Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

sore throat, headache after ultrasound & nuclear pill

On Thursday morning at 10:00 I took the radioactive pill (i131, I think) for the Nuclear Med Uptake scan. At 11:00 I had a thyroid ultrasound. A couple hours later, my throat started to hurt and got progressively worse. Also started a headache.

Now it's Saturday and throat still hurts--feels sore, thick, pressure, hurts to swallow. I also have a migraine-type headache behind my eyes. I feel terrible overall. No fever or sinus congestion.

Has anyone experienced a reaction like this? I don't know if it's from the ultrasound putting pressure on my throat, or the nuc med pill, or something else.

I had the tests because of a goiter on the left side of my thyroid. Prior to tests it sometimes felt thick when I swallowed, but did not hurt like this. Should I call my doc on the weekend and tell her, or just wait it out?
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
The beta blocker would be to help the Free T3 from rising too high and causing problems after RAI.
And it also helps with palpitations and fast heartrate.
I found that the beta blocker was too much taken in one dose so I spaced mine out throughout the day.
I was on 80mg prior to RAI and took 20mg 4 times a day and it made such a big difference.
maybe your Hubby could try that?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The pill you wouldve been given wouldve been I -121 not I-131.
There is a very big difference.
The pill you swallowed has iodine in it with a dye called pertechium.
The iodine in the pill would cause your throat to be sore.

I didnt have a pill for the Radioactive Uptake (RAI)...I had an injection in the arm and then the ultrasound.
But still felt cr@ppy afterwards.
I think the headache may be due to the stress of everything.
Call the nuclear department if you are at all concerned.
Other than that...I suggest you drink plenty of water to get the dye out of your system.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My husband took the nuclear pill to destroy his thyroid. After this, and the three days to wait to see him after he was no longer radioactive, his specialist prescribed a beta blocker, 50mm. He has never had problems with blood pressure. His blood pressure has dropped to about 107/53 and pulse is 53. His doctor said to keep taking it and call only if his blood pressure goes below 90/50. My question, why? What is the blood pressure pill for?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks abl, you're a gem. I checked the site but I think it's talking about people who had the radioactive treatment to destroy their thyroid, not the pill for the uptake scans.

Still feeling sick today, but with congestion now and moving down into a chest cold. So maybe it's just a cold and not from the tests?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
abl
I googled "adverse side effects of radioactive i131 pills"  and this website came up...

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202721.html#SXX15

You might want to give it a look, it does mention that if you get a headache call Doc.  Sore throat and neck tenderness is rare, although it happens sometimes.  Trying to help!!!

Feel better!

abl
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
abl
Hi you!

I am so sorry you don't feel good!!!!!!!!!!  For what it's worth, the ultrasound didn't hurt me at all.  Other than teh pressure during the process.  After, it was like nothing ever happened.  So, might be due to other test.  Can't imagine that everyone feels great after swallowing that pill!

Take care!

abl

Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Thyroid Disorders Community

Top Thyroid Answerers
649848 tn?1534633700
FL
Avatar universal
MI
1756321 tn?1547095325
Queensland, Australia
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
We tapped the CDC for information on what you need to know about radiation exposure
Endocrinologist Mark Lupo, MD, answers 10 questions about thyroid disorders and how to treat them
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.