Trueremedies.com
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.
Allremedies.com
Oct 14, 2009 · Radioactive iodine is a common treatment for hyperthyroidism that works to stop the overproduction of thyroxin by destroying the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine is one of three common treatments for hyperthyroidism.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Radioactive iodine is a medicine that you take one time. After you swallow it, it is taken up by your thyroid gland. Depending on the dosage used, the radioactivity in the iodine destroys most or all of the tissue in your thyroid gland, but it does not harm any other parts of your body. While radiation can cause thyroid cancer, treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine does …
What are the side effects of radioactive iodine therapy?
Jul 28, 2021 · Radioactive iodine is a medicine that you take one time. After you swallow it, it is taken up by your thyroid gland. Depending on the dosage used, the radioactivity in the iodine destroys most or all of the tissue in your thyroid gland, but it does not harm any other parts of your body. While radiation can cause thyroid cancer, treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive …
What to expect after radioactive iodine treatment?
Radioactive iodine has been used as a treatment for thyroid disorders, most commonly hyperthyroidism, goitres and thyroid cancer since the 1940s. We have a range of general information to help you understand more about this treatment, how it is used and how safe it is. If you have any specific questions about your own treatment, or that of your family member or …
Is iodine crucial or harmful for hypothyroidism treatment?
Dec 03, 2021 · What is radioactive iodine therapy? Radioactive iodine therapy is a radiopharmaceutical. It involves the use of radioactive isotopes — in this case, Iodine-131 (I-131) — to diagnose or treat disease. How is radioactive iodine therapy used? Currently, radioactive iodine therapy is only used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) and certain …
What are the long-term side effects of radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism?
How long does it take for radioactive iodine to work for hyperthyroidism?
How safe is radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism?
What are the side effects of taking radioactive iodine?
Can hyperthyroidism come back after radioactive iodine?
How long do you have to be in isolation after radioactive iodine?
Does radioactive iodine shorten your life?
Which is better radioactive iodine or surgery?
How do you feel after radioactive iodine treatment?
How successful is radioactive iodine treatment?
Will I gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?
What are the long term effects of radioactive iodine?
Does radioactive iodine destroy thyroid?
Radioactive iodine therapy can destroy all or part of the thyroid gland, depending on need. While there may be instances when you won't need to have the entire thyroid gland rendered nonfunctional to alleviate your hyperthyroid symptoms, total destruction of the thyroid is most often necessary.
Can radioactive iodine cause thyroid cancer?
Radioactive iodine used in this manner will not cause thyroid cancer or impair fertility. A Special Caution for Women. Pregnant women or women who want to become pregnant in the next 6 months should not use radioactive iodine, as the treatment can destroy the fetus's thyroid and impair its development.
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.
Is rai the same as iodine threapy?
Radioiodine, or RAI, is given as a pill, to treat hyperthyroidism by gradually shrinking your thyroid —ultimately destroying the gland. Yes, RAI is the same as radioactive iodine threapy, which was the formal medical term. It has been changed to lessen the scariness of sound of this therapy.
Is radioactive iodine safe?
This thyroid treatment is much safer than it sounds; in fact, it is the most commonly used hyperthyroid treatment in the US. Unlike antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine is a permanent and more reliable cure for hyperthyroidism. Radioiodine Ablation. Radioactive iodine therapy can destroy all or part of the thyroid gland, depending on need.
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, ...
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.
Treatment Overview
Radioactive iodine is a medicine that you take one time. After you swallow it, it is taken up by your thyroid gland. Depending on the dosage used, the radioactivity in the iodine destroys most or all of the tissue in your thyroid gland, but it does not harm any other parts of your 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 has the best chance of permanently curing hyperthyroidism. Doctors often use it if your hyperthyroidism comes back after you have been treated with antithyroid medicine. It can also be used if your hyperthyroidism comes back after you have surgery to remove part of your thyroid gland.
How Well It Works
For most people, one dose of radioactive iodine treatment will cure hyperthyroidism. Usually, thyroid hormone levels return to normal in 8 to 12 weeks. In rare cases, the person needs a second or third dose of radioactive iodine.
Does radioactive iodine help with hyperthyroidism?
Radioactive iodine has the best chance of permanently curing hyperthyroidism. Doctors often use it if your hyperthyroidism comes back after you have been treated with antithyroid medicine. It can also be used if your hyperthyroidism comes back after you have surgery to remove part of your thyroid gland. Learn more.
Does radioactive iodine cause thyroid cancer?
While radiation can cause thyroid cancer, treatment of hyperthyroidism with radioactive iodine does not increase your chances of getting thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine treatment has been safely used on millions of people for more than 60 years.
How long does it take for thyroid to return to normal after iodine?
For most people, one dose of radioactive iodine treatment will cure hyperthyroidism. Usually, thyroid hormone levels return to normal in 8 to 12 weeks. In rare cases, the person needs a second or third dose of radioactive iodine. Risks. Some side effects from radioactive iodine treatment include:
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 ...
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 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.
What is hyperthyroidism?
The thyroid gland, located at the front of your neck, makes hormones that control your metabolism—the way your body uses energy. Hyperthyroidism, also called overactive thyroid, occurs when your thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. Too much thyroid hormone speeds up many of the body's functions.
What is the treatment of hyperthyroidism?
The goal of treatment is to lower the amount of thyroid hormones. Treatment options include
How does radioactive iodine treatment work?
Iodine is important for making thyroid hormones. Just as the thyroid naturally collects iodine from the foods we eat, it does the same with RAI. Because RAI has a small amount of radiation, it destroys thyroid cells. Afterward, the gland no longer makes as much thyroid hormone. RAI rarely affects other parts of the body.
How should I prepare for RAI?
If you are taking antithyroid drugs, stop them five to seven days before treatment. Do not stop taking beta blockers (drugs such as atenolol) if your doctor has prescribed them.
What are the side effects of RAI?
RAI is generally safe. Sometimes neck pain can result. Yet, this does not last long, and pain medicine can help relieve the discomfort.
Is RAI treatment a cure?
In most patients, the first RAI treatment cures hyperthyroidism. Some, however, will need a second RAI treatment.
Resources
Find-an-Endocrinologist: www.hormone.org or call 1-800-HORMONE (1-800-467-6663)
