stopping cytomel before receiving radio active iodine

[awwadeh]

My son is 21 years old and has a total thyrodectomy due to thyroid cancer he needs to have 131 radioactive iodine soon. The doctor said that he needs to stop taking cytomel a couple of weeks before receiving 131 iodine treatment. Wouldn't he go into a coma if he were to stop the thyroid medication? He had his surgery three weeks ago. Also he will be going home directly after receiving his iodine treatment by wearing his gloves whilst using his mobile, TV, computer would those equipements be safe like 4 days later without the use of the gloves?

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

The role of I-131 is to ablate the thyroid remnant and to decrease the chance of recurrence as well as to treat any residual cancer.  That being said, we are using less of it.  So, a review of the pathology is warranted to determine whether I-131 is needed (ie, not needed for T1N0 tumors).  The radiation safety issues should be reviewed with the treating doctor.  Being off cytomel for 2 weeks will cause hypothyroidism but most young healthy patients have no significant problems during this time frame.  There is the option of using Thyrogen to avoid stopping thyroid meds - he should ask his doctor about this.

[Tigerfan60]

Be sure you are aware of long term affects and any alternative treatments.  My eye doc now tells me that radioactive iodine is what caused my swollen eyelids and eye probs.  I took the meds for graves disease