Experiencing Spotting While on Terbinafine: What to Do?
Hello, I’m currently on day seven of taking Terbinafine and have unexpectedly started to experience bleeding between my menstrual cycles. Should I consider discontinuing the medication? My doctor is away on holiday at the moment. For context, I am a 40-year-old woman.
Answers (1)

7/9/2025, 8:30:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
Spotting while on Terbinafine can be concerning, but it may not require immediate discontinuation of the medication. However, it’s important to assess the situation carefully. Here’s how you can approach this:
Explanation: Terbinafine is an antifungal medication typically used to treat skin or nail infections. Spotting can occur for a variety of reasons, including hormonal fluctuations or side effects from the medication. While dramatic changes in menstrual cycles can be worrying, they are not uncommon and may not always indicate a serious issue.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your spotting—note how long it lasts, how heavy it is, and any other symptoms that may accompany it (such as pain or unusual discharge). This information can be useful.
-
Stay Calm: Spotting, while unexpected, is not always a cause for alarm. Many women experience changes in their menstrual cycle without any serious issues.
-
Avoid Discontinuing Terbinafine Without Guidance: Unless the bleeding becomes heavy or is accompanied by severe symptoms (like pain, fever, or dizziness), it’s generally advisable to continue taking the medication. Stopping it abruptly could hinder the treatment of your underlying condition.
-
Plan to Follow Up: If the spotting continues for more than a few days or worsens, or if you have any concerning symptoms, plan to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for guidance. You may also benefit from discussing this at your next routine appointment.
-
Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the common side effects of Terbinafine, as well as any interactions it may have with your existing conditions like Crohn's disease or thyroid disorders.
If you have any further concerns or specific symptoms, feel free to ask. Take care!
Related Questions
Navigating Weakness and Neuropathy: Seeking Clarity
I am a 42-year-old female who has been experiencing weakness in my left hand grip for approximately five years. Over time, I have noticed that the weakness in my left hand and arm has worsened, particularly during activities like typing, pottery, and CPR. These symptoms sometimes include tremors and have recently become more widespread throughout my hand. Additionally, I have experienced intermittent pain in my upper left arm, above the elbow, and tightness in my wrist. Paresthesias, or abnormal sensory feelings, occur in both my left hand and foot, with the intensity of these symptoms varying. **Current Investigations:** On June 1 and June 9, I underwent an EMG/Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) through a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) department. The report indicated an abnormal finding in the median motor nerve conduction on the left side, citing a conduction block within the forearm. Although the cause is uncertain, it was recommended to further assess lower extremity nerve conduction for any signs of broader issues, potentially indicating a Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) The June 9 study also revealed slowing in the left peroneal nerve at the popliteal fossa, which may indicate a similar condition. On May 9, an ultrasound of the nerves was performed revealing abnormalities. The sonographic findings suggested evidence of a segmental autoimmune process impacting the median nerve above the elbow as well as the fibular nerve, indicating patterns associated with CIDP or mononeuropathy multiplex. During an EMG on May 22, conducted by a technician during my appointment at a Neuromuscular (NM) clinic, the results were deemed "essentially normal," though this examination did not include the segment above the elbow previously exhibiting blockages. The perceived compression of the peroneal nerve was attributed to my leg crossing position. Consequently, physical therapy has been recommended, alongside an MRI of the left humerus due to an inability to properly assess the area that previously showed abnormalities. The MRI of the left humerus performed on June 18 showed no abnormal signals or swelling, but it was not a specialized MR neurography focused on the brachial plexus. Additional notes: Rheumatology autoimmune testing returned normal results. However, on May 8, elevations were observed in ganglioside antibodies, specifically at GM1 201 IV and GM2 197 IV. Additionally, I have been experiencing autonomic symptoms, including lightheadedness, palpitations, heat intolerance, and consistently cold extremities, which are currently under separate evaluation. I have started occupational and physical therapy, but there has been no notable improvement so far. A follow-up with the NM director is scheduled for July 31 for a second opinion, and the PM&R team continues to suspect an autoimmune origin for my symptoms. **Questions I Have:** 1. Is it conceivable that I could be in the initial stages of an immune-mediated neuropathy, such as Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) or CIDP, even though the most recent EMG appears normal? 2. Can nerve inflammation vary over time and not be detectable on an MRI, possibly due to delays or medications like Zepbound? 3. Is it plausible that the entrapment alone could account for the proximal median swelling, the nerve conduction block, and my elevated antibodies? 4. Would it be beneficial to request a brachial plexus MR neurography for enhanced visualization of the affected nerve segments? I appreciate any insights or advice you can provide regarding my situation.
