Presbyterian Healthcare 
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
| Radioactive iodine (I-131), given in a liquid form, is absorbed and concentrated by the thyroid gland. The treatment destroys thyroid tissue, while sparing the rest of the body. Radioactive iodine has been safely used to treat thyroid nodules for more than 50 years. |
Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Cancer
Radioactive iodine therapy is commonly used to treat some types of thyroid cancer.
Pre-procedure Instructions
- Do not eat or drink for at least four hours before your exam.
- Do not take any thyroid supplements such as Synthroid (for five weeks) or Cytomel (for at least two weeks) before your exam.
- You cannot be pregnant or breast feeding at the time of therapy.
- You cannot have had any recent x-ray dye (contrast) procedures, such as a CT scan.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Hyperthyroidism
Radioactive iodine (I-131)therapy is often used if hyperthyroidism recurs after taking antithyroid medication or surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland.
Pre-procedure Instructions
- Do not eat or drink for at least four hours before your exam.
- Do not take any thyroid supplements such as Synthroid (for five weeks) or Cytomel (for at least two weeks) before your exam.
- You cannot be pregnant or breast feeding at the time of therapy.
- You cannot have had any recent x-ray dye (contrast) procedures, such as a CT scan.
If you have any questions about the test, please call the Radiology Department at (704)384-4177.
