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The information in this document is intended solely for the person to whom it was given by the health care team.

Your appointments:Date: __________________ Time: ___________Date: __________________ Time: ___________

A

P P R OVE

DPATI

ENTThis material has been

reviewed and approved by

patients, families and staff.

Before your treatment begins, a Nuclear Medicine Physician will review these

guidelines with you.

FL.224.Ou8.PHC (2021.06.17)

Guidelines for Outpatients Receiving Radioactive

Iodine (I-131) Treatmentfor Thyroid Cancer

Conversion: 1 foot = 0.3 meter

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What is radioactive iodine?Radioactive iodine (sodium I-131) is a form of

radiation treatment that has been used for many years to treat thyroid conditions. It is safe and effective but requires you to follow certain rules to decrease the small amount of radiation that other people may receive.

Radioactive iodine leaves your body primarily through urine but very small amounts can be found in the saliva, sweat and bowel movements.

Before your treatmentYou will be provided with personalized guidelines

to follow before you have your radioactive iodine treatment. These may include:

• Following a low iodine diet.• Stopping some medications.• Making child care arrangements.• Arranging time away from work for 3 days

following your treatment. • Adjusting travel plans.• Being sent for a pregnancy test.• Making preparations to stop breastfeeding.

On the day of your treatment, it is recommended that you do not eat or drink for 1-2 hours before and 1-2 hours after your treatment.

Consider planning your meals accordingly.

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Travelling home from the hospitalAfter the treatment you are required to go directly

home.• Drive home alone.• Do not take public transportation unless there

are no other options.• If you require someone to drive you home, sit

as far away from the driver as you can. For example, sit opposite the driver in the back seat. There should be no other passengers.

Time and distanceRadiation exposure to other people can be reduced

by increasing the distance between yourself and others and decreasing the time you are close to them.

When you are around children and pregnant women maintain a distance of 6 feet away for 1 week. Around others, maintain a distance of 6 feet away for 3 days.

It is best if you:• Stay at home as much as possible.• Not go to the theatre or any event where you

would be close to people.• Not sit right beside someone on a couch or in a

vehicle.

Drinking fluidsMost of the extra radioactive iodine is eliminated

in your urine. Drinking extra fluids and emptying your bladder frequently will lower the amount of radiation exposure to your bladder.

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It is recommended that you start drinking extra fluids 1-2 hours after your treatment and continue for the next 2 days.

In addition, sucking on sour candy may help reduce the amount of radioactive iodine in your salivary glands.

SleepingYou should sleep alone for a minimum of 5 days.

After 5 days you are allowed to sleep in the same bed only with a person directly involved in your care such as your spouse or an adult family member (17 years of age or older). You are not allowed to sleep in the same bed with any other people for 1 month after your treatment.

Illness and medical emergencies

In the event of an illness within the first 3 days after treatment, follow these guidelines:

• If you feel nauseated, take anti-nausea medication such as Gravol®.

• Any person cleaning up vomit, spilled urine, or any bodily fluids should wear water resistant gloves and use disposable wipes. Rinse gloves with water and dispose in regular garbage. Dispose used wipes in regular garbage. Flush all toilet paper into the toilet.

• In the event of a medical emergency, do not delay life saving measures. Contact the Nuclear Medicine Department as soon as the medical emergency is under control.

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Home guidelinesGood hygiene and frequent cleaning is very

important in order to lower the radiation exposure to others. Follow the instructions below for 3 days.

Hygiene:

• Wash your hands with soap and plenty of water frequently and rinse sink after use. Do not share towels or washcloths.

• Use a separate toilet. Keep the toilet and surrounding area clean.

• Men should sit on the toilet while urinating to avoid splashing.

• Use toilet paper to wipe up any urine on the toilet bowl and after each use flush 2 to 3 times with the lid closed.

• Have at least 1 shower a day and rinse the shower after use. No baths.

Food and dishes:• Do not share your cups, glasses, plates or

eating utensils. Wash your utensils promptly and separately after using.

• Left over foods may be contaminated with radioactive iodine from your saliva. Avoid contaminating leftover food.

• Remove core from apples & pears prior to eating.

• Avoid eating meat that contains bones.

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Clothes, bedding and towels:• Wash your clothes, bedding and towels

separate from other laundry in your household.• When your home guidelines have ended, wash

all your items before sharing with other people.

TravellingRadioactive iodine will be detected by radiation

monitors at border crossings for up to 4 months after treatment.

• You will be provided with documentation of your radioactive iodine treatment. This document will not guarantee entry into other countries (e.g. USA) but will provide proof of medical treatment if requested by border guards.

• Radiation monitors may also be located at airports, government buildings, and waste disposal sites.

• Bring your documents with you and allow yourself extra time to get through security checks when travelling.

Physical ContactBrief contacts such as shaking hands or hugging

are okay. Avoid kissing or sexual activity for 3 days.Avoid sleeping with your pets for 3 days since

your saliva and sweat may be carried away by your pets.

Do not let your pets drink out of the toilet bowl. Following these guidelines will minimize the radiation exposure to your pet.

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PregnancyRadioactive iodine treatment will not be given

during pregnancy.

Avoid becoming pregnant or conceiving a child for 6 months after receiving a radioactive iodine treatment.

BreastfeedingIf you are breastfeeding, you will have to

prepare to stop breastfeeding prior to receiving the radioactive iodine treatment. You cannot resume breastfeeding after your treatment. Radioactive iodine could cause permanent damage to the thyroid of the nursing child.

You can safely breastfeed any children you may have in the future.

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Guidelines for family and caregivers at homeThe radiation received by the patient will be

beneficial to them. The small amount of radiation received by family members and caregivers can be reduced further by following these additional guidelines for 3 days:

• Increase distance and decrease time spent close to the patient as much as possible.

• Wash hands frequently.• Do not share the toilet, eating utensils, clothing

or bedding with the patient.• If the patient requires help for personal needs

(e.g., going to the toilet, brushing teeth): • Wear water resistant gloves while providing

care or housekeeping in the washroom. • Rinse and dispose gloves in regular garbage

after providing care. • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

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r Abbotsford Regional Hospital 32900 Marshall Road, Abbotsford

r Burnaby Hospital 3935 Kincaid St, Burnaby

r Peace Arch Hospital 15521 Russell Ave (main floor), White Rock

r Royal Columbian Hospital 330 E Columbia St, New Westminster

r Surrey Memorial Hospital 13750 96 Ave, Surrey

r St. Paul’s Hospital 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver

r BC Children’s Hospital 4480 Oak St, TACC Building (1st Floor), Vancouver

r Lions Gate Hospital 231 15th St E, North Vancouver

r Richmond Hospital 7000 Westminster Hwy, Richmond

r Vancouver General Hospital 899 West 12th Avenue, Jim Pattison Pavilion South Building (ground floor), Vancouver

If you have questions or need to cancel your appointment, please call the location where you

are having this treatment.

604-851-4868

604-412-6125

604-535-4584

604-520-4436

604-585-5554

604-806-8008

604-875-2129

604-984-5780

604-244-5104 Ext: 4

604-875-4111 Ext: 63813

Additional Notes

Province-wide solutions. Better health.