Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using methimazole as follows:
- Methimazole use is contraindicated in individuals with any history of bone marrow suppression. Methimazole has potential to induce bone marrow suppression or exacerbate any history of the same, thus resulting in reduced production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Bone marrow suppression can be a more common finding in the early phase of starting on this medication.
- Methimazole is significantly metabolized in the liver. If liver function is deficient, metabolism of methimazole could be slowed down. Slowing down of the drug metabolism can result in increased risk for compromised therapeutic benefits with the medication.
- Methimazole is significantly eliminated in urine, by the kidneys. Individuals with renal disease and diminished renal function cannot eliminate methimazole from their body normally, which allows the medication to be in the blood stream longer, thus increasing the risk for side-effects and toxicity with the medication.
- Methimazole is carefully administered in individuals with compromised liver and renal function.
- Do not use this medication if you have history of allergy or serious side-effects to methimazole or any other antithyroid medications.
