Is anyone using PTU for Graves disease? What are the side affects? Does it cause hypothyroidism?
I have Graves disease, my doctor is really rude and won’t answer questions for me.
Categories: causes of hypothyroidism Tags: answer questions, graves disease
Some possible side effects of propylthiouracil (PTU) include:
skin rash,itching,abnormal hair loss,upset stomach,vomiting,loss of taste, abnormal sensations such as tingling, prickling, burning, tightness, or pulling,swelling,joint and muscle pain,drowsiness,or dizzyness.
Rarely, propylthiouracil can affect the blood and cause decreased levels of red and white blood cells and platelets, which may cause an increased risk of infection, serious bleeding, anemia, or other problems. There have also been rare cases in which PTU has caused serious liver problems.
These side effects are rare, but if you experience them you should consult a doctor immediately: sore throat,fever,headache,chills
unusual bleeding or bruising,right-sided abdominal pain with decreased appetite,yellowing of the skin or eyes, or skin eruptions
To answer your second question: no, PTU should not cause hypothyroidism.
If your doctor won’t even answer some basic questions about a medication he/she is giving you, I would suggst finding another doctor. Any doctor that won’t even answer questions about the side effects of a medication doesn’t deserve your time.
PTU itself does not cause hypothyroidism. It simply hinders your gland producing to much thyroid hormone. If your body gets a too high dose of PTU (because your thyroid gets less iodine to convert into thyroid hormones or for other reasons) then you can get hypo.
I take PTU myself and I have been hypo 1 month ago. Since I undergo regular blood tests (every three weeks) this was easily discovered and my dose lowered.
I haven´t had any side affects so far.
I found very good information on these sites:
http://www.elaine-moore.com/gravesdiseas...
http://www.suite101.com/reference/graves...
http://www.webmosaics.com/thyroid/
Good luck.
P.S. Email me if I can be of any help.