Iodotope Sodium Iodide is used for the treatment of hyperthyroidism and certain kinds of thyroid cancer. Sodium Iodide I 131 is a formulation of iodine, which is naturally taken up by the thyroid gland.
Sodium Iodide I 131 is also slightly radioactive, so it damages the thyroid gland cells that reduce production of thyroid hormones so thyroid gland activity goes back to normal. The radiation also kills cancerous cells in the thyroid as well, making Sodium Iodide I 131 a treatment modality for thyroid cancer.
When used in very small amounts, Sodium Iodide I 131 is a useful diagnostic tool in measuring thyroid gland activity and the presence of tumors.
Sodium Iodide I 131 is a prescription medication and can be given only by doctors specializing in Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Oncology.
Before using Iodotope Sodium Iodide, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
Tell your doctor if you experienced sensitivities to contrast agents or iodine.
You cannot take Sodium Iodide I 131 if you have allergies to iodine. It is very important that you also mention other allergies to food, animal products, and preservatives.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Sodium Iodide I 131.
Sodium Iodide I 131 emits radiation, which can cause birth defects in unborn babies when used by pregnant women. You cannot take Sodium Iodide I 131 if you are pregnant. To be sure, the doctor may order a pregnancy test first. If you plant to breastfeed, tell it to the doctor.
Sodium Iodide I 131 is not known to be safe in children and patients less than 18 years old. On the other hand, Sodium Iodide I 131 can be used in elderly. However, the elderly may need more tests to ensure they do not have problems with the kidneys.
High doses of Sodium Iodide I 131, typically used in treating thyroid cancers and overactive thyroid, can cause temporary infertility in males and females. Discuss this with your doctor before having treatment.
Tell all the medicines you take before taking Sodium Iodide I 131.
If you have other health problems, tell them to your doctor before receiving Sodium Iodide I 131.
Make sure the doctor know if you have any of these conditions:
Allergy to sulfites – sulfites are food preservatives and present in many processed and preserved food items. Sodium Iodide I 131 contains sulfites, which can worsen sulfite allergy
Diarrhea or vomiting. Sodium Iodide I 131 cannot be used if you are vomiting or have diarrhea
Any blockage, inflammation or swelling of the esophagus, airways or blood vessels in the neck, which may be worsened by Sodium Iodide I 131
Kidney disease, which Sodium Iodide I 131 must be used with caution
3 Proper usage
To use Iodotope Sodium Iodide properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.
Sodium Iodide I 131 is available in a solution that you take by mouth.
You can only have Sodium Iodide I 131 at the doctor’s clinic or hospital. Sodium Iodide I 131 emit radiation and therefore must be handled carefully to prevent unnecessary exposure.
Only health professionals with qualifications in Nuclear Medicine can prepare and give you Sodium Iodide I 131.
Before administration of Sodium Iodide I 131, the health provider will use a device to measure radiation levels. The doctor will determine your dose of Sodium Iodide I 131.
The doctor will give instructions on preparation, during and after administration of Sodium Iodide I 131.
Make sure to follow doctor’s instructions fully.
If there is something you do not understand, call your doctor right away.
Sodium Iodide I 131 is given by health professionals only and given only once, so it is an overdose and missing your dose is unlikely.
4 Precautions to take
Before using Iodotope Sodium Iodide, there are some precautions you must take.
It is important you stick to doctor’s instructions before and after taking Sodium Iodide I 131. The doctor will monitor you for some time after administration of Sodium Iodide I 131.
Experiencing reactions after administration of Sodium Iodide I 131 is a possibility.
Call your doctor right away if you experience
itching,
hives,
difficulty breathing
swelling of the lips, tongue or throat.
Sodium Iodide I 131 may cause inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis). This can cause enlargement of the thyroid and increased production of hormones.
In high doses, Sodium Iodide I 131 may be present in body fluids like saliva, feces, and urine for some time after administration. Here are some precautions to take to prevent exposing others to radiation.
Do the following until the doctor determine everything is okay:
You must not have sex
Avoid intimate activities, including kissing
Avoid sharing eating utensils, personal items like toothbrushes and drinking glasses
Keep distance from pregnant women and do not hold children for long periods
Sleep alone
You have to rinse the tub, toilet and sink after use
Flush the toilet twice after use
Always wash hands after using and cleaning the bathroom and toilet
Do not share towels and washcloth
Wash your clothes, towels, and other clothing separately
You must not get pregnant for at least 6 months or more after taking Sodium Iodide I 131 to avoid risk to the fetus. Male patients must be careful not to make their female partners pregnant. Use two effective forms of birth control (birth control pill or IUD with condom) to avoid pregnancy.
Sodium Iodide I 131 is a radioactive substance and may increase the risk of cancer, which is typical of radiation treatment. Discuss this with your doctor before treatment. The doctor will prescribe medications to reduce this risk.
Do not take other medications, including over-the-counter medication, herbal supplements, and multivitamins, without the doctor’s supervision.
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