Tapazole (Methimazole)

Brand name: Tapazole
Generic name: Methimazole
Used for: Treat overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Availability: Brand Tapazole (Paladin), 5mg, 10mg

How Methimazole Works

Methimazole is the active ingredient in Tapazole; Tapazole is used in adults to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland); to treat and prepare for thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland) or for radioactive iodine treatment; and in patients when the overactive thyroid gland cannot be removed. Tapazole is a type of medication called antithyroid agents. It works by stopping the thyroid gland from making thyroid hormones. Take Tapazole exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Methimazole Possible Side Effects

Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects and they are severe and bothersome. Most of the side effect are manageable and may go away on their own.
• Anorexia (an eating disorder);
• Dizziness;
• Drowsiness;
• Edema (swelling due to fluid build up);
• Hair loss;
• Heart burn;
• Hives (urticaria);
• Loss of taste;
• Lymph node diseases;
• Muscle pain;
• Numbness;
• Neuritis (inflammation of a nerve, often with pain or tenderness);
• Skin pigmentation;
• Vertigo

Methimazole Guidelines

Do not use Tapazole if you are allergic to methimazole or any of the ingredients in Tapazole; are breastfeeding; have or have had problems with your pancreas after taking methimazole. To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take Tapazole about any health conditions you may have, including if you have a low white blood cell count; have joint pain; have liver problems; have skin problems; are intolerant to some sugars (e.g., lactose, a milk sugar which is a component of Tapazole); have a large goitre (swelling in the front neck); are taking medications that are known to cause agranulocytosis (decrease in white blood cell count). Tapazole can cause some serious health conditions. Tell your healthcare professional right away if you develop any of the following health conditions and your treatment with Tapazole should be stopped immediately. These conditions include Arthralgia (joint pain): pain that spreads from one joint to another; Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas); Exfoliative dermatitis (severe inflammation of the entire skin surface); Vasculitis (inflammation and narrowing of blood vessels); Other blood problems: leukopenia (low white blood cells), thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets), and aplastic anemia (when cells meant to develop into mature blood cells are damaged). If you can get pregnant or think you are pregnant, there are specific risks you must discuss with your healthcare professional. Treatment with Tapazole may harm your unborn baby, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. Your healthcare professional will decide if taking Tapazole is right for you and your baby. You should use effective methods of birth control during your treatment. If you become pregnant or think you are pregnant while taking Tapazole, tell your healthcare professional right away. Your healthcare professional will monitor your health before and during your treatment. This may include having regular blood tests. This will tell your healthcare professional how Tapazole is affecting you. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines. The medicines that may interact with Tapazole include medicines known as anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin.