Iodopen

Iodopen is a form of iodine (specifically, iodine salt) used to treat and prevent iodine deficiency.

Iodine deficiency is a very common condition that causes thyroid disorders. The thyroid requires iodine to produce hormones, and it gets the mineral from food. Seafood, iodize salt and produce grown in soils rich in iodine are good sources of the mineral. Many populations around the world experience varying degrees of iodine deficiency due to geography and food supply issues.

Iodine deficiency can cause serious problems in

• adults,
• babies,
• pregnant mothers
• growing children.

It can cause

• thyroid problems,
• mental problems,
• hearing loss
• goiter (enlarged thyroid).

Doctors use Sodium Iodide to treat patients with iodine deficiency due to poor nutrition or food absorption issues. Injectable Sodium Iodide is also given to patients who are on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), who are unable to eat or drink.

Sodium Iodide is a prescription medication.

Only take Sodium Iodide according to doctor’s instructions.

Before using Iodopen, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

You cannot take Sodium Iodide if you have an allergy to shellfish or iodine. If you have allergies to shellfish and other substances containing iodine, tell it to your doctor.

Tell the doctor if you have conditions in the kidneys or thyroid, or if you use Betadine solution on your skin (contains iodine).

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or nursing a child before taking Sodium Iodide.

Sodium Iodide is highly contraindicated to pregnant women because it can harm the unborn baby. You may have to take a pregnancy test if you are suspected to be pregnant.

Tell the doctor if you plant to breastfeed while having treatment with sodium iodide.

You may have to tell the doctor if you are living near an ocean. The air near the ocean has higher iodine levels that are absorbed by the lungs.

Make sure to tell the doctor all the medicines you take before taking Sodium Iodide. Sodium Iodide may interact with medicines with lithium and radioactive substances with iodine and contrast agents containing iodine.

To use Iodopen properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

The doctor will determine your dose of Sodium Iodide.

Only take Sodium Iodide as directed. Sodium iodide is available in a solution that you take by mouth, and as an injection into the veins.

For oral Sodium Iodide, you can take them as part of the multivitamin supplement. Taking it with food or drink can help mask the strong taste.

Injectable Sodium Iodide is injected into your vein using an intravenous set. It is usually given daily. Care is taken to ensure sterility and avoid contamination during administration. A health professional usually administers Sodium Iodide. If you choose to take them by yourself, the doctor or nurse will teach you to do it properly. Use the needle only once.

If you take Sodium Iodide as part of a special diet, make sure to follow the meal plan created by the doctor or nutrition counselor.

Store Sodium Iodide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and get back on the dosing schedule.

Before using Iodopen, there are some precautions you must take.

If you use injectable Sodium Iodide, make sure to dispose of sharps, used supplies and needles properly. You can put them inside a large bleach bottle and put the cap on to seal it.

Keep Sodium Iodide and materials used for administration away from children and pets.

Sodium Iodide can alter results of lab tests. If you will receive care from another doctor or will have lab tests, make sure they know you are taking Sodium Iodide.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Iodopen.

Sodium Iodide may cause the following side effects that are serious.

Call the doctor at once if you experience the following symptoms:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms, joint pain, hives, itching, bruising, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rash
• Bruising
• Severe tingling sensation
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain
• Severe headache
• Confusion
• Change in mood or behavior
• Metallic taste in the mouth, increased salivation, mouth pain, sneezing, puffy eyelids and skin sores

Sodium Iodide can cause the following side effects, which are not harmful:

• Heartburn
• Unpleasant or metallic taste
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Mild weakness
• Changes in menses
• Tenderness in the gums, tooth pain and mouth soreness