IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS ON CARBIMAZOLE OR PTU

You have been started on tablets to control your overactive thyroid gland. These tablets are very safe, but very rarely may cause well-recognised side effects of rash or reduced blood cell count. This sheet tells you what to do in the event of you experiencing symptoms indicating such effects.

For a single page printout carbimazole leaflet, click here (printable pdf).x x x x x

For an original photocopyable double sided leaflet, click here.

Patient information

You should take the following action if you experience these symptoms while on this drug therapy:

1.	RASH 
	- stop medication
	- consult your GP and give him this letter.
2.	SORE THROAT or FEVER or 
	'FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS or 
	MOUTH ULCERS 
	- stop medication
 	- attend hospital immediately and have blood count checked (pink edged form enclosed).
if out of hours contact on-call SHO for endocrinology via switchboard before arrival;
if during normal working hours contact the senior registrar on bleep 9049 or 1061 via switchboard after blood test.

Information for doctors

To General Practitioner: This patient is on carbimazole/PTU and has developed a rash. If on carbimazole please could you prescribe propylthiouracil (PTU) in place of the carbimazole - the dose of PTU is 10 times the dose of carbimazole (eg 30mg carbimazole = 300mg PTU) and should be given two to three times a day; antihistamines may be given for associated pruritus. If the patient has had both carbimazole and PTU, or you are concerned about the patient or require further information, please contact the endocrine SR on bleep 9049 or 1061 via switchboard. If the patient attends with symptoms suggestive of neutropenia please either check an urgent full blood count or contact the endocrine team immediately. Thank you for your help.