ThyroShield

Generic name: potassium iodide
Brand names: iOSAT, SSKI (saturated), ThyroSafe, ThyroShield
Drug classes: Antithyroid agents, Expectorants

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is ThyroShield used for?

ThyroShield is used to prevent thyroid cancer from radiation. ThyroShield may be given to you for other reasons.

Before taking ThyroShield, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to ThyroShield; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Certain skin or blood vessel problems.
• If you have a growth on your thyroid gland and you have heart disease.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take ThyroShield with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take ThyroShield?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take ThyroShield. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take ThyroShield.
• Talk with your doctor before using a salt substitute.
• Take ThyroShield only as you have been told. Do not take more than you were told to use or more often then you were told to take it. Taking too much of ThyroShield may raise the risk of side effects. Do not take ThyroShield if you are allergic to iodine.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking ThyroShield, call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
• Have your baby’s thyroid checked if you are using ThyroShield and breast-feeding.

How is ThyroShield best taken?

Use ThyroShield as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with ThyroShield.
• Take ThyroShield only when told by public health officials.
• Take once a day until the chance of being exposed to radiation ends.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are the side effects of ThyroShield that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Trouble swallowing or speaking.
• Wheezing or coughing.
• Shortness of breath.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• Chest pain.
• Fever and joint pain.
• Neck swelling.
• Swelling in the arms or legs.
• Feeling of heaviness in your arms or legs.
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Feeling confused.
• Very bad headache, metal taste, sore teeth and gums, burning of the mouth or throat, eye irritation, eyelid swelling, more spit, or skin irritation.

What are some other side effects of ThyroShield?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Headache.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Belly pain.
• Diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out ThyroShield?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• Protect from cold.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

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