How is 131i produced?

I-131 is produced commercially for medical and industrial uses through nuclear fission. It also is a byproduct of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and weapons testing. What form is it in? In medicine, I-131 is supplied in capsules or liquid of a specific activity designed to be swallowed by patients.

How is iodine 131 administered?

The radioiodine I-131 is swallowed in a single dose, in capsule or liquid form, and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and concentrated from the blood by the thyroid gland, where it begins destroying the gland’s cells.

What is iodine treatment?

Radioactive iodine (RAI) is treatment for overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and certain types of thyroid cancer. The term “radioactive” may sound frightening, but it is a safe, generally well-tolerated, and reliable treatment that targets thyroid cells so there is little exposure to the rest of your body’s cells.

How long does I-131 stay in your system?

How long does radioiodine stay in my body? The radioiodine from your treatment will temporarily remain in your body. Most of the radioiodine not taken up by your thyroid gland will be eliminated within the first (2) two days after treatment. Radioiodine leaves your body primarily by your urine.

Where is i131 produced?

Iodine-131 is an artificially produced fission by-product resulting from nuclear weapons, above-ground nuclear testing, and nuclear reactor operations. Iodine-131 is found in the gaseous and liquid waste streams of nuclear power plants, but is not released to the environment during normal reactor operations.

Why is Graves disease called?

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland). People with Graves’ disease make too much thyroid hormone, which can damage the heart and other organs. The condition gets its name from Robert Graves, an Irish doctor who first described the condition in the 1800s.

What are the dangers of iodine 131?

I-131 collects in the thyroid gland. People exposed to I-131, especially during childhood, may have an increased risk of thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is uncommon and is usually curable. Typically, it is a slow-growing cancer that is highly treatable.

What are the side effects of iodine 131?

Common side effects of Sodium Iodide I 131 include nausea, vomiting, chest pain, rapid heart rate, itching skin, rash, and hives. Dosing of Sodium Iodide I 131 ranges widely from 5 to 1000 microcuries, depending on the procedure being performed.

What are the side effects of iodine?

Side effects may include nausea and stomach pain, runny nose, headache, metallic taste, and diarrhea. In sensitive people, iodine can cause side effects including swelling of the lips and face (angioedema), severe bleeding and bruising, fever, joint pain, lymph node enlargement, hives, and death.

What kills the thyroid?

Side Effects of Radioactive Iodine The most common side effect of radioactive iodine may seem ironic, yet it makes perfect sense—hypothyroidism. The radioactive iodine often kills an excessive amount of thyroid cells, leaving the thyroid unable to produce enough hormones—the opposite problem you had before.

Can I touch things after radioactive iodine?

You will be advised to sleep alone for the first few days after your treatment. During this period, you should avoid kissing or sexual intercourse. Also avoid prolonged physical contact with others, particularly children and pregnant women. If you have a baby, be sure to get instructions from your doctor.

Can a radiated thyroid grow back?

How Well It Works. In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer.

What kind of radiation can 131I be used for?

The 131I isotope is also used as a radioactive label for certain radiopharmaceuticals that can be used for therapy, e.g. 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) for imaging and treating pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma. In all of these therapeutic uses, 131I destroys tissue by short-range beta radiation.

How is iodine 131 used in nuclear medicine?

Iodine-131 is used for unsealed source radiotherapy in nuclear medicine to treat several conditions. It can also be detected by gamma cameras for diagnostic imaging, however it is rarely administered for diagnostic purposes only, imaging will normally be done following a therapeutic dose.

What should I do after treatment with I-131?

Your treatment team will give you a list of other precautions to take following your treatment with I-131. The following guidelines comply with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Use private toilet facilities, if possible, and flush twice after each use. Bathe daily and wash hands frequently. Drink a normal amount of fluids.