Possible long term side effects include:

  • Ability to have children (fertility) Some women may have irregular periods after radioactive iodine treatment.
  • Inflammation of the salivary glands (where spit is made)
  • Tiredness.
  • Dry or watery eyes.
  • Lower levels of blood cells.
  • Lung problems.
  • Second cancers.

How long does it take to get radioactive iodine out of your system?

The radioiodine from your treatment will temporarily remain in your body. Most of the radioiodine not taken up by your thyroid gland will be eliminated within the first (2) two days after treatment. Radioiodine leaves your body primarily by your urine. Very small amounts may leave in your saliva, sweat, or feces.

What are the risks of radioactive iodine treatment?

What are the side effects of radioactive iodine?

  • Neck tenderness and swelling.
  • Nausea.
  • Swollen salivary glands.
  • Loss of taste or taste change.
  • Dry mouth/insufficient salivary production.
  • Dry eyes.
  • Excessive tearing from the eyes.

What are the long term effects of radioactive iodine?

Radioactive iodine is commonly used in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Long-term side effects of radioactive iodine treatment in thyroid cancer survivors may include damage to the salivary glands. Symptoms may include: dry mouth (xerostomia), pain or swelling in the glands (sialedenitis) and changes in taste.

The risks from radioactive iodine treatment include: Metallic taste in your mouth. Dry mouth. Sore throat. Neck pain. Radioactive iodine treatment can make your neck swell up or hurt. Nausea or vomiting, which is usually mild. Constipation or diarrhea.

What are the dangers of radioactive iodine?

Radioactive iodine treatment can affect the bone marrow. This can cause a small drop in the number of blood cells. This usually doesn’t last long and should cause no problems. As well as radioactive iodine you might have external radiotherapy if the cancer has spread to the bones.

What to expect after radioactive iodine treatment?

Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman’s ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment. No ill effects have been noted in the children born to parents who received radioactive iodine in the past.