Hyperthyroidism is a common health problem in older cats. Treatment options include the oral medication methimazole, radioiodine therapy, feeding an iodine-restricted diet (iodine is used by the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone), and surgical removal of the thyroid gland, which is rarely pursued nowadays.
Cost and other health problems can limit some cat owners to medical treatment only, and the FDA’s approval for the first generic form of methimazole for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats may help decrease the expense.
Felanorm, the newly approved generic, contains no inactive ingredients that may significantly affect the bioavailability of the active ingredient, which is methimazole. Felanorm is a liquid that requires twice-daily dosing.
As with any medical treatment for hyperthyroidism, your cat will still need periodic rechecks to be sure the treatment is working as desired. A prescription from your veterinarian is required to get the drug.
The manufacturer recommends that owners wear disposable gloves and wash carefully after treating their cats to limit their own exposure to the drug.
