The Radioactive Iodine and Its Therapeutic Dose

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RAI or Radioactive Iodine is a therapy for thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism and thyroid carcinoma. It is given in a form of liquid or capsule (I-131) which, once taken by patient orally, is being absorbed and concetrated in the thyroid cells. This type of treatment lowers the thyroid hormones and destroys the thyroid cells as well as the thyroid cancer cells but does not harm tissues of the rest of the body.

Basically, there are two types of dosage, the low dose and high dose therapy.

Low dose is give for patients with thyroid gland that produces too much thyroid hormones or known as the hyperthyroidism.

• About 2 to 29 mCi is given to the patient and can be done as outpatient.
• It is usually accompanied by short time precautions or in most cases, no special precaution is needed. 
• Thyroid replacement therapy,through levothyroxine sodium tablets, is needed after.

 On the other hand, high dose RAI uptake is given for patients with thyroid cancer.

• About 30 to 200mCi is given to the patient and should be done as inpatient. Patient is confine for 2-3 days.
• Special precautions should be follow. No pregnant women and children are allowed to visit and be in near contact with the patient.
• Thyroid replacement therapy,through intake of levothyroxine sodium tablets, is needed forever.