Radioiodine (I-131) Therapy for Hyperthyroidism
Radioiodine (I-131) therapy is a procedure to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). The thyroid is a gland in the neck that uses iodine to help control how the body uses food (metabolism). In this procedure, you swallow a pill or liquid containing I-131. I-131 is manmade iodine that gives off radiation. This destroys thyroid cells and reverses hyperthyroidism.
LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:
• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Previous problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Previous surgeries …show more content…
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
• Ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines, blood thinners, or thyroid medicines.
• (Women) You may be asked to take a pregnancy test.
• (Women) If you are breastfeeding, plan to stop at least 6 weeks before your procedure.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. Plan to avoid contact with others for 1 week after your treatment. It is most important to avoid contact with children and pregnant women. To do this, plan to stay home from work, arrange childcare, and sleep alone, if these things apply to you.
• Plan to drive yourself home after treatment. Do not take public transportation. If you need someone to drive you home, sit as far away from the driver as possible.
PROCEDURE
• You will be given a dose of I-131 to swallow. It may be a pill or a liquid.
• Your thyroid gland will absorb the I-131 over the next 3 months. The treatment process will be complete in about 6 months.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
• You may need to stay in the hospital for 24 hours after your treatment. This depends on your state
Radioiodine (I-131) therapy is a procedure to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). The thyroid is a gland in the neck that uses iodine to help control how the body uses food (metabolism). In this procedure, you swallow a pill or liquid containing I-131. I-131 is manmade iodine that gives off radiation. This destroys thyroid cells and reverses hyperthyroidism.
LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:
• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Previous problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Previous surgeries …show more content…
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
• Ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines, blood thinners, or thyroid medicines.
• (Women) You may be asked to take a pregnancy test.
• (Women) If you are breastfeeding, plan to stop at least 6 weeks before your procedure.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions. Plan to avoid contact with others for 1 week after your treatment. It is most important to avoid contact with children and pregnant women. To do this, plan to stay home from work, arrange childcare, and sleep alone, if these things apply to you.
• Plan to drive yourself home after treatment. Do not take public transportation. If you need someone to drive you home, sit as far away from the driver as possible.
PROCEDURE
• You will be given a dose of I-131 to swallow. It may be a pill or a liquid.
• Your thyroid gland will absorb the I-131 over the next 3 months. The treatment process will be complete in about 6 months.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
• You may need to stay in the hospital for 24 hours after your treatment. This depends on your state