skip to main content

Carbimazole warning — GPhC CRA MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardEndocrine TherapeuticsCarbimazole warningGPhC CRA

Ten days after starting carbimazole, a patient develops fever, painful mouth ulcers and a severe sore throat. Which advice is most appropriate?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: CImmediate carbimazole cessation, urgent clinical assessment and an FBC before reconsideration

Fever, sore throat and mouth ulcers are warning symptoms of carbimazole-associated neutropenia or agranulocytosis. The medicine should be stopped immediately and urgent medical assessment with a full blood count arranged; restart must await an appropriate clinical decision. Thyroid tests, brief dose omission, symptom treatment or delayed review do not address a potentially life-threatening blood dyscrasia, which can occur early.

Reference: SPS: carbimazole monitoring. https://sps.nhs.uk/monitorings/carbimazole-monitoring/