POTASSIUM IODIDE , WHAT IS IT?

IOSAT: Potassium Iodide Tablets, USP

130 mg. per tablet. 14 tablets per package.

NDC: 51803-001-01

IOSAT™ is the first "Radiation Protective" or Thyroid Blocking" agent to be sold directly to the general public. Its active ingredient, 130 mg. of potassium iodide (KI), gives virtually complete protection from the most feared consequence of a nuclear accident - a meltdown and release of radioactive iodine into the environment.

Radioactive iodine (primarily I-131) is a waste product of nuclear fission produced in reactors and bombs. Its potential impact on human health is staggering, and it could affect more people (perhaps far more people) than all other radioactive sources combined. US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reports indicate that a major release could injure hundreds of thousands of people, and many believe that the government is underestimating the danger.

What makes I-131 so dangerous is that the body can not distinguish it from ordinary iodine. As a result, if it is accidentally swallowed (in contaminated food or water), or inhaled (it can remain in the atmosphere for days), it will be absorbed into the thyroid gland and will remain there long enough to slowly poison its victim. It can take 20 to 30 years, but eventually it can lead to cancer, thyroid damage, growth and birth defects, or death. Children, whose thyroids are especially active, are extremely susceptible to it.

But IOSAT protects against radioactive iodine by preventing its absorption by the thyroid gland. IOSAT saturates (blocks) the thyroid with stable iodine, "filling it to capacity". Once filled, the gland "turns off" its absorption mechanism, and it will remain off long enough for the radioactive iodine to disappear naturally. This method of protection is extremely safe and effective, and up to 99% of all radiation induced thyroid damage can be avoided by the use of IOSAT.

The value of potassium iodide was demonstrated following the Chernobyl nuclear accident, where authorities began mass distribution (millions of doses) of KI just hours after the explosion. In the years following the accident in areas where people received the drug, the incidence of thyroid cancer has not increased. But where KI was not distributed, previously rare forms of juvenile thyroid cancer have begun appearing at epidemic rates, with over 1200 known cases by 1996.

But the radiation did not stop at the Soviet border. In Poland, 300 miles away, authorities watched as radioactive iodine levels began climbing. Soon, authorities felt they had no choice, and doctors ordered a protective dose for every child in the country. These efforts proved successful, and there has been no increase in thyroid cancer in Poland due to Chernobyl. Similar preventative measures took place in other areas throughout Europe, with similar success.

These programs succeeded because most European countries had long stockpiled KI for emergency use in the event of a nuclear accident or war. Planners, therefore, had access to the drug (which should be taken prior to exposure for maximum effectiveness) when it was needed. Unfortunately, similar mass stockpiles are not kept in the United States.

WARNING: POTASSIUM IODIDE SHOULD NOT BE USED BY PEOPLE ALLERGIC TO IODIDE

Use only as directed by state or local public health authorities in the event of a radiation emergency. Store at room temperature. Keep package dry and foil packets intact.

In the event of a radiation emergency, follow all instructions of state or local public health authorities, including evacuation if ordered.

IOSAT is sold in packages of 14 tablets, each tablet containing 130 mg. of potassium iodide, USP. Each package provide protection for one adult from radioactive iodine in a severe radiation emergency.

DOSAGE: ADULTS AND CHILDREN ONE YEAR OF AGE OR OLDER: Take one KI tablet per day for up to 14 days, as instructed by public health authorities. Crush for small children. BABIES UNDER ONE YEAR: One-half tablet once per day. Crush first.

 Potassium Iodide
Updated Sunday, March 28, 1999