Sodium Iodide I-131 Capsules

What is this medication?

SODIUM IODIDE I-131 (SOE dee um AHY uh dahyd 131) treats high thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism) in your body. It works by decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone your body makes.  It is also used to help treat thyroid cancer.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Diarrhea
• Kidney disease
• Taking anti-thyroid therapy
• Vomiting
• An unusual or allergic reaction to sodium iodide, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• If you or your partner are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is taken by mouth with water. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after food.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Carbimazole
• Methimazole
• Propylthiouracil

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Amiodarone
• Certain contrast agents used before CT, MRI, or X-ray scans
• Iodide-containing foods
• Iodide-containing multivitamins or supplements
• Medications that lower your chance of fighting infection
• Potassium iodide
• Thyroid hormones
• Topical iodide

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done before and after you take this medication.

Before taking this medication, you may need to stop taking certain medications for a specific amount of time. Talk to your care team about all the medications you are taking. This includes vitamins and supplements. You may also need to avoid some foods. Talk to your care team if you have questions.

It is important to drink plenty of water after you take this medication. Ask your care team how many glass of fluids you need to drink each day.

This medication releases radiation. Radiation can transfer from your body to others. Avoid close contact with others after you receive this medication. Take extra care with pregnant people and children. Follow safety measures to limit other's contact with your body fluids. Talk to your care team about what to avoid and for how long.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

Talk to your care team if you or your partner may be pregnant. Serious birth defects can occur if you take this medication during pregnancy and for 6 months after the last dose. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication. Contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Your care team can help you find the option that works for you.

If your partner can get pregnant, use a condom during sex while taking this medication and for 6 months after the last dose.

If you are breastfeeding, stop at least 6 weeks before you receive this medication. Do not breastfeed after taking this medication.

This medication may cause infertility. Talk to your care team if you are concerned about your fertility.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• High thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism)—fast or irregular heartbeat, weight loss, excessive sweating or sensitivity to heat, tremors or shaking, anxiety, nervousness, irregular menstrual cycle or spotting
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Increased tears

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.