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Carbimazole-induced agranulocytosis — SCE Endocrinology MCQ

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EasyThyroidCarbimazole-induced agranulocytosisSCE Endocrinology

A 36-year-old woman on carbimazole for Graves' disease develops sore throat and mouth ulcers. Temperature is 38.2°C and pulse is 106/min. She has taken carbimazole for 7 weeks. What is the most appropriate management?

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

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Correct answer: D — Stop carbimazole and obtain urgent full blood count

Carbimazole can cause agranulocytosis, and fever or sore throat requires stopping the drug and urgent blood count. Continuing treatment risks life-threatening sepsis if neutropenia is present. The pearl is that patients on thionamides need explicit safety-netting.

Reference: BNF, NICE NG145