Tapazole is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). Tapazole is used for treating and preparing the overactive thyroid gland for surgical removal or for radioactive iodine treatment. Tapazole is also used when the overactive thyroid gland cannot be removed. Tapazole inhibits the production of thyroid hormones. The drug does not affect the levels of the thyroid hormones that are already present in the thyroid gland or are circulating in the blood. You should follow the dose and directions given by your doctor. Tapazole daily dose should be divided into the three equal doses, taken orally every 8 hours. If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has any changes in weight. Tapazole doses are based on weight in children, and any changes may affect your child's dose. Tapazole can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Use Tapazole regularly to get the most benefit, even if you feel fine or have no symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Manufacturer Information
Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Tapazole from Canada manufactured by Paladin. The generic Methimazole is available from Canada by a different manufacturer. Tapazole and the generic Methimazole are both available in the strength of 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.
The common side effects of Tapazole may include skin rash, hives (urticaria), itching, skin pigmentation, nausea, vomiting, heart burn, loss of taste, eating disorder, joint pain, muscle pain, numbness, hair loss, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, inflammation of a nerve, often with pain or tenderness, swelling due to fluid build up, a disease of the lymph node. Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
• A syndrome where the body produces an immune response against its own cells (numbness in the extremities, low levels of blood sugar);
• Bleeding problems, easy bruising;
• Drug fever, chills, sore throat;
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis);
• Inflammation of the tissue surrounding an artery (pain in the muscles and joints);
• Inflammation of the kidney. (reduced urine, cloudy urine, blood in urine);
• Lower than normal numbers of red and white blood cells as well as platelets;
• Painful mouth sores;
• Rash (especially when exposed to sun), fever, joint pain
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Do not use Tapazole if you are allergic to methimazole or any of the ingredients in Tapazole or if you are breastfeeding. Before you use Tapazole, talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you: have a low white blood cell count, have joint pain, have liver disease, have a skin disease, are intolerant to milk sugar, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, are breast feeding or planning to breast feed. Drugs that may interact with Tapazole include: digoxin, digitalis, theophylline; a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or a beta blocker--atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol, and others. Other drugs may interact with methimazole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicine, prescription or non-prescription.