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Initially overactivity of the thyroid is treated by a course of tablets but when this fails to control the thyroid, Radioactive iodine treatment is a possible next option.
Radioactive iodine is taken by mouth as a capsule typically with a glass of water. The radioactivity in the capsule only lasts for a few days and for 90% of patients, one dose is sufficient to control the over activity. About 10% of patients may need a second dose but a third dose is rarely needed.
A second dose would be considered if a patient still needed to take carbimazole tablets to control their overactive gland six months after they had received their first dose of radioactive iodine.
The thyroid is very efficient at extracting iodine from the blood so the vast majority of the radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland. Very little of it goes elsewhere in the body. The radioactivity is therefore targeted at the thyroid gland.
Radioactive iodine takes at least a month to start to work and may take much longer. Some patients will be advised to re-start their carbimazole tablets one week after receiving their radioactive iodine, others do not. Your specialist with provide advice about this.
Thyroid blood tests are monitored every four to six weeks in clinic and your treatment will be adjusted according to the results.
Ultrasound imaging can be done as an outpatient and you will be able to go home immediately afterwards. This is a relatively quick, non-invasive and safe procedure with no known harmful effects.
