What is radioiodine used for?

What is radioiodine used for?

Radioiodine therapy is a nuclear medicine treatment. Doctors use it to treat an overactive thyroid, a condition called hyperthyroidism.

How long 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.

What causes hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism can be caused by a number of conditions, including Graves’ disease, Plummer’s disease and thyroiditis. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland has an enormous impact on your health.

Does radioactive iodine shorten your life?

Quality of life is worse at 6-10 years after radioactive iodine therapy of Graves’ disease compared with treatment with antithyroid drugs or surgery. Quality of life is worse at 6-10 years after radioactive iodine therapy of Graves’ disease compared with treatment with antithyroid drugs or surgery.

What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?

Possible long term side effects include:

• Ability to have children (fertility) Some women may have irregular periods after radioactive iodine treatment.
• Inflammation of the salivary glands (where spit is made)
• Tiredness.
• Dry or watery eyes.
• Lower levels of blood cells.
• Lung problems.
• Second cancers.

What are the side effects of radioiodine treatment?

What are the side effects of radioactive iodine?

• Neck tenderness and swelling.
• Nausea.
• Swollen salivary glands.
• Loss of taste or taste change.
• Dry mouth/insufficient salivary production.
• Dry eyes.
• Excessive tearing from the eyes.

Can I use my cell phone after radioactive iodine?

You will have to stay in your room for at least 1 to 2 hours after your treatment. You can use your cell phone or watch TV to help pass the time. You won’t be able to have visitors during this time. You may not have any side effects from the treatment right after you get it, but you may have side effects later.

Can I prepare food after radioactive iodine treatment?

For 2 hours after you swallow the capsule: Do not eat any solid foods. An empty stomach helps your body absorb the radioactive iodine. Drink only water. For 3 days after you swallow the capsule: Follow your low-iodine diet.

Can hyperthyroidism be cured?

Can hyperthyroidism be cured? Yes, there is a permanent treatment for hyperthyroidism. Removing your thyroid through surgery or destroying your thyroid through medication will cure hyperthyroidism.

Can a thyroid grow back after radioactive iodine?

Once hypothyroidism has been achieved, it is usually irreversible with the patient requiring lifelong thyroid replacement. Early recurrences are reported in 20–54% of cases within 3–6 months, which can be due to inadequate RAI treatment or early Marine Lenhart syndrome.

Do you still need iodine without a thyroid?

Iodine is an element that is needed for the production of thyroid hormone. The body does not make iodine, so it is an essential part of your diet. Iodine is found in various foods (see Table 1). If you do not have enough iodine in your body, you cannot make enough thyroid hormone.