Concerns Regarding Thyroid Surgery
Hello, I'm a young woman in my twenties, preparing to undergo a **right hemithyroidectomy** here in India. I've been monitoring a thyroid nodule that has steadily increased in size over the last few years, currently measuring approximately **4 cm** and classified as **Bethesda IV**. Consequently, surgery is necessary to obtain a conclusive diagnosis. My thyroid function tests have consistently returned normal results, which adds to the perplexity of the situation — it seems that problems were developing underneath without any visible indications on my test results. The most distressing part, however, is the discovery of a **very small spongiform structure** within my **left lobe** that measures about **0.2 x 0.4 cm**, identified through ultrasound. While I’ve come across information suggesting that spongiform nodules are typically non-cancerous, a sense of fear lingers — could this pose a threat in the future? Is there a possibility that I might end up losing my entire thyroid gland? I’m reaching out to individuals with medical experience to share their insights: * Is it common to encounter large nodules, similar to mine, in younger patients? * What accounts for the silent growth of these nodules even when my laboratory results are normal? * What are the potential long-term implications of a spongiform nodule located on the opposite side? * Following the surgery, what type of follow-up or ongoing monitoring should I expect? * Additionally, how do young patients typically manage the mental and emotional challenges of facing this condition without support? I am not seeking personalized medical guidance, but I would greatly welcome any perspectives, comfort, or explanations from those familiar with similar cases through their clinical experiences or education.
Are the Changes in My Nipples a Cause for Concern?
At 22 years old, I've begun to observe some unsettling modifications in one of my nipples over the past few years. Unfortunately, every time I mention it to a doctor or a family member, they dismiss my worries, labeling them as completely ordinary. However, I have doubts about that assessment. A few years back, I realized that my right nipple tends to invert when I wear snug clothing, only reverting to its original position once I take off the tight garment. I brought this issue to the attention of my general practitioner, who dismissed it as a typical occurrence without conducting a breast examination. Although her response initially eased my anxiety, I've since noticed additional issues that have me worried. For instance, in cold conditions, that nipple remains erect for a significantly longer time than the other, and it can be quite painful in chilly weather. I've also observed that it appears slightly larger and takes on a faintly more purplish hue compared to the other nipple. For context, I struggle with health anxiety and often find myself worrying excessively about medical matters. Consequently, many people, including healthcare professionals, tend to disregard my concerns as mere anxiety. My family, aware of my history of fearing serious illnesses like cancer, doesn’t seem to treat this situation as serious, often interpreting it as another episode of anxiety. I do have an appointment with a gynecologist scheduled in a month, where I plan to request a breast examination to rule out any potential cancer. With all of this in mind, I can't help but wonder: could there be alternatives to a cancer diagnosis for what I'm experiencing? Should I truly be as alarmed as I am, or is this variation considered normal?
Is It Safe to Kiss My Partner When We're Both Sick?
At 18 years old, I’ve found myself in a situation where my girlfriend and I have both ended up with the same viral infection; she caught it first, and I subsequently fell ill as well. After a week apart, we're planning to reunite, but we are still feeling under the weather. I’m wondering if kissing her is advisable or if it could exacerbate our conditions. I’m currently on a course of antibiotics that my doctor prescribed, whereas she hasn’t consulted with a healthcare professional and is just resting at home. Should I avoid any physical affection during this time?
Persistent Swelling of Lymph Nodes for Over a Year
As an 18-year-old male, I have been experiencing swollen lymph nodes throughout my body for more than a year. I underwent an ultrasound and a blood test, but the results indicated that there is nothing to worry about. However, I frequently feel exceptionally warm and have noticeable swelling around my chin, neck, and the area near my right collarbone. It seems to me that my doctors might not be taking my concerns seriously and are simply providing reassurances that I perceive as insufficient, as this situation does not appear typical. What specific questions should I pose to my doctor to effectively address this issue?