Product Description

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Tapazole works to suppress the amount of thyroid hormone produced. In some instances, Tapazole is prescribed as a preparatory treatment for thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. This drug can also be used to treat Graves Disease.

If your cat suffers from hyperthyroidism, speak with your veterinarian today. After performing blood tests to determine the proper dosage for your pet, your veterinarian can prescribe Tapazole. Routine blood work will need to be performed. For more information, speak with your veterinarian or pharmacist.

An effective and affordable generic alternative to Tapazole is Methimazole.

Side Effects & Warnings

Tapazole treatment is associated with side effects including nausea, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, arthraglia, lymphadenopathy, loss of taste, hair loss, skin rash, urticaria, and drug fever. In rare instances, serious side effects like agranulocytosis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia and hepatitis are observed. Long-term usage may result in prolonged blood clotting durations, kidney and liver damage, and reduced white blood cell counts.

Side effects are extremely rare (under 5%) but can be dangerous. Contact a veterinarian if your pet exhibits a sore throat or excessive bleeding. Liver failure has also been reported in rare cases. Other side effects include lack of appetite, vomiting, rash, hives, itching, edema and drowsiness.

Do not use the medication in cats with allergy to Tapazole, liver disease, autoimmune disease or blood abnormalities. The medication is not suitable for use in pregnant or nursing animals. The treatment/medication is required for life. The symptoms will reappear on discontinuing the medication.

Ingredients

Methimazole

Directions

The medication is available by prescription as tablets. The standard dosage is 5 mg/cat every 8 – 12 hours. In adults, the dosage is 15 mg for mild hyperthyroidism, 30 – 40 mg for moderately severe condition and 60 mg for chronic hyperthyroidism. Make sure to give 3 equal dosages at approximately 8 hour intervals. Repeat blood tests every 3 – 4 weeks until the maintenance dose is reached, and then frequency of blood testing can be set to 3 – 6 months. The maintenance dosage is ½ of the initial dosage.

Give this medication as prescribed by your pet's veterinarian. This drug can be given with or without food, but be sure to allow your cat plenty of drinking water.