Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism (a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone). An overactive thyroid gland produces excessive levels of T3 and T4 hormones.

Hyperthyroidism can produce symptoms such as:

• Weight loss
  
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
  
• Nervousness or anxiety
  
• Tremor (trembling in the hands and fingers)
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Increased appetite
  
• Changes in menstrual cycles
  
• Sensitivity to heat and excessive sweating
  
• Sleep problems
  
• Fatigue
  
• Bulging eyes (common in Grave’s disease)
  
• Hair loss, or thinning of hair
  

Hyperthyroidism can lead to complications such as heart problems, brittle bones, eye problems (especially common with Grave’s disease), and thyrotoxic crises. This last condition results in a sudden increase in the severity of your symptoms and delirium. A thyrotoxic crisis is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.

Methimazole has been shown to cause some side effects. If these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days or become severe, talk to your health care provider.

Common side effects reported while taking methimazole include:

• Upset stomach
  
• Vomiting
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Joint pain
  
• Itching
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. If you experience symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, chills, sore throat, unusual bleeding, skin rash, itching, and yellowing of the skin and eyes, talk to your health care provider immediately. These are signs of a more serious reaction to methimazole and require medical attention right away.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with methimazole. Methimazole can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are currently breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while taking methimazole.

Methimazole is commonly supplied as an oral tablet to be taken 3 times a day. For most adults, 15 mg is divided into 3 doses and is taken every 8 hours. This dosage may increase up to 60 mg per day (divided into 3) – depending on the severity of your condition and how well you tolerate the medication.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of methimazole without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Methimazole is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not methimazole is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for methimazole to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.