Medication to treat Hyperthyroidism / Overactive Thyroid / Graves’ Disease

Neo-Mercazole, Propylthiouracil (PTU) & Carbimazole

Neo-Mercazole – Propylthiouracil (PTU) - Original Brands

Carbimazole – Generic Brand

These brands do not have to be refrigerated and should be kept under 25 degrees Celsius

PLEASE NOTE: Supply shortages of Neo-Mercazole occur from time to time in Australia. A generic brand named Carbimazole is available when Neo-Mercazole is unavailable

Click here for information on 1309 Neo-mercazole Temporary Supply Disruption

Distributor: Amdipharm Mercury Australia Pty Ltd
Dose Available: Tablets - 5 mg tablets

These brands are available on PBS.

Neo-Mercazole – Consumer Medication Information (CMI) is available here

Propythiouracil, (PTU)

Propythiouracil is a thioamide derivative which occurs as a white crystalline powder, odourless with a bitter taste, very slightly soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol and soluble in solutions of alkali hydroxides or ammonia.

PTU™ 50 mg Tablets are white, round, biconvex and uncoated. One side is debossed ‘PRESTAB’ and other side is plain.

This brand is available on PBS

Propythiouracil, (PTU) Information is available here

The TGA have recently informed the ATF Neo-Mercazole and Carbimazole are available using a SAS Category A or B

Dosage

Your treating thyroid specialist (Endocrinologist) will prescribe a dose of Neo-Mercazole, Carbimazole or PTU to treat your condition and will monitor your thyroid response through regular pathology tests.

Things You Must Do Whilst Taking Neo-Mercazole, Carbimazole or PTU

• Ensure you inform all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Neo-Mercazole, Carbimazole or PTU.
  
• Consult your treating thyroid specialist if you are considering to become pregnant whilst taking the medication.
  
• If you are referred to have laboratory testing of any kind, ensure you inform the doctor you are taking Neo-Mercazole, Carbimazole or PTU.
  
• If you believe the medication dose needs to be reviewed because your symptoms have changed, ensure you tell your treating thyroid specialist.
  
• Ensure you tell your treating thyroid specialist if you have missed a dose of the medication, especially before pathology testing.
  
• Ensure you keep appointments with your thyroid treating specialist
  
• If you are concerned whilst taking the medication, or are experiencing side- effects ask for an urgent appointment to discuss.
  

Whilst Taking Neo-Mercazole, Carbimazole or PTU, Be Aware Of The Following Adverse Events:

• Skin Rash
  
• Fever
  
• Severe Chills
  
• Sore Throat
  
• Mouth Ulcers
  
• Tiredness, Lethagy
  
• Muscle Weakness, cramps,
  
• Feeling Cold
  
• Hair Loss
  
• Unusual Weight Gain
  
• Constipation
  
• Headache
  

If you develop any of these symptoms, or having any concerns whilst taking one of these medications, please contact your treating thyroid specialist immediately.

Report a problem or side effect