Radioactive iodine therapy could, therefore, exert side effects in these tissues (7, 9). It has been reported that the pancreas expresses NIS (10, 11). A few studies report that radioactive iodine can impair glucose metabolism (12, 13).
What are the side effects of radioactive iodine therapy?
Temporary side effects of RAI may include:
- Neck tenderness and swelling.
- Nausea.
- Swollen salivary glands.
- Loss of taste or taste change.
- Dry mouth/insufficient salivary production.
- Dry eyes.
- Excessive tearing from the eyes.
What are the risks of radioactive iodine therapy?
Risks and Side Effects of Radioactive Iodine Treatment Depending on the dose used in the treatment, a hospital stay in a special isolation room for a few days may be required to prevent others from being exposed to the radiation. Short-Term Side Effects of RAI Treatment Include: Neck tenderness and swelling Nausea and vomiting
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Long term side effects of radioactive iodine treatment vary depending on:
- your age
- other medical conditions
- your dose of radioactive iodine
How do you clean after radioactive iodine treatment?
- Avoiding physical contact with other members of the household, including sleeping alone
- Flushing your toilet twice after every use
- Washing your hands frequently with decontamination soap
- Avoiding cooking for others
- Using plastic gloves to cook
- Keeping all clothing and linens separate from the rest of the household
Why does radioiodine therapy not affect other tissues?
Because the thyroid gland collects iodine to make thyroid hormone, this radioactive I is also taken up by the gland selectively. The I131 is a stronger radioactive Iodine than one used for thyroid scans. It serves to gradually destroy the cells that make up the thyroid gland and leaves other tissues unaffected.
Which organ is sensitive to radioactive iodine?
Potassium iodide protects only the thyroid, but it is the organ at greatest risk from radioactive iodine.
Can radioactive iodine cause other cancers?
This new analysis concluded that radioactive iodine was associated with an increased risk for mortality from overall cancer, breast cancer, and non-breast solid cancers.
What is the most common complication of radioiodine therapy?
The most common adverse reaction to medical therapy was a rash in 8 patients, followed by neutropaenia (neutrophils < 1.0 × 109/L) in 6 patients. LFT derangement was reported in 3 patients taking PTU and 1 patient taking carbimazole.
Does radioactive iodine affect your immune system?
Treatment of Graves' disease patients with radioactive iodide (RAI) can induce two therapeutically important alterations in immune response to thyroid antigens. These may be characterized as a first response and a second phase response.
Can the thyroid gland grow back after radioactive iodine?
Once hypothyroidism has been achieved, it is usually irreversible with the patient requiring lifelong thyroid replacement. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism after RAI therapy may be due to inadequate dosing or early Marine Lenhart syndrome.
Does radioactive iodine have long-term effects?
Long-term side effects from radioactive iodine treatment can impact patients' quality of life, Haymart says. The biggest issue is damage to patients' salivary glands and tear ducts caused by the radiation.
Does radioactive iodine affect the brain?
While further study is needed, the authors suggest that the radiation from radioactive iodine therapy affect the large arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain thus increasing the risk of a stroke.
Can radiation therapy affect others?
Is it safe to be around others while getting radiation treatment? People getting external beam radiation do not have radiation in their body and are not radioactive. People getting internal and systemic radiation can give off radiation for a short time.
How long does radioactive iodine stay in your system?
How long does radioiodine stay in your body? The radioiodine from your treatment will remain in your body temporarily. Most of the radioiodine not collected by your residual thyroid tissue will be eliminated during the first two days after your treatment.
Does radioactive iodine treatment shorten your life?
Quality of life is worse at 6-10 years after radioactive iodine therapy of Graves' disease compared with treatment with antithyroid drugs or surgery. Quality of life is worse at 6-10 years after radioactive iodine therapy of Graves' disease compared with treatment with antithyroid drugs or surgery.
Do you gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?
