CARBIMAZOLE 5MG TABLETS

Carbimazole 5mg tablets are an anti-thyroid agent that decreases the thyroid’s uptake and concentration of inorganic iodine. In addition, it also reduces the formation of di-iodotyrosine and thyroxine. Once converted to its active form, it reduces the thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid gland is overactive and makes too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone helps to control energy levels and growth. Too much thyroid hormone can make it difficult for your child to gain weight and grow well and may make them feel tired and anxious. Carbimazole works by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone released from the thyroid gland.

WHAT CARBIMAZOLE 5mg TABLETS ARE USED FOR

The name of your medicine is Carbimazole 5mg tablets. It belongs to a group of drugs called anti-thyroid’ medicines. Carbimazole is for adults and children with an overactive thyroid gland (called hyperthyroidism).
 Firstly, it works by reducing the number of thyroid hormones made in your thyroid gland
 Patients can use it on its own or with other treatments for an over-active thyroid gland
 One can also use it before part of the thyroid gland has been removed by surgery. It helps the thyroid gland work properly before the surgery.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE
YOU TAKE CARBIMAZOLE 5mg TABLETS

Do not take Carbimazole if:
 You are allergic (hypersensitive) to carbimazole or any of the other ingredients of Carbimazole tablets (listed in Section 6)
 You are allergic (hypersensitive) to other anti-thyroid medicines such as thiamazole, methimazole, or propylthiouracil
 You are breastfeeding
 You have a severe liver disorder
 You have a severe blood disorder.

Warnings and precautions

Take special care with Carbimazole Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking your medicine if:
 You have a swelling in your neck called an ‘intrathoracic goiter.
 You are pregnant, think you may become pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant
 You have bone marrow depression
 You have mild or moderate liver problems
 You are receiving radio-iodine (for thyroid problems)
 You are of childbearing potential
 You are allergic to thiamazole, methimazole, or propylthiouracil (other thyroid medications)
 You are lactose intolerant or have any other lactose deficiency
 You are unable to comply with the instructions for use.
If you are unsure if the above applies to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Carbimazole.

Children

Please do not give this medicine to children under two years because it may not be safe or effective.

Other medicines and Carbimazole

Furthermore, would you please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines? Therefore, this includes medicines obtained without a prescription, including herbal medicines.
This is because Carbimazole can affect the way some medicines work. Also, some drugs can affect the way Carbimazole
works.
In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
 Medicines to thin your blood or to stop
clotting
 A drug to help your breathing called
‘theophylline’
 Steroids such as prednisolone
 An antibiotic called erythromycin
 Medicine for heart failure called digitalis
 Medication for high blood pressure is called beta-blockers. If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Carbimazole.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine because there is a minimal chance that your baby may be affected.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe Carbimazole while you are pregnant. They will talk to you about this. If they do, they will lower the possibility of any effects on your
baby by:
 Using the lowest possible dose
 Stopping treatment three to four weeks before you are due to give birth.
Do not breastfeed if you are taking Carbimazole because small amounts may pass into the mother’s milk.

Driving and using machines

You can drive when taking Carbimazole, but do not drive until you know how it affects you.

Carbimazole tablets contain lactose.

If your doctor has told you that you cannot tolerate or digest some sugars (have an intolerance to some sugars), talk
to your doctor before taking this medicine.

HOW TO TAKE CARBIMAZOLE 5mg TABLETS

Taking this medicine
 Take this medicine by mouth
 Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water
 You can take the pills before, during, or after meals
 One may split the medications you take each day into two (morning and evening) or three (morning, afternoon, and night). Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure. How much to take at the start The doctor will decide on a starting dose and then see how well it works.
 If needed, they will then change the amount to find a dose that suits you best.

How much to take for the starting dose

Your illness will usually start to improve within one to three weeks. However, it usually takes four to eight weeks to have full benefit from your treatment.
 Your doctor will gradually lower your dose to one to three 5 mg tablets each day once they manage to control your illness
 Do not change your dose without talking to your doctor first.
You may need to keep taking Carbimazole for several months to keep control of your thyroid gland. Your doctor will decide when you can stop treatment. Your doctor may ask you to have occasional blood tests to see how well your treatment is working.
Your doctor may decide to add a tablet (l-thyroxine) to help control your condition.

If you forget to take Carbimazole

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, take both doses together.

 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like all medicines, Carbimazole can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effects usually happen in the first eight weeks of your treatment.
Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not get any of them.

Allergic reactions

If you have an allergic reaction, stop taking Carbimazole 5mg tablets and see a doctor straight away. The signs may include sudden rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Stop taking Carbimazole and see a doctor straight away if you notice any of the following side effects:
 Any infection such as a sore throat or mouth ulcers
 Fever
 Unusual bruising or bleeding
 Feeling unusually tired
 You are feeling generally unwell or think that you may have an infection.
Your doctor may need to do some tests to check for something called ‘bone marrow depression’ before starting your treatment again.

Tell your doctor if you get any of the following side effects:

 Liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
 Muscle pain or weakness
 Nerve pain
 Swelling of lymph nodes
 Swelling of glands in your mouth
 Feeling faint (low blood sugar).

The following side effects have also been reported for carbimazole 5mg tablets:

 Angioedema, a severe allergic reaction with symptoms that may include the swollen tongue, lips, face, or throat
 Lung problems, with symptoms that include shortness of breath or a cough
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, including any possible side effects not listed.

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