Are there serious side-effects with anti-thyroid medication?
“I have read drug information sheets on anti-thyroid medication for Graves’ disease from the pharmacist and feel very apprehensive about these drugs. My doctor did not go into such detail but I have heard there can be serious side effects. Should I ask my doctor to try a different treatment strategy because of these risks?” ANSWER: Anti-thyroid drugs are generally safe. There is about a 1% incidence of serious side effects and a 3-4% incidence of minor side effects. The most severe side effect is that of a sudden drop in the white blood count to extremely low levels which is indeed very dangerous. It is heralded by a very severe sore throat and mouth and high fever. If the patient immediately stops the medication, upon suffering these symptoms, recovery is usually swift. However, it is very important that cessation of the medication should be quick upon the development of such symptoms, although quite often the white count proves to be normal, and the pills can be taken once again. Ver
