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Carbimazole agranulocytosis — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateAdverse Drug Reactions and SafetyCarbimazole agranulocytosisGPhC CRA

A 42-year-old woman started carbimazole 20 mg daily for Graves' disease three weeks ago. She asks for advice about fever, sore throat and mouth ulcers. Her temperature is 38.4°C. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: AStop carbimazole and seek urgent blood test or medical assessment today

Carbimazole can cause agranulocytosis, which may present with fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers. The patient should stop the medicine and seek urgent full blood count and medical assessment. Continuing treatment while symptomatic could be dangerous. Antibiotic treatment should not be started in pharmacy without assessment of neutropenia risk.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS