Radioiodine Therapy for Overactive Thyroid (Thyrotoxicosis)

Your doctor would like you to have radioactive iodine-131 to treat your thyrotoxicosis.

What is Radioactive Iodine?

Iodine in any form will locate within thyroid tissue. This is a radioactive form thus allowing the radiation to 'dampen' the overactive thyroid function.

What is involved?

In simple terms, the treatment is very easy, but understanding of the precautions to avoid possible risk to both yourself and other people is essential. Once these issues are understood, you will be asked to sign a consent form stating an understanding of the nature of the treatment, and a guarantee that you will comply with recommendations for the safety of others.

Is there any to consider prior to the treatment?

It is likely that you are at present taking a thyroid medication to control your thyrotoxicosis. This must be stopped for a period prior to the treatment. The length of time is dependent on the individual patient.
You should not take any medication containing iodine for 4 weeks prior to treatment.
We will be unable to give you the treatment if there is any chance that you could be pregnant. We will carry out a pregnancy test if appropriate.

What is the effect of the treatment?

As soon as you have taken the capsule you will be radioactive, and will emit radiation. There is no immediate effect after taking the capsule. The radiation will continue to 'dampen' the thyroid activity for several months.

What precautions should I take?

Stay at least 1 meter from all members of household except for very brief periods for a period determined by the amount of radioactivity which has been prescribed ö this will probably be about 12 days.
Avoid prolonged contact with other people (more than 3 hours at less than 1 meter) for one day.
Do not sleep in the same bed as your partner (if appropriate) for a period determined by the amount of radioactivity prescribed, probably about 14 days.
Restrict cuddling children or pregnant women to less than 15 minutes per day for a prescribed period, probably about 3 weeks.
Excretion of radioactivity in urine, sweat, saliva etc is considerable during the 1st 48 hours following treatment. Therefore you should ideally have a bath/shower both on the day of and the day following treatment. Where possible you should try to flush the toilet twice after use.
If you wish to work, you should adhere to the above precautions.

Can I bring a friend or relative with me?

We would welcome this providing that they are not young children, or pregnant adults.