TAPAZOLE (METHIMAZOLE)

Tapazole Description

If you have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, your doctor may prescribe Tapazole or generic Methimazole. Hyperthyroidism causes your thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of the hormone called thyroxine. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease. This causes your immune system to attack your thyroid gland causing it to over-produce thyroxine. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Tapazole Acts in Your Body

Tapazole inhibits the production of the thyroxine hormone so your metabolism will slow down and eliminate the mood swings, sleep problems, fast heartbeat, and hand tremors. It can take weeks or months before this over-activity is reduced, so you must be patient and take Tapazole as directed.

Conditions Treated by Tapazole

The causes of hyperthyroidism are not completely known. However, it is assumed that hereditary and environmental factors influence the disease. There are several factors that indicate a person’s possible risk of getting Graves’ disease. These factors include genetics, gender, age, stress, pregnancy, and smoking. Because the over abundance of thyroid hormones in your body, you can experience weight loss, irritability, loss of body fat, and excessive sweating.

If Graves’ disease goes untreated physical signs may develop, such as enlargement of the thyroid gland known as goiter or thickening of the skin in the lower leg area. Eye problems associated with Graves’ disease can range from very mild to serious. Graves’ ophthalmopathy occurs when antibodies begin to attack the tissues behind your eyes and it causes a bug-eyed effect. Smoking is a major risk factor for thyroid eye disease!

Before You Take Tapazole

Tapazole has been shown to cause harm to unborn babies and is also found in breast milk so be certain you are not pregnant or nursing while taking Tapazole. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or liver disease. Discuss other medical conditions you have and list current Rx drugs, OTC meds, and herbal or vitamin supplements to avoid a possible negative reaction to Tapazole.

Important to Note When Taking Tapazole

Inform your doctor right away if you become pregnant while undergoing treatment with Tapazole. Do not operate machinery or a motor vehicle while taking Tapazole until you know how it is going to affect you. Your doctor may take frequent blood tests to check your white blood cell count to monitor how Tapazole is working.

Possible Side Effects of Tapazole

• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Change in taste
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Skin rash

You should advise your doctor right away if you experience any of these more serious side effects while taking Tapazole: yellowing of the eyes or skin; severe abdominal pain; joint or muscle pain; persistent nausea/vomiting; change in the amount of urine or dark urine.