Pronounced: RAY-dee-oh-AK-tiv I-oh-dine
Radioactive iodine treatment is used to treat certain thyroid diseases and thyroid cancer. The procedure is done with a radioactive form of the element iodine. Radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland, where it treats disease by destroying the cells. However, the radioactivity is not spread to other parts of the body.
It may be done to treat hyperthyroidism , where the thyroid gland is overactive. The procedure is also used to treat certain types of cancers , including thyroid cancer .
Possible side effects and complications of radioactive iodine therapy include:
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of complications. Since the procedure may be harmful to the fetus, it should not be done in pregnant women. Nursing mothers should stop breastfeeding for at least a week after the procedure.
You will be given some tablets that contain radioactive iodine. You will swallow the tablets. The iodine will be naturally taken up by the thyroid.
At least an hour
The treatment is painless.
Any radioactive iodine that is not taken up directly by the thyroid will be passed through the urine. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, which may include:
The majority of people who undergo the treatment will have their thyroid levels return to normal within 8-12 weeks. However, in a small number of patients, a second dose of radioactive iodine treatment is needed.
A follow-up visit with your doctor will be scheduled 4-6 weeks after treatment. Radioactive active iodine treatment can cause hypothyroidism (low thyroid function). This can occur at any time after treatment. Your doctor will need to check your thyroid status every few months until levels are stable.
While side effects may occur, they are rarely severe. If the following persist for more than 24 hours, talk to your doctor:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
http://www.aace.com/
Endocrine Society
http://www.endo-society.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/
Thyroid Foundation of Canada
http://www.thyroid.ca/
References:
Cronin C, Wendt C. Radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism. PeaceHealth website. Available at: http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/topic/detail/other/hw148148/detail.htm. Accessed May 28, 2007.
Effects of low-iodide diet on postsurgical radioiodide ablation therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2003;58(4):428-435.
Instructions for receiving radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism. University of Washington Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.uwmedicine.org/PatientCare/MedicalSpecialties/SpecialtyCare/UWMEDICALCENTER/Radiology/instructionsforhyperthyroidism.htm. Accessed May 28, 2007.
Radioactive iodine use for thyroid diseases. American Thyroid Association website. Available at: http://www.thyroid.org/patients/brochures/RadioactiveIRAI.pdf. Accessed May 28, 2007.
Rivkees SA, Dinauer C: An optimal treatment for pediatric Graves’ disease is radioiodine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007; 92:797-800
Last reviewed November 2009 by B. Gabriel Smolarz, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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