What are the treatments for hyperthyroidism?
The main aim of treatment is to reduce the level of thyroxine to normal. Other problems such as a large goitre (thyroid swelling) or associated eye problems may also need treatment. Factors such as the underlying cause of the problem, your age, and the size of any goitre are taken into account to decide on the best treatment plan. Treatment options include the following.
Medicines - usually carbimazole
Medicines can reduce the amount of thyroxine that you make by the overactive thyroid gland. The most common medicine used in the UK is carbimazole. Carbimazole does not affect the thyroxine which is already made and stored, but reduces further production. Therefore, it may take 4 to 8 weeks of treatment for your thyroxine level to come down to normal.
The dose of carbimazole that is needed to keep the thyroxine level normal varies from person to person. Carbimazole is usually taken for 12-18 months at first. After this, in about half of cases, the condition will have settled down and the carbimazole can be stopped. If the condition flares up again some time in the future, a further course may be needed. In about half of cases, carbimazole needs to be continued long-term to control symptoms. A different treatment may then be a better option if you do not want to take carbimazole long-term.
Warning: carbimazole can, rarely, affect the white blood cells which fight infection. If you develop a fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, or other symptoms of infection whilst you are taking carbimazole, stop taking the tablets immediately and see a doctor urgently for a blood test.
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