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Compare Tapazole vs. Euthyrox

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Methimazole and Synthroid (levothyroxine) are both used to manage thyroid conditions, but they work in opposite ways. Methimazole is an antithyroid agent that treats hyperthyroidism by blocking the thyroid gland from making too much thyroid hormone. In contrast, Synthroid is a synthetic form of the T4 thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing low hormone levels. Methimazole is taken multiple times a day initially, then once daily for maintenance, while Synthroid is taken once daily on an empty stomach. Methimazole can cause side effects like rash, nausea, and vomiting, and it’s not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy. Synthroid’s side effects are usually related to having too much thyroid hormone, such as headache and nervousness. Methimazole is only available as a generic, whereas Synthroid has both brand and generic forms available.

  • Methimazole
    Levothyroxine
  • Methimazole
    Levothyroxine

  • Summary of Tapazole vs. Euthyrox

    Summary for Antithyroid agent
    Prescription only

    Methimazole is used to treat hyperthyroidism, which happens when your thyroid makes more thyroid hormones than what the body needs. This medication is a tablet that’s taken by mouth. Common side effects include rash, drowsiness, and headache. Methimazole isn’t recommended for use in the first trimester of pregnancy, but it’s the preferred option during the second and third trimesters. While it doesn’t have a brand name on the market currently, there’s a lower-cost generic version available.

    Summary for Thyroxine (T4)
    Prescription only

    Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone used to treat low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) in people of all ages. It's also approved to help treat thyroid cancer along with radioactive iodine and surgery. The medication is available in tablet and liquid forms and is taken once daily, usually on an empty stomach in the morning. Regular blood tests are needed to keep your dose in the right range. Common side effects happen when the dose is too high and can include fast heartbeat, anxiety, and weight loss.

  • Indications of Tapazole vs. Euthyrox

    Indications for

    High thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism) in people:

    •With Graves’ disease or other medical conditions who can’t receive thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment
    •Who are preparing to undergo thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment
    Indications for
    •Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels)
    •Thyroid cancer, together with radioactive iodine and surgery

  • Pros and Cons of Tapazole vs. Euthyrox

    Pros and Const for Antithyroid agent
    Pros
    •Maintenance dosing is once a day
    •Lower-cost therapy since it’s only available as generic on the market
    •May work better than propylthiouracil (PTU) to improve thyroid hormone levels
    •Less likely to cause serious liver damage compared to other antithyroid medications
    Cons
    •Need to get blood tests often to check thyroid hormone levels for dosage adjustments
    •May lower your body’s ability to fight infections
    •May increase your risk of bleeding
    •Unsafe to use during the first trimester of pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Thyroxine (T4)
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for treating low thyroid hormone levels
    •Safe to use during pregnancy
    •Only needs to be taken once a day
    •Available as a liquid solution (Tirosint Sol, Thyquidity, and Ermeza)
    Cons
    •Must be taken on an empty stomach
    •Might take several weeks to find the right dose
    •Requires regular blood tests
    •Interacts with many foods, medications, and supplements

  • Common Side Effects of Tapazole vs. Euthyrox

    Common Side Effects for

    Up to 10% of people taking this medication have reported the following side effects:

    •Raised, itchy rash
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Stomach upset
    Common Side Effects for

    Signs of having too much thyroid hormones in the body, such as:

    •Irregular heartbeat
    •Chest pain
    •Shortness of breath
    •Leg cramps
    •Headache
    •Nervousness
    •Hives or skin rash
    •Irritability
    •Trouble sleeping
    •Tremors
    •Muscle weakness
    •Change in appetite
    •Weight loss
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Sweating a lot
    •Sensitivity to heat
    •Fever
    •Changes in menstrual period

  • Warnings of Tapazole vs. Euthyrox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby during the first trimester of pregnancy
    •Low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis)
    •Liver damage
    •Low levels of thyroid hormone (hypothyroidism)
    •Thickening of blood vessels (vasculitis)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Not for weight loss
    •Heart problems
    •Adrenal crisis in people with adrenal insufficiency
    •Worsening diabetes
    •Bone loss

  • Prices with our coupons for Tapazole vs. Euthyrox

    Learn more about Methimazole
    Learn more about Levothyroxine

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