allergy to PTU and methimazole

[skymax2000]

I was taking methimazole for a week and noticed an itchy hive developing on my elbow. I'm allergic to a couple of other meds and this, I know, is the start of an allergic reaction. So the doctor switched me to PTU. The hives have increased to both elbows, knees, and fingers. I did some research and it said if I'm allergic to one, I'd probably be allergic to the other. This is so annoying. I don't want to destroy or remove my thyroid  because I always get the rare, strange side effects of medications. I'm so disappointed. Why can't I just be normal?:(

[DLA]

So sorry to hear your problem.  Have you tried one of the pharmacist people who do the all natural stuff.... major brain cloud I'm having here. ARGH!  Obviously can't remember the name of them.  My aunt is a nurse in KC and she is good friends with one of these people.  If it wasn't 12:30 am I'd call and ask here.  Maybe someone else can think of it before I get around to that.  Anyway, the daughter of one of her RN friends was hyper, she had bad reactions for all the meds they tried her on and one of these people (this gets sooooo old not having a memory!!!!) has been treating her with all natural medicines and she's done so much better than I have with conventional medicine.  Just a thought.

Hope you find an answer soon.  In the mean time, stock up on Benedryl, huh?

Dac

[Larson]

I'm going through the exact same experience. Switched to PTU a couple of weeks ago and now I'm starting to get hives again. Have you learned anything yet? I don't want the RAI either.

[graves spouse]

My husband has turned out to be allergic to everything the doctors have tried, so far. He was dx in April 2007. We have seen an amish doctor that has prescribed kelp, gravel root, osteo care, a mood enhancer, arnica, and several other things. Some are taken internally, while others get rubbed onto the neck area. We increased his consumption of brocolli, califlower, and cabbage, along with reducing dairy and iodine intake.

This combination seemed to be working well until he broke out into hives and severe itching, then quit all his meds and suppliments.

The following week (July 18, 2007) he became so enraged that I had to leave for my safety.
I love my husband of 15 years, but this disease makes me fear him. I would love to have the kind man i married back.

I hope I was some help and hope for some help on how to handle our situation.

thank you
graves spouse

[turtlekeeper]

I too was allergic to both and was I ever pissed off about it because they made me wean my daughter in order to take the meds.  In the end, I had RAI because I couldn't take the 2 meds.  Hmm, glad to know I am not such a strange and unusual case!

[pjgovitz]

Hi,
You will find enough negative about RAI 131..but there are positives. I had it 3 months ago, and know I'm on one pill for hypo, synthroid. My life is tons better, not perfect, but way better than before.The treatment is simple, and not nearly as scarey as some web sites would have you believe. At first I thought I wanted surgery, but my dr talked me out of it, my friend had surgery two weeks before my RAI treatment and has had more difficulties. Graves rage is a scarey thing, it sounds like that is what youir husand has been experiencing and I feel for you, it can destroy relationships. Also untreated Graves can be dangerous or life threatening (thyroid storms) Would highly consider RAI, or surgery for this. I do not regret RAI treatment, I was hardly able to leave the house, I am back to work,and going and enjoying my life now. Tonight Im going to see Hootie and the Blowfish, three months ago I wouldn't have been able to for physical and the emotinal stuff Graves was doing to me.  Graves robs you of any quality of life, RAI gave me back my life, like I said nor perfect, but good.
Best of luck to you and stay safe. Also there's some great info on Graves at msn graves disease support group... http://groups.msn.com/GRAVESDISEASEANDRAI/general.msnw

[graves spouse]

My husband and I are getting divorced. I am devistated, but what else can I do? He has got violent and threatening to take my life and cut me into little pieces. I know when he is blowing smoke, but he had surpassed red to fushia in the face and his eyes I thought would pop out. He was serious. I have a DVO until the divorce is final.

He has had new labs and been to his specialist in the last week. His numbers are better, but still not good. His hives are some better. The DR. said it would take 2-3 weeks for the 2 doses of meds to leave his system. It has been 5 weeks. His mother keeps me up to date on his condition. I just want him better, whether i am in his life or not. I know the person that attack me was not him, but the disease. This makes him too unpredictable to feel safe.

I know I will be OK, but I am really worried about him. I can not do anything for him.

[Venora Moonwind]

it is probably good that you arent with him.I know it is hard to see someone you love go through this but untill he is willing to get the help he needs,it is better for you not to be around him. I will say prayers that he seeks treatment and becomes again the man you love.
Love venora

[DLA]

OMGosh, I am so sorry you have had to go through all of this.  Sounds like he is having Graves' rages.  It can be so devestating.

Watch the new threads am going to try to get someone who can maybe help you understand better than I can.

God be with you and him.
Dac

[graves spouse]

Thank you so much for your support, prayers, and info.
Love to you.
graves spouse.

[skymax2000]

I am so sorry about your divorce. I want to cry for you and for him. Graves is hard on both and the rage is so consuming. I hope he gets help but I am really glad you are getting out of a dangerous situation.

About allergies, I somehow stopped being allergic to PTU or never was. I know that's not helpful. Good luck.

[graves spouse]

I am glad you are not allergic. Your body may have needed an adjustment period.
May God bless you.

