Bremo Pharmacy is certified to compound special medications for animal use. One of the most common products made for veterinary purposes at Bremo Pharmacy is Methimazole - Transdermal Gel. The drug is used for cats with high thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism).
Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormone disorder that affects cats. The thyroid is located in the throat area and consists of 2 glands, one on each side of the esophagus (windpipe). The most common cause of hyperthyroidism in cats is multiple, small growths on the thyroid gland. The growths result in over-activity of the thyroid and increased production of certain hormones. The hormones that are released from the thyroid gland essentially affect every part of the body. It is typically diagnosed in the middle to late years of the cat’s life (average age = 13 years) and can easily be detected with a simple blood test. Some signs and symptoms would be: increased food and water consumption, weight loss (despite the increased appetite), increased urination, diarrhea/vomiting, restlessness or increased activity, hair loss, and increased heart rate. If this disorder goes without treatment it can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, and ultimately death.
There are several treatments for hyperthyroidism in cats. One option is the medication methimazole (Tapazole®) tablet given twice daily. As you may imagine, remembering to give your cat medicine twice a day is a feat in itself. Then the battle of actually getting a cat to swallow a tablet is sometimes tremendous!
There is an easier way! Bremo Pharmacy compounds a special mixture of methimazole in a gel-form that is rubbed on the inside of the cat’s ear and absorbed into the body through the skin. Many Veterinarians in the area are prescribing this dose form for their cat-patients. The gel-formulation is slightly more expensive than the tablet. Many cat owners find it worth the additional expense due to the ease of administration. It is also associated with fewer adverse effects on the digestive system compared to the tablet given by mouth. Comparisons between methimazole tablets vs. gel-form showed very similar therapeutic results after 1 month of treatment.
Other treatment options are available as well. A permanent resolution of the disorder can be achieved by surgery (removal of thyroid) or radioactive iodine therapy. Both are very effective, but are more expensive. Talk to your Veterinarian or your local Bremo pharmacist today about veterinary compounding accommodations or questions.
Casey Jones, PharmD candidate 2009
