Potassium Iodide HOW SAFE IS IT?

Potassium iodide is extremely safe in the dosage provided by IOSAT™. Because it is widely used in other treatments, its effects are well known. Millions of KI tablets are consumed annually in the US with virtually negligible side effects. Calculations by the National Council on Radiation Protection suggest that the incidence of adverse reactions to the KI in IOSAT can be as low as 1 in 10 million, and often no more than a mild skin rash. Because of the inherent safety of KI, the FDA allows IOSAT to be sold without a prescription for radiation protection. Its use, however, should be limited to radiation emergencies, and only when recommended by emergency response authorities.

Proof of KI’s safety was demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt following the Chernobyl accident. As reported in The American Journal of Medicine, (Volume 94, May, 1993), despite very high levels of public anxiety caused by the fear of radiation, the incidence of side effects in Poland among the roughly 18 million who took iodine was very small. Approximately 3% suffered some form of stomach upset (due, in part, to the fact that a liquid KI was used instead of a tablet), 1% had a mild skin rash, and 1% suffered other mild symptoms. Only 2 cases of more serious side effects were noted, and both of these occurred among people with known allergies to iodide who had been warned not to take KI -- but did so anyway, (preferring to suffer an allergic respiratory problem to the possibility of thyroid cancer).

Who should not take IOSAT?

The only people who should not take IOSAT are people with a specific allergy to iodide. Pregnant and nursing women, as well as infants, may take the drug. Parents should be aware that children and unborn are extremely susceptible to radioiodine poisoning. People taking other thyroid medicines may also take IOSAT.

What's the dosage?

IOSAT should be stored in a dry, room-temperature environment, with the blister packages unopened until its use is directed by public health authorities in a radiation emergency. Then, one tablet per day should be taken for up to 14 days. Under this regimen, sufficient thyroid blocking will be achieved to insure protection even in the worst accident. Of course, anyone taking IOSAT should follow all instructions from the public health authorities, including evacuation if conditions are judged to warrant it.