Treatment of hyperthyroidism with RAI or anti-thyroid medications is associated with an increased risk of gaining weight and even developing obesity. This risk is slightly higher with RAI therapy compared to medications.
Why is iodine important for the thyroid gland?
Iodine is essential for proper function of the thyroid gland, which use s it to make the thyroid hormones. The thyroid is equipped with an active system or “pump” for moving iodine into its cells, where it is concentrated as iodide. The thyroid gland is the only tissue in the body that takes up and holds onto iodine.
What is iodine used for?
Iodine, in the form of iodide, is made into two radioactive forms of iodine that are commonly used in patients with thyroid diseases: I-123 ( harmless to thyroid cells) and I-131 ( destroys thyroid cells ). The radiation emitted by each of these forms of iodine can be detected from outside the patient to gain information about thyroid function ...
What is the I-123 isotope used for?
I-123 is the usual isotope used to take pictures and determine the activity of the intact thyroid gland ( Thyroid Scan and Radioactive Iodine Uptake, RAIU ), since it is harmless to thyroid cells. No special radiation precautions are necessary after a thyroid scan or RAIU using I-123. I-131 can also be used to take pictures of the thyroid gland, ...
What is the purpose of I-131?
THYROID CANCER – Large doses of I-131 are used to destroy thyroid cancer cells (see Thyroid Cancer brochure ). This is performed after the remaining thyroid cells ( including any cancer cells) are stimulated by raising TSH levels by either withdrawing the thyroid hormone pills or by treating with recombinant human TSH.
Is rai safe for X-rays?
RAI is safe to use in individuals who have had allergic reactions to seafood or X-ray contrast agents, since the reaction is to the compound containing io dine, not the iodine itself. RAI is given by mouth in pill or liquid form.
When can you stop breast feeding after I-131?
This protects the baby who would otherwise receive radioactive milk and the mother’s breasts which concentrate RAI. Breastfeeding must be stopped at least 6 weeks before administration of I-131 treatment and should not be restarted after administration of RAI, but can be safely done after future pregnancies.
Can RAI cause thyroid cancer?
Hypothyroidism is a common side effect of RAI for hyperthyroidism and always seen after RAI for thyroid cancer. This is usually easily treated with thyroid hormone replacement (see Hypothyroidism brochure ). Some studies suggest a slight increase in thyroid cancers may be seen after RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism.
What is the radiation used for thyroid cancer?
The radiation dose used here is much stronger than the one used in radioiodine scans, which are described in Tests for Thyroid Cancer. This treatment can be used to ablate (destroy) any thyroid tissue not removed by surgery or to treat some types of thyroid cancer that have spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
How long after radiation therapy can you go home?
Depending on the dose of radioiodine used and where you are being treated, you might need to be in the hospital for a few days after treatment, staying in a special isolation room to prevent others from being exposed to radiation. Some people may not need to be hospitalized. Once you are allowed to go home after treatment, you will be given instructions on how to protect others from radiation exposure and how long you need to take these precautions. These instructions may vary slightly by treatment center. Be sure you understand the instructions before you leave the hospital.
How long should I take thyrotropin before RAI?
Another way is to get an injection (shot) of thyrotropin (Thyrogen), which can make withholding thyroid hormone for a long period of time unnecessary. This drug is given daily for 2 days, followed by RAI on the 3 rd day. Most doctors also recommend that you follow a low iodine diet for 1 or 2 weeks before treatment.
How to treat RAI?
For RAI therapy to be most effective, you must have a high level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH or thyrotropin) in the blood. This hormone is what makes thyroid tissue (and cancer cells) take up radioactive iodine. If your thyroid has been removed, there are a couple of ways to raise TSH levels before being treated with RAI: 1 One way is to stop taking thyroid hormone pills for several weeks. This causes very low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism), which makes the pituitary gland to release more TSH. This intentional hypothyroidism is temporary, but it often causes symptoms like tiredness, depression, weight gain, constipation, muscle aches, and reduced concentration. 2 Another way is to get an injection (shot) of thyrotropin (Thyrogen), which can make withholding thyroid hormone for a long period of time unnecessary. This drug is given daily for 2 days, followed by RAI on the 3 rd day.
