Thyroid Protection During Radiation Exposure
Potassium Iodide
What is this medication?
Potassium iodide (KI) is a medication used to help protect your thyroid gland during exposure to certain types of radiation.
Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck that absorbs iodine to produce hormones that regulate metabolism and energy. During a radiation emergency, radioactive iodine may be released into the environment. If inhaled or swallowed, it can be absorbed by the thyroid and increase the risk of thyroid damage or cancer.
Potassium iodide works by “filling” the thyroid with stable (non-radioactive) iodine. This helps block the thyroid from absorbing harmful radioactive iodine.
This medication is only effective for protecting the thyroid from radioactive iodine exposure. It does not protect other parts of the body from radiation.
This medication should only be used when directed by public health officials or a licensed healthcare provider.
SOLO: Not Included
DUO: Not Included
QUAD: 30 Tablets; 130mg
When should this medication be used?
Your provider or public health officials may recommend using this medication in situations such as:
A nuclear emergency or radiation exposure involving radioactive iodine
Instructions from emergency response authorities to take thyroid protection medication
Confirmed or suspected exposure to radioactive iodine
This medication is not for routine or preventive daily use.
Only take potassium iodide when you are specifically instructed to do so by authorities or your provider.
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Follow the directions on your prescription label and the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
General instructions for safe use include:
Take this medication only when directed during a radiation emergency
Take once daily for as long as exposure risk continues
Do not take more than recommended, as excess iodine can increase the risk of side effects
Tablets may be swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with liquids if needed
If mixing:
Crush the tablet and mix with water
Then combine with milk, juice, formula, or soft liquids for easier consumption
Drink plenty of fluids unless your provider tells you otherwise
Do not use liquid forms if they appear discolored (brownish-yellow)
Because this medication affects thyroid function, it should be used carefully and only when necessary.
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Follow the directions on your prescription label and the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
General instructions for safe use include:
Take this medication only when directed during a radiation emergency
Take once daily for as long as exposure risk continues
Do not take more than recommended, as excess iodine can increase the risk of side effects
Tablets may be swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with liquids if needed
If mixing:
Crush the tablet and mix with water
Then combine with milk, juice, formula, or soft liquids for easier consumption
Drink plenty of fluids unless your provider tells you otherwise
Do not use liquid forms if they appear discolored (brownish-yellow)
Because this medication affects thyroid function, it should be used carefully and only when necessary.
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While taking potassium iodide:
Only take it for the duration recommended by public health officials
Do not take more or use more frequently than directed
Inform all healthcare providers that you are taking this medication
This medication may affect certain lab tests, including thyroid function tests
Avoid using salt substitutes containing potassium unless approved by your provider
Stay alert for unusual symptoms such as swelling, rash, or breathing changes
If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your provider immediately before use
This medication is intended for short-term emergency use, not long-term therapy.
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Potassium iodide may interact with other medications and affect how they work.
Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, and herbal products.
Potential interactions may include:
Thyroid medications (may alter thyroid hormone levels)
Potassium-containing products or supplements
Certain blood pressure medications (such as potassium-sparing diuretics)
Medications that affect kidney function
Iodine-containing supplements or contrast agents
If you are unsure whether your medications may interact, contact your provider or pharmacist before taking this medication.
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Store at room temperature, protected from light and moisture
Keep the medication in its original labeled packaging
Keep the container tightly closed
Carry medication in your carry-on bag when traveling
Only take this medication if instructed during a radiation emergency
Do not share this medication with others
Important Safety Information
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Potassium iodide can cause serious side effects in some individuals.
Serious reactions may include:
Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling, trouble breathing)
Thyroid dysfunction (overactive or underactive thyroid)
Irregular heartbeat or chest pain
Swelling of the neck or thyroid gland
Severe skin or mucous membrane irritation
Gastrointestinal bleeding (black or bloody stools, vomiting blood)
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these symptoms.
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Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical care if you experience:
You develop a severe allergic reaction
You experience chest pain or irregular heartbeat
You have swelling of the face, throat, or neck
You notice severe skin reactions or irritation
You have vomiting blood or black stools
You experience severe weakness, confusion, or neurological symptoms
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Do not take this medication if you:
Are allergic to iodine or potassium iodide
Have certain skin or blood vessel disorders
Have specific thyroid conditions (such as thyroid nodules with heart disease)
Always consult your provider before use if you have underlying thyroid or heart conditions.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you:
Have any medication or iodine allergies
Have thyroid disease or goiter
Have heart disease
Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Are breastfeeding (infant thyroid monitoring may be required)
Take other medications, supplements, or potassium-containing products
This helps ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for you.
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Common side effects may include:
Upset stomach or nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Other possible effects:
Metallic taste in the mouth
Mouth or throat irritation
Increased saliva
Mild skin irritation
Serious (seek medical care immediately):
Signs of allergic reaction
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Chest pain or abnormal heartbeat
Severe weakness or confusion
Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Symptoms of overdose may include:
Severe stomach irritation or pain
Burning sensation in the mouth or throat
Metallic taste
Excessive salivation
Confusion or weakness
Irregular heartbeat or serious electrolyte imbalance
If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical care or contact poison control immediately.
