Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be observed while taking methimazole as follows:
- Methimazole use is either contraindicated or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of severe anemia. Red blood cells produced by the bone marrow help with carrying and delivery of oxygen to various tissues in the body. Methimazole, by virtue of potential to induce bone marrow suppression, can reduce production of red blood cells, thus increasing the risk for anemia in individuals with history of the same. Be aware of signs and symptoms of anemia, such as, shortness of breath, compromised endurance, easy fatigue, delayed capillary refill, pale skin and mucous membranes, and rapid heart rate. Report any of these findings to the physician for a change in plan of care to be considered.
- This medication can be slow to act and could take time to adjust to your blood levels and produce the desired effect.
- Do not discontinue taking methimazole without consulting your doctor, even if you fail to see the benefit of the medication. Discontinuing the medication abruptly, without physician recommendation, can lead to recurrence of symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
- If a dose is missed, it should be taken at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Compensating for the missed dose by taking an extra dose can pose serious risk for toxicity and side-effects.