Can you use rai for thyroid cancer?
Discuss your risks and benefits of RAI therapy with your doctor. Radioactive iodine therapy cannot be used to treat anaplastic (undifferentiated) and medullary thyroid carcinomas because these types of cancer do not take up iodine.
Can radiation cause irregular periods?
Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman’ s ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment.
Does radioactive iodine help with thyroid cancer?
Radioactive iodine therapy helps people live longer if they have papillary or follicular thyroid cancer (differentiated thyroid cancer) that has spread to the neck or other body parts, and it is now standard practice in such cases. But the benefits of RAI therapy are less clear for people with small cancers of the thyroid gland ...
Which organ absorbs radiation?
Most of the radiation is absorbed by the thyroid gland, but other organs like the breast and stomach are also exposed during treatment. The researchers observed positive dose–response relationships between the dose absorbed by an organ and mortality from cancer at that site.
When was the thyrotoxicosis follow up study?
The new findings are from a long-term follow-up study of a large cohort of people with hyperthyroidism (mainly Graves’ disease) who were treated with radiation between 1946 and 1964 , the Cooperative Thyrotoxicosis Therapy Follow-up Study.
What is RAI used for?
RAI, which has been used widely in the United States for the treatment of hyperthyroidism since the 1940s, is one of three commonly used treatments for hyperthyroidism. The other two are anti-thyroid drugs, which have been rising in popularity, and surgical treatment, which is used least often.
What is the National Cancer Institute?
About the National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI leads the National Cancer Program and NIH’s efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions, and the training and mentoring of new researchers.
What are the side effects of iodine?
Other side effects of radioactive iodine include: 1 Metallic taste in the mouth: This can last for a few weeks. 2 Nausea: This usually subsides one to two days after treatment. 3 Swollen salivary glands: This can last for a few weeks. It is caused by iodine absorbed by the salivary glands, though stimulating saliva flow a day after treatment (by sucking a lemon drop, for instance) is an effective remedy.
What is radioactive iodine ablation?
Your doctor may refer to it as radioactive iodine ablation (ablation is a term that refers to destruction or erosion). This article will focus on what you might expect when you are faced with the total elimination of your thyroid gland and its key functions. Graves disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism, occurs most often in women, ...
How long after iodine treatment can you drink water?
For the first 3 days after treatment, stay a safe distance away from others (6 feet is enough). Avoid public places and drink plenty of water (to encourage the removal of radioactive iodine through your urine). For the first three days, do not share items (utensils, bedding, towels, and personal items) with anyone else.
How long does iodine last?
Other side effects of radioactive iodine include: Metallic taste in the mouth: This can last for a few weeks. Nausea: This usually subsides one to two days after treatment. Swollen salivary glands: This can last for a few weeks.
What cells absorb iodine?
Thyroid cells are the main cells in the body that can absorb iodine, so there is very little radiation exposure to the rest of your body's cells. When the thyroid cells absorb the radiation, they are damaged or destroyed. Approximately 90% of patients need only one dose before they are cured of their hyperthyroidism.
How long does it take for a thyroid to heal?
Though you may only need a single dose, it may take up to six months before the medication fully destroys all or part of the thyroid. Fortunately, most patients experience reduced symptoms about a month after treatment. If your symptoms persist 6 months after treatment, you may need a second dose.
Does iodine kill thyroid cells?
The radioactive iodine often kills an excessive amount of thyroid cells, leaving the thyroid unable to produce enough hormones—the opposite problem you had before. It might seem odd to replace one disorder with another, but hypothyroidism is much easier to treat on a long-term basis than hyperthyroidism.
How does iodine get out of your body?
