Radioactive Iodine Treatment Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

Possible side effects and complications of radioactive iodine therapy include:

• Inflammation of the salivary glands causing painful cheeks and dry mouth
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Pain in the neck
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Flushing
• Tightness in throat
• Abnormally high or abnormally low thyroid hormone levels

Pregnant women are at an increased risk of complications. Since the procedure may be harmful to the fetus, it should not be done in pregnant women. Nursing mothers should stop breastfeeding for at least a week after the procedure.

Call Your Doctor

While side effects may occur, they are rarely severe. If the following persist for more than 24 hours, talk to your doctor:

• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Pain in the neck
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Flushing
• Tightness in throat
• Constipation or diarrhea

In case of an emergency, CALL 911.