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Carbimazole agranulocytosis — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateEndocrine TherapeuticsCarbimazole agranulocytosisGPhC CRA

A patient taking carbimazole for hyperthyroidism phones with a sore throat, fever and mouth ulcers. He asks whether to buy paracetamol. What is the most appropriate action?

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

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Correct answer: B — Advise stopping carbimazole and seeking urgent blood count assessment

Carbimazole can rarely cause agranulocytosis, which may present with sore throat, fever or mouth ulcers. Patients should stop treatment and seek urgent full blood count assessment if these symptoms occur. The other options either delay appropriate care, use an unsuitable medicine, or miss the main safety issue.

Reference: BNF