Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking methimazole as follows:
- Methimazole is mainly metabolized in the liver and excreted in urine by the kidneys. If liver and kidney functions are deficient, metabolism and excretion of methimazole could be slowed down, leading to compromised therapeutic benefit, increased risk for side-effects and toxicity with the medication. Methimazole use, though less common, also has potential to compromise liver and kidney functions. Be aware of signs and symptoms of liver and kidney dysfunction, such as, slowing down of overall body metabolism and appetite, development of jaundice with yellowing of skin and white of the eye, edema, and reduction in the amount of urine formation. Report any of these findings to your physician immediately. Observe compliance with any regular labs ordered for evaluation of liver and kidney functions.
- Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor.
- Observe compliance with periodical lab draws ordered, for evaluation of the thyroid hormone levels in the blood.
- Observe compliance with any labs ordered for red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet count. Any compromise on these counts can help a change in plan of care to be considered.