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Dispose of unused or expired potassium iodide properly to prevent accidental use or harm.
Do not flush this medication down the toilet unless instructed
Do not pour into drains
Use a medication take-back program if available
If no take-back program is available, mix with an undesirable substance (such as coffee grounds or cat litter), seal in a container, and dispose in the trash
Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Disclaimers
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Some Travel Medical Kits may include prescription antibiotics that have been prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider for emergency use during travel when timely access to medical care may be limited.
These medications are intended to help patients manage certain suspected bacterial infections that may occur during travel when medical evaluation is not immediately available. Antibiotics included in travel kits should only be used according to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the guidance outlined in your medication safety guide.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral illnesses, including the common cold, influenza, or most sore throats. Using antibiotics when they are not medically necessary can contribute to antibiotic resistance and may expose patients to unnecessary medication risks.
Patients should only begin an antibiotic when symptoms clearly match the guidance provided in the medication instructions or when directed by a licensed healthcare provider.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or do not improve within the expected time frame, patients should seek medical care as soon as possible.
Travel kit antibiotics are intended for short-term use during travel and should not be used for routine illnesses or without appropriate medical guidance.
Patients should never share prescription medications with others and should never take antibiotics that were prescribed for another individual.
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This prescription may have been issued through a telemedicine consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. If you experience severe symptoms, worsening illness, or any concerning reactions while using this medication, contact your prescribing clinician immediately or seek emergency medical care.
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This medication guide summarizes important safety information derived from pharmacy labeling, medication manufacturers, and prescribing references. It is intended to help patients understand the safe use of medications included in the Superior Health & Wellness Travel Medical Kit.
This guide does not contain the complete prescribing information for Cephalexin. Always follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and the instructions on the pharmacy label that accompanies your prescription.
Medications included in travel medical kits are prescribed only after a clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Prescriptions are issued based on your medical history, current medications, allergies, and overall health needs. Not all patients will qualify for every medication or kit configuration, and the contents of each kit may vary based on provider discretion and patient suitability.
Some medications included in travel medical kits are commercially manufactured medications dispensed through licensed pharmacies. In certain cases, a medication may be provided as a compounded formulation prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy when a provider determines that a compounded version is medically appropriate for a patient. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness but are prepared by licensed pharmacies in accordance with applicable pharmacy regulations.
Travel Medical Kits are intended to provide limited medication support during travel when timely access to medical care may be difficult. These kits are not a substitute for routine medical care, primary care services, or emergency medical treatment. Purchasing a Travel Medical Kit does not establish a primary care relationship with Superior Health & Wellness and does not include ongoing medical supervision beyond the initial provider evaluation used to determine eligibility for the kit.
Patients experiencing severe illness, worsening symptoms, medication reactions, or medical emergencies should seek immediate medical care or contact a licensed healthcare professional.
Medical services and prescriptions offered through Superior Health & Wellness are provided by licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Prescription medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies following a valid provider prescription.
Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription medications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Disclaimers
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This prescription may have been issued through a telemedicine consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. If you experience severe symptoms, worsening illness, or any concerning reactions while using this medication, contact your prescribing clinician immediately or seek emergency medical care.
-
This medication guide summarizes important safety information derived from pharmacy labeling, medication manufacturers, and prescribing references. It is intended to help patients understand the safe use of medications included in the Superior Health & Wellness Travel Medical Kit.
This guide does not contain the complete prescribing information for Nitroglycerin. Always follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider and the instructions on the pharmacy label that accompanies your prescription.
Medications included in travel medical kits are prescribed only after a clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. Prescriptions are issued based on your medical history, current medications, allergies, and overall health needs. Not all patients will qualify for every medication or kit configuration, and the contents of each kit may vary based on provider discretion and patient suitability.
Some medications included in travel medical kits are commercially manufactured medications dispensed through licensed pharmacies. In certain cases, a medication may be provided as a compounded formulation prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy when a provider determines that a compounded version is medically appropriate for a patient. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness but are prepared by licensed pharmacies in accordance with applicable pharmacy regulations.
Travel Medical Kits are intended to provide limited medication support during travel when timely access to medical care may be difficult. These kits are not a substitute for routine medical care, primary care services, or emergency medical treatment. Purchasing a Travel Medical Kit does not establish a primary care relationship with Superior Health & Wellness and does not include ongoing medical supervision beyond the initial provider evaluation used to determine eligibility for the kit.
Patients experiencing severe illness, worsening symptoms, medication reactions, or medical emergencies should seek immediate medical care or contact a licensed healthcare professional.
Medical services and prescriptions offered through Superior Health & Wellness are provided by licensed healthcare professionals in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Prescription medications are dispensed by licensed pharmacies following a valid provider prescription.
Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription medications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.