Graves Disease remission - How do I get off Tapazole?
Hi all:
I have had Graves disease for about 20 years. I had one remission 18 years ago that lasted about a year. I just had blood tests done early March 2008 for TBII and found that it is not detectable and all Thyroid levels are normal. I have been taking 5 mg of Tapazole a day - doctor is now suggesting I cut back to 1 tablet every other day - Why? If I'm in remission, shouldn't I just stop meds? I have been feeling sick for about 7 months - lots of gastro stuff / heartburn and feel that it's probably because I have been taking meds that I no longer require. Has anyone else had this experience?
Didn't take a pill yesterday and miraculously felt great. Today took 1/2 a tab and have heartburn this afternoon.
Re: Graves Disease remission - How do I get off Tapazole?
When you're going off tapazole, it is better to taper. You don't want to release a sudden surge of hormones or anything that might rock your boat. It doesn't take long to taper off. Just a couple weeks. If your stomach can handle a short time more, I'd suggest you follow your doc's suggestion. I don't have graves but I've been on both tapazole and ptu over the years and both tapered and abruptly stopped. I did find tapering to be gentler on the system.
accessn12
Do you think that taking Tapazole now that I am in a remission is causing me heartburn and indigestion? - I believe it is the cause, but would like to hear from anybody else that may have some insight.
Thanks
D
Re: Graves Disease remission - How do I get off Tapazole?
I have read the side effects of Tap and it can upset your stomach. I would definitely taper like Helen said. All people I know that have had success with getting off Tap have tapered. I would go down to 2.5 a day for a week, then cut that in half for a week, then stop. It's only 2 more weeks, heck you've been on them 20 years! Take some Tums,LOL!
Re: Graves Disease remission - How do I get off Tapazole?
I don't think it's cause you're in remission that the tap is causing stomach issues. Tap can cause stomach issues but you'd think after all these years, they would have showed up before now. I mean it's always possible but you won't know until after you're off the stuff. If it continues after you've tapered off, I'd definitely bring it up with your doctor. Roid's aren't immune to stomach issues. gg's idea of tums is really a good one. They might settle your stomach and have the added benefit of providing calcium. 20 years of hyper may have had an affect on your bones. I'm playing the osteo game now. I wasn't really aware how much the hyper, even when treated, does affect bone mass. You need to get on a good calcium/vit d regimen now.
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