What are the Side Effects of Radioactive Iodine Therapy?
• Nausea • Dry mouth • Change in taste • Upset stomach • Swelling of the salivary glands • Neck tenderness • Sore throat • Vomiting These were some of the common radioactive iodine therapy side effects. They are temporary and fade away in a few weeks time. However, large doses of radioactive iodine may cause loss of fertility in men. Research shows that a very small number of people developed leukemia, after treatment with large doses of radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine gets accumulated in the neck region for a few days after the treatment. Some precautions need to be taken to prevent friends and family from being exposed to the radiation. People treated with radioactive iodine should follow the radioactive iodine therapy precautions given below: • Avoid prolonged contact with people, especially children and pregnant women • Do not share food and utensils, like glasses, dishes, bottles, water, etc.
