About this topic
Your thyroid gland is in the front of your neck. This gland helps control your metabolism. Problems with your thyroid gland can cause you to have too much thyroid hormone in your blood. This may give you signs like weight loss and a fast or irregular heartbeat. Some people have sweating and feel nervous or tired. ‚
Some problems with your thyroid are treated by a drug called radioactive iodine. It is a substance that makes radiation. Your thyroid gland absorbs or takes in the iodine. The radioactive iodine kills the thyroid tissue. It will also kill cancer cells in your thyroid. Killing the thyroid cells will stop or slow the amount of thyroid hormone. ‚
The radioactive iodine is given as a pill or in a glass of water. Most often, you do not have to stay in the hospital for this treatment. Most of the radioactive iodine will leave your body over the first 1 to 2 days. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You will continue to have some radiation leaving your body for about 1 week.
- Keep others safe:
- Avoid close or long contact with other people for at least 3 to 4 days. Quick handshakes and hugs are OK. Try to stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Do not hold small children on your lap.
- Do your best to avoid pregnant women and children.
- Sleep alone.
- If you are a woman with a baby, you cannot breastfeed until the doctor tells you it is OK.
- Ask your doctor how long until you can take public transportation. This includes buses, trains, planes, and subways.
- Take good care of yourself:
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water and fluids each day to help remove the radioactive iodine from your body.
- Take a shower each day and wash your hands often. You can use your normal soap and cleaner.
- Have a private bathroom and toilet if possible. Men should sit when going to the bathroom.
- After using the toilet, flush 2 to 3 times with the lid down.
- Suck on sour candy or chew gum to help prevent swelling in your mouth.
- Use reliable birth control. Talk to your doctor if you want to become pregnant.
- For the next week:
- Do not share anything with others until your doctor tells you it is OK. That includes food, clothing, towels, cups, or plates.
- Use plastic or disposable knives, forks, and spoons.
- Do not prepare food or drinks for others.
- Wash your clothes, bed linen, underwear, and towels separately for 1 week. You do not need any special soap. You do not need to clean the washer or dryer.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will need to check the levels of your thyroid.
- Your doctor will tell you if you need a second treatment.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Treat upset stomach and dizziness
- Replace your thyroid hormone
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity for a short time. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Funny taste in your mouth that is like metal
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat or neck pain
- You will need to take a thyroid replacement for the rest of your life
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Feeling tired
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- Neck pain
- Sore throat
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you what I need to do to take care of myself and protect others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have upset stomach, throwing up, neck pain, or a sore throat.
Where can I learn more?
American Cancer Society ‚
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ThyroidCancer/OverviewGuide/thyroid-cancer-overview-treating-radioactive-iodine ‚
Cancer Research UK ‚
http://cancerhelp.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/radiotherapy/internal/types/radioactive-iodine-therapy ‚
RadiologyInfo.org ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=radioiodine ‚
Thyroid Foundation of Canada ‚
http://www.thyroid.ca/e12a.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