What Are The Side Effects Of Radioactive Iodine Pills?

• Neck tenderness and swelling.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Swelling and tenderness of the salivary glands.
• Dry mouth.
• Taste changes.

How long does it take for radioiodine to leave the body?

How Long Does the Radioiodine Stay in the Body? The radioiodine from your treatment will remain in your body only temporarily. Most of the radioiodine not collected by your thyroid gland will be eliminated during

the first two days

after your treatment.

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.

What can you not do after radioactive iodine treatment?

You will be advised to

sleep alone

for the first few days after your treatment. During this period, you should avoid kissing or sexual intercourse. Also avoid prolonged physical contact with others, particularly children and pregnant women. If you have a baby, be sure to get instructions from your doctor.

Is radioactive iodine bad for you?

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.

What does radioactive iodine do to the body?

Radioactive iodine

enters your bloodstream

and is taken up by any thyroid- like cells. The radioactivity destroys the cancer cells. The radioactive iodine gives off radiation nearby and destroys the cancer cells over time.

How does radioactive iodine make you feel?

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. Rarely, people can feel pain in their neck.

How do I clean my house after radioactive iodine treatment?

1. Do not share cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils. Wash items promptly after using. …
2. Do not share towels or washcloths.
3. Flush the toilet twice and rinse the sink and tub after use.
4. Wash your towels, bed linens, underwear, and any clothing stained with urine or sweat.

How long is isolation after radioactive thyroid treatment?

Depending on state regulations, patients may have to stay isolated in the hospital for

about 24 hours

to avoid exposing other people to radiation, especially if there are young children living in the same home.

How does the body get rid of excess iodine?

Treatment of Iodine Excess

People with excess iodine are advised to use

salt that is not fortified with iodine

and to reduce their consumption of foods that contain iodine, such as seafood, seaweed, yogurt, and milk.

Why do you have to be isolated 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 much water should I drink after radioactive iodine?

Clearing the radioactive iodine from your body

Follow these guidelines to help the radioactive iodine leave your body quickly. Drink lots of liquids. Starting right after your treatment, try to drink

at least 1 cup of low-iodine liquid every hour while you’re awake

. Keep doing this for 2 to 3 days after your treatment.

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.

Does radioactive iodine make you lose hair?

Radioactive iodine does not produce hair loss

. Nevertheless, hair loss can be associated with changing levels of thyroid hormone, and may be experienced by some patients with hypo or hyperthyroidism.

How successful is radioactive iodine treatment?

Conclusion: Radioactive iodine treatment is an effective modality for definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism with

long-term cure approaching 80%

.

How many times can you have radioactive iodine treatment?

You may only need to have this treatment once. But it can be

repeated every 3 months

if needed, until there is no sign of any thyroid cancer on your scans.