Your body will give off radiation for some time after you get RAI therapy. 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.
Radioiodine treatment also reduces tear formation in some people, leading to dry eyes. If you wear contact lenses, ask your doctor how long you should keep them out. Men who receive large total doses of radiation because of many treatments with RAI may have lower sperm counts or, rarely, become infertile. Iodine, in the form of iodide, is made into two radioactive forms of iodine that are commonly used in patients with thyroid diseases: I harmless to thyroid cells and I 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 and take pictures of the size and location of thyroid tissues. 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 iodine, not the iodine itself.
RAI is given by mouth in pill or liquid form. I 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. I can also be used to take pictures of the thyroid gland, although it is rarely used due to the harmful effects it has on thyroid cells.
Patients are asked to follow some radiation precautions after treatment in order to limit radiation exposure to others see chart. I may occasionally cause mild pain in the neck that can be treated with aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
The RAI treatment may take up to several months to have its effect. Frequently, the end result of RAI treatment of hyperthyroidism is hypothyroidism, which is treated by thyroid hormone replacement see Hypothyroidism 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.
Patients are asked to follow some radiation precautions after treatment in order to limit radiation exposure to others see below. 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. Your doctor will give you written instructions. To avoid exposing other people to radioactivity, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
He or she will instruct you on how far to stay away from people, how long you need to sleep alone, and other ways to stay safe. You will be directed to avoid close contact, kissing, sex, and sharing cups, dishes, or utensils. Some general recommendations include: footnote 1. After you take your treatment, you may have follow-up exams every 4 to 6 weeks until your thyroid hormone levels return to normal.
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.
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. If you have Graves' ophthalmopathy , it may get worse temporarily after radioactive iodine therapy. Most people—depending on their ages, how much thyroid hormone their bodies make, and other health conditions they have—are treated first with radioactive iodine.
Radioactive iodine is often recommended if you have Graves' disease and are older than 50, or if you have thyroid nodules toxic multinodular goiter that are releasing too much thyroid hormone. Radioactive iodine is not used if:. You may take antithyroid medicine for several weeks or months before treatment with radioactive iodine.
The antithyroid medicine will lower thyroid hormone levels in your body and will also lower your chances of having a more serious problem called thyroid storm. You may also take additional medicines that can make you feel better and help your thyroid return to normal before you are given radioactive iodine.
Radioactive iodine has been used to treat hyperthyroidism for more than 60 years. There is no evidence that radioactive iodine causes cancer, infertility, or birth defects.
If you have had radioactive iodine treatment and you want to travel within a few days after treatment, prepare for any problems you may have at airport security. People who have had radioactive iodine treatment can set off the radiation detection machines in airports. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
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