The 3 different treatments for an overactive thyroid

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Treatment options

Treatment	Cannot use if	Advantages	Disadvantages
Tablets carbimazole, propylthiouracil (PTU)	You have had a severe reaction to one of these drugs	Quite quick to work (4-6 weeks) Sudden swings in thyroid hormone level unlikely Painless	12-18 months course of tablets Thyroid overactivity comes back in 60-70% of patients after treatment. 10% risk of rash or other minor side-effects Very rarely stops production of white blood cells
Radioiodine	You are pregnant or breast feeding	Painless Permanent - low chance of over activity coming back	Slow action (up to 6 months): tablets may be needed during this time High chance (50%-80%) of permanent thyroid under activity requiring thyroxine tablets May worsen eye problems Need to avoid prolonged close contact with others for a 1-2 weeks after treatment
Surgery	You are unfit for an operation or your thyroid over activity is not controlled first	Quick (days) Permanent - low chance of over activity coming back	Risk of general anaesthetic Low risk of causing hoarse voice or damage to calcium controlling glands Likely to cause thyroid under activity requiring thyroxine tablets Temporary discomfort Neck scar

Endocrine Specialist Nurses
uhsussex.ens@nhs.net

Royal Sussex County Hospital
Endocrine specialist nurse
01273 696955 extension 64379

Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath
Endocrine specialist nurse
01444 441881 extension 65660

If you have any urgent or emergency questions then your GP can advise you or they will contact the hospital on your behalf.

Patient self-help groups and further information: British Thyroid Foundation

This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.

This information is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.

Publication Date: July 2021

Review Date: April 2024