Antithyroid Drugs (Beyond the Basics) - oneGRAVESvoice

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Antithyroid Drugs (Beyond the Basics)

key information

source: UpToDate

year: 2021

authors: Douglas S. Ross

summary/abstract:

Antithyroid drugs have several benefits and a few risks. It is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment of Graves’ disease and to discuss all of the possible effects of antithyroid drugs with your doctor or nurse.

Function of Antithyroid Drugs
Antithyroid drugs decrease the levels of the two hormones produced by the thyroid, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Antithyroid drugs may be used:

• As a short-term treatment in people with Graves’ hyperthyroidism, to prepare for thyroid surgery or radioiodine.
• As initial treatment in Graves’ disease for one to two years to see if the disease resolves. Approximately 30 percent of people with Graves’ disease will have a remission after treatment for one to two years with antithyroid drugs.

 

organization: Harvard Medical School, USA

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