[cutiepants97]

I was on PTU for a year. 3 months ago I started having all kinds of stomach pain and the worse anxiety I have ever experienced. On Sunday I started to break out in hives from my scalp to my toes and everywhere in-between.  Can anyone tell me how long the itching lasts? Can I take benandryl?  My Endo. wants me to start taking Tapazole until I have my thyroid removed. I can't do RAI because I want to have kids within the next year.  I am 35. Please help. I am losing my mind and my life.

[Janet63]

YES TAKE BENADRYL!  I had a similar issue - broke out in horrible rashes after taking methimazole for 3 weeks.  After repeated calls to my doctor and pharmacist, I was told to try LIQUID benadryl.  (The children's one is fine, there's a dosage calculator for adults on the box). It's been my lifesaver!  I keep a bottle at home and one in my car.  

My doctor has switched me to PTU and the hives have gotten better, but they're still there (after 2 weeks on the PTU).  The doctor thinks I'm allergic to both and asked me to choose between surgery and RAI.  

Also, here's a natural healing website with suggestions for hyperthyroidism, but I don't know if the suggestions would really help:
http://askwaltstollmd.com/

[Diane582]

Almost to the 3 week anniversary of starting methimazole I started with breaking out and itching.  I have since stopped taking and started PTU. Hoping that I will be able to tolerate PTU.  Do not want RAI.
The itching is still present after 6 days but not as bad. Have used everything from lanacane to hydrocortisone but clear caladryl helps the best.  Keep a bottle in my purse with paper towels and one at home.  Take one section of paper towel and soak with the caladryl.  Apply very thick.  It dries clear and the welts disappear.  It lasts for about 2-3 hours.  It has been my lifesaver.

[jjuel]

Wow, reading everyones' comments about Graves and hives is really disapointing.  I am wondering though if the hives is actually a symptom of the Graves and not a reaction to medication.  I never used to have any allergies other than seasonal, and in the past 6 years I have developed an allergy to most anti-biotics, where I would get hives.  

In the past 6 weeks, I came down with strep, took antibiotics, was fine, then developed hives two days after finishing the medication.  Within the following week, had some bloodwork, developed a chest cold, and reacted to the cough syrup.  Had more bloodwork done, specialist apt, and she diagnosed me with Graves.  This whole time I have had hives.  Started Tapazole and just stopped it yesturday because I think I have a chest infection as I'm still coughing from the cold.  Going to get my white blood cell count checked.

So I don't know if anyone else had experienced hives prior to the medication, but this has been my pattern with hives, so I'm thinking its the Graves not the medications.

So to anyone who has had RAI or surgery, have the hives stopped?

Interesting to hear about Graves rage, I have not come across this in my search for info, could explain my short temper and my easy annoyance.  Wow, I never imagined all of these symptoms could be Graves!

[Noelle1969]

Well, I know what I am about to write may be very discouraging but I am not sure if this is in my head or maybe a reaction to PTU.

I have a rather large goiter which has caused my thyroid to make me hyperthyrotdism. When I was pregnant with my youngest daughter I was on 3 pills 3x's a day. After I had her I started getting pains throughout my body. At one time I couldn't even get her out of her crib
the pain became depilitaing.

I would call my doctor crying they knew I was not the type of person to consistantly call and complain they immediately sent me for blood work and then to a Rheumatologist. I was diagnosed with RA my sed rate was off the charts and I had hives from the top of my body down to my toes.

For 3 years I was treated for RA. I went off the PTU during this time because my Endo. wanted me to have RAI but I couldn't while my daughters were so young but I was not have any symptoms so I stayed off. To make a very long story shorter. I do not have RA I have Celiacs disease I just assumed all my joint and body pain and hives was from the reaction to eating Gluten.

Last week I ended up in the ER I thought I was having a Stroke I was shaking horribly but just on one side of my body. It ended up being my thyroid. Went back to the Endo. I was put back on PTU now all of a sudden I have starting to have my pains back. I think it is from the PTU but really not sure if it is my Celiac's disease or really from the PTU.

Has anyone had any of these symptoms while on PTU I really need help. My goiter has gotten too big for RAI but will find out for sure when I go back to the Endo. I made need surgery. At this point I never thought I would say this in my life but I am truly hoping for surgery as I can not live like this anymore.
Please Help!

[kellz11]

I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism/Graves Disease about a month ago.  My rage is not bad but I am very irritable. When I feel bothered, I usually stay to myself so I don't go off on anyone.  But I am on propranol and methimazole.  I'm seeing more and more fine bumps on my chest and on my face.  It doesn't seem like hives but its noticeable to me.  I am happy to see a forum for people going through similar things.  What's the alternative to methimazole?

[thyprob]

After 3 weeks of methimezole, i started to have hives very bad one head to toe, wend er and gave me benadryl, did not work, loaded with prednisone helped, i was change to PTU NOW, i took PTU 9 years ago and had hives too, i just started ptu two days ago, will see what will happen this time ,  9  years ago ptu helped and my hyperhyroidism came back again after i had a baby recently hoping this will help me

[Chantal975]

I was diagnosed with Graves Disease about 2 years ago. I was put on PTU and Tapazole only to find out that I am deathly allergic to both. I am also allergic to synthyroid. So what is there for me? I have a problem with many many medicine. I am allergic to most medicine, from pain killers to antibiotics to even tranquilizers. There must be something out there in this world for me.