Tapazole works rapidly to remedy hyperthyroidism
in cats. It is better tolerated than propylthiouracil and rarely causes
side effects, all of which are typically mild. Tapazole helps manage
the rapid heart rate, coat problems, increased irritability, weight
loss, excessive hunger and thirst, trouble with temperature regulation,
diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, hyperactivity, hypertension, weakness,
and other symptoms associated with an overactive thyroid in cats.
Benefits of Tapazole:
- Treats hyperthyroidism in cats
- Lessens or eliminates the many symptoms associated
with this condition
- Helps prevent complications of hyperthyroidism
- Improves the quality of life in animals with an overactive
thyroid
- Starts working quickly
- Better tolerated than the alternative medication
propylthiouracil
- Does not usually cause side effects, and those that
do occur are typically mild
Read the instructions and precautionary statements
on the label prior to use.
Your veterinarian will need to perform blood tests
every 3 to 4 weeks until an appropriate maintenance dose is established.
Thereafter, your veterinarian will perform periodic blood tests (usually
every 3 to 6 months).
The directions below represent a standard use. Follow
the specifications of your veterinarian's prescription.
Directions:
- Administer ½ to 1 tablet (2.5 to 5 mg) to cats 2 to 3 times per
day.
- Give Tapazole with or without food.
- Allow access to plenty of fresh water with administration.
Frequency of Use:
Tapazole is generally given every 8 to 12 hours,
or 2 to 3 times daily. It is taken for life.
Storage:
Keep out of reach of children and animals.
Store Tapazole in its original container, tightly
sealed, at room temperature. Protect from moisture and heat. Do not
store in the bathroom. Use or discard by the expiration date.
It is a violation of Federal
Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition marked by excess thyroid
hormone. Methimazole, the active ingredient in Tapazole, inhibits the
production of thyroid hormone. This medication must be taken for life;
if administration is discontinued, thyroid hormone levels will rise
and symptoms of hyperthyroidism will return.
Tapazole Active Ingredients (per
tablet): methimazole 5 mg
Tapazole Inactive Ingredients: Lactose Monohydrate, Magnesium Stearate, Starch
(corn), Pregelatinized Starch, Talc
Warnings:
Keep this product out of reach of children and animals.
Do not use or store in or near open flame or heat.
Tapazole is only intended for cats. Use only in the
cat for which it was prescribed. Do not administer to other animals.
Not for human use.
CAUTION: Do not administer in higher
doses than prescribed. Use exactly as prescribed by your veterinarian.
Not for use in cats with a hypersensitivity to methimazole.
Seek emergency veterinary treatment for an allergic reaction.
Do not give to cats with blood cell disorders, liver
disease, or autoimmune diseases.
Not for pregnant or nursing animals.
Side effects may include diminished appetite, vomiting,
drowsiness, edema, itching, hives, or rash. Mention any adverse reactions
to your veterinarian.
Discontinue use and contact your veterinarian right
away if your cat develops jaundice, fever, chills, easy bleeding or
bruising, weakness, bloody stool or urine, or severe blistering or peeling.
Overdose may cause liver toxicity or blood disorders.
Some symptoms include nausea, emesis, fever, and easy bruising. Seek
emergency veterinary attention.
Tapazole increases the risk of bleeding and makes
treated pets more susceptible to infections.
Do not administer a live vaccine to any cat taking
Tapazole.
Tapazole can interact with other drugs and supplements.
Check with your veterinarian before using any medications or supplements
in your pet. Tell your veterinarian if your cat takes a beta-blocker,
warfarin, digoxin, theophylline, metoprolol, propranolol, or other medications
or supplements.