POTASSIUM IODIDE. In the event of a nuclear accident, radioactive iodine can be released and can then end up in the body. Authorities may recommend taking stable (non-radioactive) iodine, available as potassium iodide tablets, to protect the thyroid from radiation. Can you buy it at a pharmacy? Without a prescription? Are there any risks?
[Mise à jour le 7 mars 2022 à 10h11] In front of the threat of nuclear attack of Russian President Vladimir Putin at war with Ukraine, demands for iodine tablets (potassium iodide) increase in the pharmacies from Europe including France. France sent iodine to Ukraine to guard against the risk of a nuclear accident during combat with the Russian army, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Sunday March 6. What is iodine used for? Against the radioactivity ? What are the risks of being exposed to radioactive iodine? Can we buy freely ? Explanations.
What is the use of iodine in the event of a nuclear attack?
In the event of a nuclear accident,radioactive iodine can be released and then can find oneself in the body, via the respiratory tract (by inhalation) or following the ingestion of contaminated liquids or food. However, the thyroid gland (located on the front of the neck) is able to store iodine until saturation. If this gland fixes radioactive iodine, there is a increased risk of cancer of the thyroid. This is why in the event of a nuclear accident, and if radioactive iodine is released, the authorities may recommend take stable (non-radioactive) iodine, available as tablets of potassium iodide, in order to protect the thyroid of irradiation. Thus, this allows the thyroid to be saturated with stable iodine (via a dose of approximately 1000 times that required by the body daily) and consequently avoid the absorption of radioactive iodine. However, during a nuclear accident, various radioactive materials can be released. Stable iodine is therefore only useful in the event of the release of radioactive iodine, and stable iodine tablets do not offer no protection against other radioactive substances. Finally, iodine tablets should only be taken on the express recommendation of the competent authorities because the tablets ingested are not effective only for a period of approximately 24h and with optimal effect after 2 hours. It is therefore no need to take iodine tablets for prevention, consuming it without instructions being given by the authorities, which may on the contrary expose you to health risks. The recommendation to take shelter remains in parallel the most effective solution and which takes precedence over the intake of iodine.
What are the effects of iodine on the body?
Stable iodine is a natural trace element absolutely necessary for our health. It enters into the composition of hormones produced by the thyroid gland, after fixing inhaled or ingested iodine on the latter. The hormones produced are secreted by the thyroid into the bloodstream and affect the metabolism of different organs. They play a vital role, particularly in growth and development. To function, the thyroid needs a small amount of natural iodine (on average 150 micrograms per day) which comes mainly from food, but also in a smaller proportion from the air we breathe (mainly present in maritime regions). In case of excess in the body, iodine is rapidly evacuated through the urine.
Saturated with stable iodine, the thyroid gland is unable to fix radioactive iodine.
What is the effect of iodine against radioactivity?
Stable iodine tablets (potassium iodide) protect the thyroid gland against radioactive contamination. A serious event such as an accident or a nuclear attack can lead to the release of radioactive iodine into the atmosphere. Inhaled or ingested, this radioelement causes the exposed population to be irradiated, putting them at significant risk of thyroid cancer. This is why to prevent the thyroid from fixing radioactive iodine, taking stable iodine in tablets and in large quantities (example: 2 tablets of 65 mg for an adult) constitutes an effective means of prevention. Saturated with stable iodine, the thyroid gland is indeed unable to fix radioactive iodine, which protects individuals from possible thyroid cancer. From tablets containing stable iodine are distributed as a preventive measure to populations living near nuclear facilities. Stable iodine, on the other hand, offers no protection against other radioactive elements that may be released during a nuclear accident or attack.
What are the dangers of iodine tablets?
Iodine tablets may cause some Side effects like a metallic taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, skin rash, restlessness, and heart palpitations. In rare cases, ingestion of potassium iodide tablets may cause thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism manifesting itself by a increased heart rate, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, tremors or severe weight loss. Those side effects are usually transient and not serious, and they disappear spontaneously once the iodine has been eliminated by the body. If the problem persists or if the condition worsens, however, it is imperative to consult a doctor. In some exceptional cases, the absorption of iodine can lead to hypersensitivity reactions (redness, oedema, neck pain, lacrimal discharge, chills, swelling of the salivary glands, fever).
Iodine stocks are subject to quotas and not all pharmacies have them at all times.
Where to buy iodine tablets?
Stable iodine tablets 65 mg are manufactured by the Central Army Pharmacy. In France, stable iodine can be distributed free of charge by the competent authorities (example: by post) or by pharmacies, only to populations exposed to a nuclear risk that is to say located within a radius of 20 km around a nuclear power plant. As the delivery of these iodine tablets is regulated, it can only be done on presentation of proof of residence or a receipt receipt issued by the authorities. Stocks are limited and not all pharmacies have them at all times. For the population not affected by this regulatory procedure, it is nevertheless possible to obtain iodine tablets from pharmacies with sufficient stock and by paying for them. To note that to deal with a possible serious nuclear accident, theState has sufficient reserves to supply the entire population. In all cases, it is the prefect who gives the instructions for taking iodineby all existing means allowing information to be disseminated (fire/police loudspeakers, sirens, television, radio, etc.).
As a reminder, in the event of a nuclear alert:
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Can I buy iodine tablets in pharmacies?
Only people living within a radius of 20 km around nuclear power plants can in principle collect iodine tablets from pharmacies, during distribution campaigns organized by the authorities or when they move into the municipality concerned, this under the responsibility of the prefects. Stocks are indeed limited and reserved as a priority for this population at risk. However, if supplies allow (orders via wholesalers), it is possible to buy iodine tablets freely from pharmacies that have them.
Are iodine tablets available without a prescription?
Potassium iodide is an unlisted drug that therefore does not require a medical prescription to be delivered. In France and for persons or establishments located within a radius of 20 km around a nuclear power plant, boxes of stable iodine are provided free of charge and without a prescription by pharmacies in the sectors concerned, on simple presentation of proof of address and/or or by filling out a withdrawal slip. For the others people (not affected by a nuclear risk particular), it is possible to obtain these tablets in pharmacies without a prescriptiondepending on available stocks and paying them.
Are there any contraindications to taking iodine?
Contraindications to taking iodine tablets are exceptional. The risk of hypersensitivity reaction being relatively low, it does not constitute a strict contraindication to taking iodine tablets if necessary. A person allergic to iodine or having a thyroid pathology can however seek advice from their doctor as a precautionary measure, the risk associated with taking stable iodine tablets being assessed on a case-by-case basis.