FAQs

A small gland located at the base of the throat, the thyroid contains the only cells in the human body capable of absorbing and storing iodine. When optimally functioning, it concentrates iodine from a person’s blood—obtained through food or iodized salt—and combines it with the amino acid, Tyrosine. This is then converted into the hormones that control a person’s metabolism and growth rate.

ThyroSafe is an FDA-approved potassium iodide (KI) tablet indicated for use in radiation emergencies to help protect the thyroid gland from absorbing dangerous radioactive iodine.

During a nuclear emergency, radioactive iodine is released into the air. Once swallowed or inhaled, it is then absorbed into the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine can result in abnormalities later in life, including but not limited to: loss of thyroid functions, nodules in the thyroid, or thyroid cancer. It is important to note that children are extremely susceptible to these conditions due to their especially active thyroids.

For more information on Potassium Iodide from the FDA, visit
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/bioterrorism-and-drug-preparedness/frequently-asked-questions-potassium-iodide-ki#Can%20KI%20be%20used

Short-term use of KI at the recommended dose is safe. You should not take this drug for longer than you are told. 

Possible side effects include: swelling of the salivary glands, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, fever, headache, metallic taste, and allergic reactions. 

Allergic reactions can include:

• skin rashes such as hives
• swelling of various parts of the body such as the face, lips,
• tongue, throat, hands or feet
• fever with joint pain
• trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing
• wheezing or shortness of breath

Get medical attention right away if you have trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing; wheezing; shortness of breath; or swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat.

Taking iodide, in rare cases, may cause overactivity of the thyroid gland, under-activity of the thyroid gland, or enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter). Symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland may include an irregular heart beat and chest pain. Patients with thyroid disease are more likely to get these side effects. Babies under 1 month of age are more likely to get an under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

Pregnant or breastfeeding women or babies under 1 month of age should take as directed and call a doctor as soon as possible. Repeat dosing should be avoided. It is recommended that thyroid function be checked in babies less than 1 month of age that take KI. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also be checked by a doctor if repeat dosing is necessary. Although these precautions should be taken, the benefits of short-term use of KI to block uptake of radioactive iodine by the thyroid gland far exceed its chances of side effects. 

According to the FDA, individuals with known iodine sensitivity should avoid KI, as should individuals with dermatitis herpetiformis and hypocomplementemic vasculitis, extremely rare conditions associated with an increased risk of iodine hypersensitivity. A seafood or shellfish allergy does not necessarily mean that an individual is allergic or hypersensitive to iodine. Individuals with nodular thyroid with heart disease should not take KI. Individuals with multinodular goiter, Graves' disease, and autoimmune thyroiditis should be treated with caution -- especially if dosing extends beyond a few days. If you are not sure if you should take KI, consult your healthcare professional.

ThyroSafe should be ingested as soon as possible following an alert from public health officials. If health officials instruct you to repeat the dose, you should take one dose every 24 hours. Do not take any other potassium iodide (KI) products unless instructed to do so by authorities.

ThyroSafe is designed for ease of use across a broad range of age groups. ThyroSafe 130mg tablets are offered as a single tablet for adults over the age of 18. Each tablet features a precision-scored design to allow for accurate dosing, splitting cleanly for pediatric use and offering age-appropriate dosing. ThyroSafe is also available in a 65mg tablet to provide the right dose for children and teens.

For small children who cannot swallow the tablet whole, the tablet should be ground into a powder and dissolved in water or other preferable drink. Please see the consumer package inserts for complete dosing instructions.

Please see the consumer package inserts for complete dosing instructions. To take the tablet in liquid solution, use dosing directions under “Making a Potassium Iodide Liquid Mixture.”

ThyroSafe is most effective when given within 24 hours before or 4 hours after exposure. Potassium Iodide is not a treatment and cannot reverse damage already done to the thyroid. Only take ThyroSafe when directed by public health officials.