Duration of Thyroid Medication: When Can I Expect Relief from Side Effects?
Hello, I am a 47-year-old Caucasian woman, diagnosed with Graves' disease, standing at 5'2". Recently, I began a course of neomercazole, starting at a dosage of 5mg. Shortly after taking this medication, I experienced a burning sensation on my face, which has persisted for a week now. Unfortunately, my endocrinologist is currently away, so I contacted the clinic for guidance. They advised me to continue with the medication, insisting that the burning sensation is not a known side effect. However, I have a feeling they didn’t thoroughly review my medical records, as my previous conversations with the doctor suggested this medication was a continuation of a prior treatment, which is inaccurate—this is my first experience with it, though I have taken PTU before. I am curious how long I should remain on this medication before I can anticipate relief from the facial burning. I intend to continue taking it until my endocrinologist returns, but this discomfort is becoming quite frustrating. Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 5:40:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated with the burning sensation on your face since starting neomercazole for your Graves' disease. While side effects can vary from person to person, it’s important to pay attention to your body and how you feel.
Main Points:
- The burning sensation is not a commonly reported side effect of neomercazole.
- Side effects can sometimes take time to subside, but monitoring your symptoms is crucial.
- Continuing medication until your endocrinologist returns is wise; however, watch for any worsening symptoms.
Explanation:
Neomercazole (carbimazole) is often used to treat hyperthyroidism but can cause various side effects. While the burning sensation you're experiencing isn’t typical, it's important to recognize that side effects can manifest in different ways for different individuals. Some common side effects include skin rash, gastrointestinal upset, or changes in taste, but individual reactions may occur.
In your case, it’s possible that the burning sensation could be an irritant reaction or related to a different issue, particularly since you have a history of treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of the burning sensation, noting any changes in intensity, location, or duration. This will help provide information when discussing with your endocrinologist.
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Hydration & Skin Care: To help alleviate discomfort, ensure you're staying well-hydrated, and consider using gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers on your face to soothe the skin.
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Symptom Check: If the burning sensation worsens or if you develop other concerning symptoms (like fever, severe rash, or swelling), consider reaching out to your clinic urgently, even before your endocrinologist returns.
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Scheduled Follow-Up: Plan to discuss your symptoms with your endocrinologist as soon as they are back. They may adjust the dosage or consider an alternative treatment based on your experience.
Above all, listen to your body, and don't hesitate to seek assistance if you feel things are not improving. Your comfort and health are important priorities.
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