Iodine-131, Nuclear Medicine FAQ

Post-Radioactive Iodine Treatment: Home Care Guidelines and Precautions

Post-treatment home care issues after Iodine-131 therapy? A few days ago, I was hospitalized for 3 days for iodine-131 treatment due to thyroid cancer. The discharge education materials indicated that I should maintain distance from family members, use separate utensils for eatin...

Dr. Zheng Xiaoyi Reply:
Hello Ms. Y, regarding the two questions you asked: 1. Since the excretion of radioactive iodine primarily occurs through our urine and feces, it is recommended to drink plenty of water twice to reduce environmental contamination. 2. Cooking is not affected. Wishing you good heal...

How Long Does Thyrogen Last for Thyroid Cancer Treatment?

How long can two doses of Thyrogen be maintained? Hello doctor, a family member has been diagnosed with stage I thyroid cancer. Before the first iodine-131 treatment of 30 mCi, they received two injections of Thyrogen. After the scan, the doctor mentioned that 3 to 4 more treatme...

Dr. Lin Lifang Reply:
Hello: According to the literature, the half-life of Thyrogen in the body is 22 ± 9 hours, meaning that the efficacy of the drug may be insufficient more than a day after each injection. Additionally, to enhance thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, the package insert states that o...

Understanding I-131 Treatment: Concerns About Salivary Glands and Dental Health

Many worries, not sure what to do? Hello, Doctor. During a lecture, a physician from the nuclear medicine department mentioned that the isotope I-131 can lead to decreased saliva gland secretion, which may increase the risk of dental caries. Is this primarily associated with high...

Dr. Zhuang Zhijian Reply:
Hello! Thank you for your inquiry. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Effects of Iodine-131 on Salivary Glands: Iodine-131 is a radioactive isotope used for diagnosis and treatment, with varying dosages. (1) For whole-body scans, approximately 2-5 mCi is used; (2) for ...