Lower incidence of adverse side effects that propylthiouracil
•
No reported side effects
How it works:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Tapazole inhibits the production of thyroid hormones.
Cautions:
Blood tests must be done to check for proper dosage. Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. Do not give your pet a live vaccine while giving Tapazole. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops signs of an infection.
More Information:
Brand Name Tapazole (AAI Pharma)
Generic Name Methimazole
What is the most important information I should know about Tapazole: Tapazole is a prescription medication not FDA approved for veterinary use; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to use this medication in cats. Tapazole is available as a 5mg scored tablet. The usual initial dose for cats is 5mg every 8 to 12 hours. Do not give Tapazole to pregnant or nursing animals. Tapazole can increase the risk of bleeding. Tapazole can lower the blood cells that help fight infections. Your veterinarian will need to give blood tests on a regular basis to be sure these blood cells do not get too low. Do not give the pet a ¿live¿ vaccine while the pet is taking Tapazole. Tapazole is need for the life of the pet. If the medication is stopped, the symptoms will reappear.
What is Tapazole: Tapazole prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone. Tapazole is used to treat overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment. Tapazole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.
What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving Tapazole to my pet: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has an allergy to Tapazole or if your pet has liver disease, a blood cell disorder, or a weak immune system. Tell your veterinarian if the pet is pregnant or nursing. Inform your veterinarian of any other medications, including vitamins and supplements your pet may be taking while receiving Tapazole.
How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Do not give in larger amount, or give it for longer than recommended by your veterinarian. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Tapazole can be given with or without food. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Store Tapazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.
What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don¿t remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and give only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of Tapazole overdose may include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, joint pain, headache, fever, itching, swelling, and easy bruising or bleeding.
What should I avoid while giving Tapazole to my pet: Do not give the pet a ¿live¿ vaccine while the pet is taking Tapazole. Contact your veterinarian at once if your pet develops signs of an infection.
What are the possible side effects of Tapazole: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving Tapazole and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips; tongue or face; hives). Stop giving Tapazole and contact your veterinarian at once if your pet develops any of these serious side effects; fever, chills, body aches; easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; blood in the urine or stools; severe blistering, peeling, and skin rash; nausea, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving Tapazole and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences headache, drowsiness, dizziness; mild nausea, or vomiting; itching; muscle, joint, or nerve pain; swelling; hair loss. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.
What other drugs will affect Tapazole: Tell your veterinarian if your pet is taking theophylline (Theo-Dur), warfarin (Coumadin), digoxin (Lanoxin), a beta blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin), metoprolol (Lopressor), or propranolol (Inderal). Drugs other than those listed may also interact with Tapazole. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines.
Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about Tapazole written for health professionals that you may read.
Call your veterinarian for medical advice about any side effects to your pet. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Directions:
•
Tapazole is a prescription medication used by veterinarians to treat overactive (hyper) thyroid in cats.
•
Tapazole is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine; however, it is a commonly accepted practice for veterinarians to prescribe this medication for cats.
•
Tapazole is also used before thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment.
•
Periodic blood tests will be necessary while the cat is taking this medication.
Tip: Do not use in pregnant or nursing animals. Tapazole can be given with or without food.
Dosage:
Pet
Weight
Dosage
Cats:
All weights
The usual initial dose varies from 2.5-5 mg two or three times a day. Periodic blood testing is required to monitor liver function and for any toxic effects on blood cells
Dogs:
Horses:
Storage: Store Tapazole at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Tapazole:
Active Ingredient (per tablet)
Amount
Methimazole
5 mg
Other Ingredients: Lactose Monohydrate, Magnesium Stearate, Starch (corn), Pregelatinized Starch and Talc.
i have been using this product for my hyperthyroid 16 year old cat for 3 weeks initial blood results were off the chart after 3 weeks on 1 pill 2 X a day all functions are now normal and he is calm and happy; dosage has now been reduced and we look forward to a healthy, happy cat for a few more years.
My 16 year old female cat lost half her body weight (went from 14 pounds to under 7) due to hyperthyroidism. She went on Tapazole, which literally saved her life! She has a ravanous appetite, but has regained a lot of the weight and is radically improved. We no longer feel her bony spine when we pet her back. This medication saved her life! She's been on the brand name, but am going to try to switch her to the generic due to the high cost. 5 stars for effectiveness and overall rating, and 1 star for taste. We have to force feed her the pill twice daily.
Our vet just charged us $70.30 for this EXACT SAME medicine (same number of tabs) ! ! ! ! I also discovered the generic of Tapezol is: 50 cents (500 tabs - generic) vs vet price: $70.30 (100 tabs) ! ! ! ! ! ! We'll never buy pet medicine from our vet again! THANK YOU PETMEDS!!!!!!!!!!
Our cat had too many side effects with this medication....scratching around face and ears, vomiting.... she looked like a zombie! We switched to Carbimazole which is converted to methimazole in the body and is less likely to cause side effects. We were able to get it at our local compounding pharmacy. Her weight is steady and no side effects!
Great question. For prescription products we will get your pet's and vet's information from you when you place the order. We will contact your vet directly to get the prescription, and mail your order to you.
Tapazole is a brand name and methimazole is the generic name. They are the same medication. Tapazole 5 mg is $1.89 per tablet whereas methimazole is $0.39 per tablet. This medication can be used by humans to treat hyperthyroid but only if prescribed by their physician.
Giving your cat and/or dog pills can be very easy.
Here's my approach: Most all pill tablets are crushable. Just put the tablet in the bottom of the cat's empty bowl, replace cap on the medicine bottle, turn it upside down and use it to crush the tablet in the dish (works best with a ceramic or glass bowl). You'll want to apply a lot of pressure while crushing the tablet, moving it around and around and back and forth until you can't feel or hear any crunchiness and it looks and feels like a very fine powder. Then tap and/or brush off the remaining powder from the medicine bottle's cap into the dish. Now you are ready to scoop out the cat's wet food; liquid or gravy part first, into the bowl on top of the finely crushed powder, already at bottom of your pet's bowl.Then take a fork and gently blend it in. The cat and/or dog will never notice anything is different about their food and most important of all you won't have to struggle with trying to give your cat or dog a pill; all the time wishing that you had chicken flavored tablets. This is a very fast, easy, and effortless process.
This information sheet is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
All
All
