Cat - Carbimazole

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Carbimazole is used to treat overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) in your cat. The thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone causing symptoms in your pet such as increased appetite and thirst, restlessness, weight loss, increased heart rate, unkempt coat and heat intolerance. Carbimazole reduces production of thyroid hormone. Your pet may need to have the thyroid gland removed.

How does this medicine work?

Carbimazole is converted to methimazole in the body which inhibits production of thyroid hormone. Your pet must take the medicine every day for life because if you stop treatment, thyroid hormone levels will increase again. Alternatively, your pet may undergo surgery or radiation therapy to permanently remove the thyroid gland.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Tablets should not be broken or crushed.
• Give this medication at about the same time each day with or without food but do not vary from day to day.
• DO NOT give your pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give the medicine more often than directed.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.
• Wash your hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture so do not remove the desiccant from the container.

Potential side effects

• Your veterinary surgeon will need to monitor your pet's blood before and during treatment to check the parameters, the level of thyroid hormone and also kidney and liver function. Tell your veterinary surgeon if you think your pet may be pregnant or is nursing young.
• Your pet may show side effects such as itchiness, hair loss, vomiting, diarrhoea and lack of appetite. If these symptoms appear, notify your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.