Since the excess radioactive iodine is being eliminated from your body through urine, sweat, saliva, tears , even breathing and blowing your nose, it is almost impossible not to cause contamination that others may come into contact with .
Why is radiation dangerous to others?
This is of particular concern because this can lead to internal uptake with the radioactive iodine then accumulating in their thyroids.
Why do hospitals isolate patients?
This is the main reason why most countries isolate treated patients in the hospital for several days to minimize the risks of exposing others to the dangers of radioiodine contamination. Hospitals which have isolation rooms go to great lengths to cover all surfaces with plastic to minimize contamination. Even with all that room preparation, ...
What is the best way to protect yourself from radiation?
The most effective way to safeguard your loved ones form radiation, is clean up with Bind-It. Bind-It is the ONLY product proven safe and effective at removing radioactive contamination at home. Bind-It is trusted by hospitals, cardiac clinics, nuclear pharmacies, nuclear power plants, emergency response personnel, ...
Does distance eliminate gamma radiation?
As discussed in an earlier post, the effect of the gamma radiation to other people is easily eliminated by distance. One point to make is that walls in your house do not necessarily provide the same protection as distance.
Does I131 cause thyroid problems?
If a person with a health thyroid intakes the I131, it will damage their thyroid tissue and potentially lead to future thyroid problems. Since Children have smaller thyroids then adults, the impact of contamination is greater.
How to minimize radiation risks?
Keep Your Distance. Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, ...
How to avoid radiation?
Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: 1 Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, your workplace. 2 Sleep apart from adults by at least six feet (a separate bedroom is recommended) and avoid sexual activity. 3 Avoid sleeping in the same bed with a pregnant woman, infant, or child for a period of six to 23 days. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, infants and children should ideally stay outside the home for the recommended period. 1 4 To protect family pets, do not sleep with them for up to 21 days.
Does iodine affect thyroid?
Because the radioactive iodine used (known as iodine 131) may expose those around you to the effects of radiation (and theoretically negatively affect their thyroid glands), you will be given guidelines on how to prevent such exposure. Laura Porter / Verywell.
Can you hospitalize after a RAI?
It is not common in the United States to hospitalize patients after RAI, but if you are receiving a particularly high dosage of iodine 131 and have no way to protect children or babies, it may be an option. A Low-Iodine Diet Can Make Radioactive Iodine Treatment More Effective.
How long can you live after iodine treatment?
You can expect to live a fairly normal life after radioactive iodine treatment but your life will probably not be exactly as it was before your procedure. For most people, this means that you can expect to live at 80-90% of your 'normal'.
How long does radioactive iodine affect sperm count?
Important to men is the fact that radioactive iodine can cause short-term reductions in sperm count for up to 2 years after your procedure (8). This may or may not be important to you based on your age, your gender, and whether or not fertility is something you are interested in but, again, it's worth knowing about.
How to avoid weight gain after RAI?
Your best bet to AVOID weight gain after RAI is to go into your procedure with a normal weight and to maintain a healthy lifestyle both before and after. Just realize that you will always be in a 'sensitive' category and you will be more likely to gain weight compared to people with their thyroid intact. #3.
What happens if you destroy your thyroid gland?
And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. Anectodally, you've probably already heard stories about people gaining weight after their procedure.
Can you survive after RAI?
You can obviously survive after RAI (otherwise they wouldn't do the procedure) but I want to teach you how to thrive afterward. And to key to getting there is to understand what happens to your body after this procedure and how it influences your thyroid function.
Can you take a thyroid pill every day?
There's no way for doctors to give you a pill once a day and for that pill to perform the exact same function that your thyroid gland does every minute of every day. Because of this, people may experience symptoms which may lead them to want to restore whatever thyroid function they can.
Does RAI cause weight gain?
Many clinical studies have also confirmed that weight gain after RAI is a real risk. The good news is that not every single person who gets RAI will necessarily gain weight. But it does increase your risk of weight gain if you have the procedure by about 2 to 3 times.