Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is methimazole. It is used to help treat high levels of thyroid hormones in your body.

It is often taken several times each day. Your doctor will determine what dose is right for you. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. You can take it with or without food, but you should take it the same way each time.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and a skin rash or hives. It can also cause muscle or joint pain, tingling or burning in your hands and feet, and hair loss. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. To be sure your dose is the most effective for you, your doctor will order lab work.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects can occur. You should discuss these and all possible side effects with your doctor. Also, you should read the Patient Information Sheet for more information on which symptoms to watch for and when to report them.

Methimazole can interact with other medicines. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines.

Methimazole may be unsafe during the first trimester of pregnancy. Women taking methimazole should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results, continue taking methimazole, and follow your doctor's recommendations for labwork and monitoring.