Do you need to stop antithyroid medication?
Yes, the most common antithyroid drug is Methimazole (MMI). You should stop MMI before the radioactive iodine treatment for 3-7 days and may continue after the treatment for 3-7 days in case of a high risk of hyperthyroid progression.
Can pregnant and lactation women receive radioactive iodine treatment?
No, radioactive iodine can harm fetuses and lactated children. If the patients are fertile, they should be tested for pregnancy, except if they underwent tubal ligation or hysterectomy. After the radioactive iodine treatment, women should be on contraception for at least 6 months.
Can men have children after the radioactive iodine treatment?
Yes, radioactive iodine treatment does not affect fertility in men. However, you should stop conception for at least 4 months after the treatment.
Are there any precautions after the radioactive iodine treatment?
After the treatment, you will have low radiation in your body Therefore, it is important to protect other people from this exposure, especially children and pregnant women, because they are very sensitive to the radiation. You should stay away from others at least 2 meters for 1-2 weeks for the radiation to reduce.
You will be advised to drive home by yourself if possible. You should sleep separately from others in your house. Take a break from your work. Reduce time in public. Do not cook for others and do not share utensils as well. Clean the bathroom after usage.
In the first week, if you need to travel to the airport, you should bring the letter from your doctor, because the radiation from your body might be detected by the detector.
Do you need to see the doctor after the radioactive iodine treatment?
Yes. you should visit your doctor for 1-2 months after the treatment to check your thyroid hormone levels. After that you might come every a few months or a year.
How many times do I need to receive radioactive iodine treatment?
Patients usually achieve remission within 6 months. Unfortunately, some patients might not be cured and may require another treatment.
WASIT MD 
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