[March 17, 2011] Lubbock area residents fearing radiation from Japan seek out drug Tweet Mar 17, 2011 (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Audie Kilpatrick, a staff pharmacist at Caprock Discount Pharmacy, said he's received an increase of inquiries about iodine pills, more specifically potassium iodide. The drug is typically used to treat an overactive thyroid, but can also be used to protect the thyroid from the effects of radiation. Residents have sought out the drug, fearing exposure to radiation from Japan's tsunami-damaged nuclear plants. But experts said it's unlikely the radiation will reach Texas, or the rest of the United States for that matter. Dr. Joe Sasin, chief of emergency services at University Medical Center, said the drug may be difficult to find at some pharmacies. "Most people don't have trouble getting enough iodine," he said. Because iodine is added to table salt, most people absorb enough through their food. Sasin added the drug is often given to people who are going to be given nuclear medicine. Potassium iodide protects the thyroid by keeping radiation out of it. "The thyroid gland is a natural scavenger," Sasin said. "It will pick up any trace elements of iodide that it can find anywhere." If the thyroid has already absorbed enough stable iodine to be saturated, it won't absorb the radioactive iodine. Sasin compared it to a pool that was already full of rainwater. It wouldn't need to be filled with water from a hose, he said. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people on a low potassium diet consult their physicians before taking potassium iodide. The medicine may cause side effects including hives, joint pain, swelling of the arms, face, legs, lip, tongue, throat or lymph nodes. Long-term use could cause burning of the mouth or throat, severe headaches, increased watering of the mouth, irregular heartbeat, metallic taste, numbness, sores on skin and unusual tiredness or weakness. Sasin said side effects won't affect most patients as long as they consume the recommended amount. To see more of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.lubbockonline.com/. Copyright (c) 2011, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Texas Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]