Radioactive iodine
Radioactive iodine treatment is a type of internal radiotherapy. Radioactive iodine is a targeted treatment. The treatment uses a radioactive form of iodine called iodine 131 (I-131). The radiation in the iodine then kills the cancer cells. It is mainly taken up by thyroid cells, having little affect on other cells.
Precautions Following Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Because your body retains and then gives off radiation after treatment with radioactive iodine (also called radioiodine), you will need to follow certain precautions to ensure safety to yourself and others. In general, Duration of contact with others, observance of distance and health arrangements are the basic and key principles in post-iodine treatment measures.
Important instructions after iodine therapy
A Nuclear Medicine Technologist or Radiation Safety Officer will check your radiation level during your treatment. When the radiation level is low enough to be safe, you will be ready to go home. Before you leave the hospital your nurse or doctor will give you instructions about your thyroid hormone medicine and a follow-up appointment. The Radiation Safety Officer will also give you an appointment for a whole body scan. Important instructions to follow when you get home:
First 8 hours:
Drink one glass of water each hour and use the bathroom as soon as possible when you need to empty your bladder. Men should sit on the toilet while urinating to decrease splashing. Use a tissue to wipe up any urine on the toilet bowl and flush twice. Wash your hands and rinse the sink.
Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet from all people. If possible, you should drive home alone. If it is not possible to drive alone, you should choose the seat that keeps as much distance as possible between you and the other passengers. You should not use public transportation.
First two days:
Do not share cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils. Wash items promptly after using. Other people may use items after they are washed.
Use separate towels, washcloths, and sheets. And wash them separately.
Flush the toilet twice and rinse the sink and tub after use.
First week:
Arrangements should be made for others to provide childcare for infants and very young children.
Sleep alone for 7 days unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Avoid kissing and physical contact with others, and maintain a distance of at least 3 feet from women who are pregnant and children under 18 years old.
Avoid activities where you may be close to others for more than 5 minutes, for example, movie theaters, sporting events and public transportation.
Avoid having sex with your partner for a week.
Other instructions after iodine therapy:
- After you take your treatment, you may have follow-up exams every 4 to 6 weeks until your thyroid hormone levels return to normal.
- 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.
- You won’t be able to continue breastfeeding after your treatment because your breast milk can expose your baby to radiation.
Risks
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.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Unusually low (hypothyroidism) or unusually high (hyperthyroidism) thyroid levels.
References
https://www.virginiamason.org/precautions-following-radioactiveiodine-therapy
https://www.snmmi.org/AboutSNMMI/Content.aspx?ItemNumber=5609
