Some side effects from radioactive iodine treatment include: Metallic taste in your mouth. Dry mouth. Sore throat. Neck pain. Radioactive iodine treatment can make your neck swell up or hurt. Nausea or vomiting, which is usually mild.
What are the risks of radioactive iodine therapy?
Oct 30, 2018 · 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'.
What are the long term effects of radioactive iodine?
Mar 13, 2022 · 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.
What are the side effects of radioactive iodine therapy?
Radioactive iodine (RAI) is treatment for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and certain types of thyroid cancer. The term “radioactive” may sound frightening, but it is a safe, generally well-tolerated, and reliable treatment that targets thyroid cells so there is little exposure to the rest of your body’s cells. Appointments & Access.
What to expect after radiation therapy?
Nov 03, 2020 · What can I expect after my radioactive iodine treatment? Avoid close contact with others. Stay at least an arm’s length away from others for about 11 days after treatment. Avoid activities that put you in ... Do not breastfeed. Do not share food, utensils, dishes or bottles with others. Wash these ...
How long do you have to be in isolation after radioactive iodine?
You are also required to self isolate for 7 days after your radioiodine treatment in order to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst there is still a large amount of radioactivity in your body. A small proportion of people with COVID-19 may become very unwell and require admission to hospital.
How do you feel after radioactive iodine treatment?
A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. Some people also feel flushed.May 24, 2021
What can you not do after radioactive iodine treatment?
First two days:Do not share cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils. Wash items promptly after using. ... Do not share towels or washcloths.Flush the toilet twice and rinse the sink and tub after use.Wash your towels, bed linens, underwear, and any clothing stained with urine or sweat.
Where do you stay after radioactive iodine treatment?
To decrease the radiation dose to others:You should sleep in a separate bed. ... Remain in your home for the first four days.Do not hold young children or spend much time near a pregnant woman.Family members should stay about six feet or more from you.More items...•Apr 30, 2009
Does radioactive iodine make you tired?
Radioactive iodine treatment can make your neck swell up or hurt. Nausea or vomiting, which is usually mild. Constipation or diarrhea. Fatigue.
What can you eat after radioactive iodine treatment?
You can eat the following foods because they contain very low levels of iodine:fruits and vegetables including potatoes.cooked green vegetables.meat.ordinary table salt and sea salt.fresh bread.rice and dries pasta.non dairy spreads such as Vitalite, Pure and non dairy Flora.olive oil, vegetable oils and nut oils.More items...
Can I use my cell phone after radioactive iodine?
You will have to stay in your room for at least 1 to 2 hours after your treatment. You can use your cell phone or watch TV to help pass the time. You won't be able to have visitors during this time. You may not have any side effects from the treatment right after you get it, but you may have side effects later.Aug 19, 2020
Do you gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?
They undergo treated with antithyroid drugs or with medication plus radioactive iodine treatment (RAI). Following treatment for hyperthyroidism, patients will observe a steady weight gain despite not changes in their eating or exercise.Jun 1, 2020
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Longer-term complications include recurrent sialoadenitis associated with xerostomia, mouth pain, dental caries, pulmonary fibrosis, nasolacrimal outflow obstruction, and second primary malignancies. This article summarizes the common complications of RAI and methods to prevent and manage these complications.
Can you go home after radiation treatment?
You may be able to go home shortly after the procedure. Depending on the area treated, you may receive several treatments over a number of days or weeks. Most patients feel little discomfort during brachytherapy. If the radioactive source is held in place with an applicator, you may feel discomfort from the applicator.
Can I sleep with my dog after radioactive iodine?
To protect family pets, do not sleep with them for up to 21 days.Nov 19, 2020
Is it safe to be around someone after radioactive iodine treatment?
Although the treatments with 131-I are generally safe, RAI produces radiation so patients must do their best to avoid radiation exposure to others, particularly to pregnant women and young children. The amount of radiation exposure markedly decreases as the distance from the patient increases.
What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
The most common types of thyroid cancer (papillary and follicular) can usually be treated with large doses of radioactive iodine. (The dosages of RAI are much higher than with hyperthyroidism treatment.) The therapy is usually given after removal of the thyroid gland to destroy any remaining thyroid tissue. A “tracer” dose of radioactive iodine can ...
What are the side effects of RAI?
Temporary side effects of RAI may include: 1 Neck tenderness and swelling. 2 Nausea. 3 Swollen salivary glands. 4 Loss of taste or taste change. 5 Dry mouth/insufficient salivary production. 6 Dry eyes. 7 Excessive tearing from the eyes.
When should breast feeding be stopped?
Breast feeding should be stopped at least six weeks before RAI and should not be resumed. In the days immediately following your RAI therapy, be aware of these general precautions to prevent radioactive exposure to others.
What is a tracer used for?
