations.Q. Even if my liver is normal, can Carbimazole cause any liver problems?
Yes, Carbimazole may cause liver problems, though not in everyone. A very common side effect of Carbimazole can be yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice). It may also cause abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis, etc. If you notice jaundice, you should discontinue Carbimazole and seek immediate medical advice.Q. If I am planning my pregnancy, can I continue taking Carbimazole?
No, it is advisable not to take Carbimazole during pregnancy as it may cause abnormalities in your baby. You should consult your doctor because if your thyroid hormone levels are not controlled, chances of birth defects in your baby are much more. In case Carbimazole is the only option for you, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible dose, which will be regulated according to your condition. You can stop it 3-4 weeks before delivery to reduce chances of complications in your baby.