Tapdin etc

[pic_healthy71mae]

Dear Doctor,

I started undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism last june2012 and my endo initially gave me 20 mg Tapdin for about a month and it reacted well although my thyroid tests (TSH,T3 and T4) are not yet normal. Then in my 2nd check-up, she lowered the doses and added inderal for my tremors and fast heartbeat. On my 3rd checkup, TSH lowered up to <0.10 while T3  and T4 are near normal. She advised me to return to 20 mg dosage. I observed acne on my face and it irritated me. Could it be caused by the meds? And is it okay to return to 20mg Tapdin again? Thanks.

[pic_healthy71mae]

Thank you very much for the answer. So I have to watch for T3 and T4. I have two more 20mg Tapdin and four pcs of Inderal. I planned to stop my medication already since I am becoming sleepy always? Is it a sign that my TSH is normal already? I will be back to my endo on the 18th? Is it a right decision?

Thanks and God bless...

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Acne is not common w/ Tapdin but is common w/ hyperthyroidism due to increased oily skin seen in some patients.  With antithyroid treatment the initial goal is to normalize T4 and T3; it may take several months to see the TSH begin to come up and it cannot be used to titrate medication until it comes up.