Sodium Iodide injection

What is Sodium Iodide injection?

SODIUM IODIDE (Iodopen®) is used to treat or prevent iodine deficiency. Iodine is important for normal growth and health. It helps the thyroid gland function properly. Not getting enough iodine may lead to thyroid problems, hearing loss, mental problems, and goiter. Most people get enough iodine in their regular diet because iodine is added to table salt. Iodine deficiency is not a problem in the United States but it is in other parts of the world.

What should my health care professional know before I receive Sodium Iodide?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• goiter

• kidney disease

• thyroid disease

• vasculitis

• an unusual reaction to sodium iodide, iodine, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Sodium iodide is for mixing with other solutions. It is not intended to be injected into a muscle or vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with Sodium Iodide?

• lithium

• medications for thyroid disease

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Sodium Iodide?

Your health care providers will check on your progress and make sure your body is producing the right amount of thyroid hormone. Let them know if you develop any new symptoms or if your symptoms do not go away.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Sodium Iodide?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• burning in the mouth or throat

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• fever

• goiter (enlarged thyroid gland causing swelling in the throat)

• irregular heartbeat or palpitations

• menstrual changes

• metallic taste

• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

• severe headache

• skin rash and itching (hives) or acne-like skin problems

• sore gums and teeth

• swelling of face, mouth, arms, or neck

• weakness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).