A “tracer” dose of radioactive iodine can also be used to track remaining thyroid tissue and/or cancer that could have spread to other parts of the body. These tests show if iodine concentrates in areas that contain thyroid cancer, and whether large amounts of RAI are needed to destroy the tumor implants.
How does RAI work?
The thyroid is the most efficient organ at concentrating iodine. RAI treats hyperthyroidism by damaging or destroying thyroid cells through radiation. RAI is taken in an oral capsule form. You don’t need to be hospitalized unless the dose is very high, which is rarely needed.
Can RAI cause hypothyroidism?
Permanent hypothy roidism (or underactive thyroid, when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones) is an expected side effect of RAI treatment for hyperthyroidism. Fortunately, hypothyroidism is much easier to treat than hyperthyroidism using hormone replacement therapy.
How to prepare for radioactive iodine treatment?
You can prepare for a radioactive iodine treatment by: Abstaining from sex or using effective birth control to avoid pregnancy before and for up to a year after treatment.
What is radioactive iodine used for?
Your doctor, typically an endocrinologist, may recommend radioactive iodine treatment to treat thyroid cancer or an overactive thyroid gland, also called hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.
What is the treatment for thyroid cancer?
Chemotherapy uses medications to slow or stop the growth of thyroid cancer cells. External radiation therapy uses X-ray beams to kill thyroid cancer cells. Surgery removes an overactive thyroid gland.
How to get rid of radiation?
Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the radiation. Sleep alone and do not have sex. Do not become pregnant for up to a year after treatment. The radiation in your body may set off certain security systems, such as at the airport, for about three months. Your care team will give you a card that explains this.
Can thyroid cancer be removed?
You may also need surgery to remove all or part of a cancerous thyroid and possibly lymph nodes in the neck if the thyroid cancer has spread. Thyroid hormone therapy uses drugs to prevent your body from making thyroid hormones or blocks their action to stop cancer cells from growing.
What is the function of the thyroid?
The thyroid efficiently absorbs and concentrates iodine from foods that contain iodine, such as iodized salt, as well as radioactive iodine. Once in the thyroid, radioactive iodine destroys thyroid tissue and thyroid cancer cells.
Can you forget about radioactive iodine?
Having radioactive iodine treatment can be stressful. It is common for patients to forget some of their questions during a doctor’s office visit. You may also think of other questions after your appointment. Contact your doctor with concerns and questions before your procedure and between appointments.
General recommendations
For a period of time, you will need to keep your distance from other people, especially young children and pregnant women.
Pregnancy and children
Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to have sex and become pregnant.
Travel
Don't take public transportation. If you are able, it's best to drive yourself.
How long after iodine treatment can you get a scan?
Less than 1 week after your treatment, you’ll have a follow-up appointment with Nuclear Medicine. There, you’ll have a scan to see where the radioactive iodine was taken up in your body. You’ll get an appointment card before you go home.
How long after radioactive iodine therapy can you get pregnant?
Pregnancy and radioactive iodine therapy. Don’t get pregnant or get your partner pregnant for at least 6 months after getting radioactive iodine therapy, or as long as your doctor tells you to. Use birth control after treatment for at least 6 months after getting this treatment.
How long before breast cancer treatment can you pump milk?
To prevent having radioactive iodine collect in your breast after your treatment, you’ll need to stop breastfeeding or pumping breast milk at least 6 to 12 weeks before your treatment.
What is the phone number for radiation?
Contact Information. If you have any questions about radiation safety, call 212-639-7391 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you have an emergency after 5:00 pm, during the weekend, or on holidays, call your endocrine doctor, or go to urgent care or the nearest emergency room.
Where does radioactive iodine leave the body?
Most of the extra radioactive iodine will leave your body through your urine (pee), and smaller amounts will leave your body in your saliva (spit), sweat, and bowel movements (poop).
Do you have to wear a mask at MSK?
Masks Are Still Required at MSK. Patients and visitors must continue to wear masks while at MSK, including people who are fully vaccinated. MSK is offering COVID-19 vaccines to all patients age 12 and over. To schedule or learn more, read this.
What is the phone number for MSK?
If you're a patient at MSK and you need to reach a provider after 5:00 pm, during the weekend, or on a holiday, call 212-639-2000.
Treatment Overview
Radioactive iodine, given in a capsule or liquid form, is absorbed and concentrated by the thyroid gland. The treatment destroys thyroid tissue but does not harm other tissue in the body.
What To Expect
Most people don't feel different after treatment. But a few people may have nausea.
Why It Is Done
Radioactive iodine may be used to treat hyperthyroidism in people who have noncancerous (benign) thyroid nodules that make too much thyroid hormone.
How Well It Works
In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. If your thyroid hormone level does not go down after 6 months, you may need another dose of radioactive iodine.
