How is overactivity of the thyroid gland treated?
Drug treatment or surgical removal of the thyroid gland maybe considered depending on the degree of overactivity. The medicines used to control overactivity of the thyroid gland work by blocking the production of thyroid hormones. Propylthiouracil (PTU) or carbimazole are the medicines most commonly used for this purpose. Like all medication both have side effects. These are usually mild and include skin rashes, itching and a feeling of nausea. In about 1 in 1000 patients both may cause a potentially more serious side effect whereby the white blood cells which protect against infection are no longer produced. When this occurs there is a risk of developing very severe infections. The first sign of this problem is often a very sore throat or severe mouth ulcers. If you develop either of these symptoms you should contact your GP at once. What effect does PTU and carbimazole have on my baby? Both drugs may pass through the placenta to your unborn baby. This in turn may cause your baby s th
