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What can I Expect During Radioactive Iodine Therapy?

A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman

Radioactive iodine therapy is a quick, simple procedure that involves swallowing a single pill. In some cases, the treatment may be in the form of powder dissolved in water. Radioactive iodine therapy is commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland. If a patient has hyperthyroidism, her thyroid makes too much of the hormone thyroxine, leading to a higher metabolism, weight loss, and irritability. Radioactive iodine therapy is also sometimes used to treat thyroid cancer. While radioactive iodine therapy is quick and has few if any side effects, there are some precautions you need to take before and after the treatment.

After you swallow the pill or powder that contains radioactive iodine, your digestive tract will absorb the iodine and transfer it to your bloodstream, where it will travel directly to the thyroid. Once in the thyroid, the iodine, which is different from regular iodine because it has an extra beta particle, will begin destroying thyroid cells, putting an end to hyperthyroidism or eradicating the cancer. The treatment usually results in an under-active thyroid. After radioactive iodine therapy, you will need to take a synthetic thyroid hormone for the rest of your life.

A sore throat is a possible side effect of undergoing radioactive iodine therapy.
A sore throat is a possible side effect of undergoing radioactive iodine therapy.

The side effects of the therapy are usually mild and infrequent. You may experience some pain in the gland, which will feel like a sore throat. Your neck may feel tender, and your salivary glands may swell. If you experience any of these side effects, you may want to try sucking on lozenges to ease the pain. Other side effects include dry mouth, nausea, and change in taste.

Sucking on lozenges may help ease the throat pain associated with radioactive iodine therapy.
Sucking on lozenges may help ease the throat pain associated with radioactive iodine therapy.

For up to 11 days after the treatment, you will need to take certain precautions since your neck will be releasing radiation. Keep friends and family at a distance, especially young children and women who are pregnant. If you usually sleep with a partner, you will need to sleep alone. Avoid going to social activities as well as to the movies or even sitting next to someone on the couch for a more than just a few minutes. You can hug others, but do so quickly.

The body naturally directs iodine to the thyroid.
The body naturally directs iodine to the thyroid.

You should drink plenty of fluids after radioactive iodine therapy. Since the iodine is secreted through urine and other bodily fluids, you should flush the toilet twice after using it. You may want to launder your clothing and wash your dishes separately from others to prevent contamination or exposure to the radiation.

It usually takes about six months for the therapy to run its course. During this time, do not become pregnant and do not breastfeed any infants. If you are a woman, you will have to take a pregnancy test within a day before the therapy to make sure you are not pregnant.

Discussion Comments

bagley79

I have read about the connection between iodine and your thyroid and if someone is experiencing thyroid symptoms this would be something interesting to look into. This radioactive iodine treatment therapy sounds kind of scary with releasing radiation for so long after taking it.

Sounds like something you would definitely not want to rush in to without doing your research and looking at other options. Just taking one pill sounds pretty easy, but there are several other things to think about before doing so.

John57

I am always looking for alternative ways for help with medical symptoms instead of my first choice being a prescription medication. In my research I found out there was a connection with iodine and using it for thyroid treatment.

I know are many sources on the web where you can research this information, but there is also a Yahoo groups that is very helpful if you are looking for an alternative. It is a very active group and full of great information. I think it always helpful to look at as many options as you can before deciding on the best treatment for you.

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    • A sore throat is a possible side effect of undergoing radioactive iodine therapy.
      By: absolutimages
      A sore throat is a possible side effect of undergoing radioactive iodine therapy.
    • Sucking on lozenges may help ease the throat pain associated with radioactive iodine therapy.
      By: kostrez
      Sucking on lozenges may help ease the throat pain associated with radioactive iodine therapy.
    • The body naturally directs iodine to the thyroid.
      By: ksena32
      The body naturally directs iodine to the thyroid.
    • Radioactive iodine therapy is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Radioactive iodine therapy is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland.