Long-Term Use of Antithyroid Drugs - oneGRAVESvoice

Trusted Resources: Evidence & Education

Scientific literature and patient education texts

Back to Evidence & Education / Patient Education

Long-Term Use of Antithyroid Drugs

key information

source: Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Foundation (GDATF)

year: 2021

summary/abstract:

Antithyroid medications (ATDs) have been prescribed for decades as a treatment option for hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved propylthiouracil in 1947 and methimazole (brand name Tapazole) in 1950.

In the past, endocrinologists typically prescribed ATDs for a limited period of time. Some doctors used 12-18 months as a benchmark, while others would keep patients on the medication for up to two years. Once the clock ran out, doctors stopped the medication and checked the patient’s thyroid function. If levels were in the normal range, the treatment was declared a success. If thyroid levels were still not well controlled (or if the patient became hyperthyroid again after stopping the medication) doctors would recommend radioactive iodine or surgery, which are definitive therapies that result in life-long hypothyroidism.

However, a paradigm shift in recent years – ushered in by new research as well as patient and physician preference – has brought changes to how these medications are used, with more patients remaining on antithyroid medications well past the two-year mark.

 

read more

To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences. More Information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close