An allergy to I-123 is very rare -- even for patients with shellfish allergies or allergies to iodine contrast used for other x-ray studies. The dose of radiation is very low.
the level of radiation for this test is low. Your doctor wants to see if your thyroid "takes up" all the iodine, or if there's nodules on it. Do your eyes bother you? I had this done and had some dry eyes after, but nothing that bad. Also they do this test to see how much RAI to give you if you decide(later) for RAI. Take the meds first, you'll feel better if you have a racing heart, insomnia,frequent b.m.'s and feel sweaty all the time, also irritable, racing thoughts.