[ad_1]
An electronic prescription valid for 30 days has been issued to all residents who have declared their place of residence in Vilnius. – until November 17.
According to Mindaugas Urbas, head of marketing and communication of the BENU pharmacy network, information about free-to-use potassium iodide pills has not yet reached all Vilnius residents, but when they found out about this possibility from the Pharmacists, they take the pills they have. At the same time, residents are reminded that in the event of a nuclear accident, iodine solution in a home pharmacy is not suitable for preventing thyroid cancer.
Pharmacies felt more active interest from the population in iodine preparations in August. Compared with previous periods, sales of iodine preparations have increased approximately two-fold. The dynamics of sales of iodine preparations was largely determined by the news about the Astravo nuclear power plant, as well as media reports on safeguards in case of a nuclear accident.
Do not confuse the iodine tablets with the solution
“Residents were interested in both potassium iodide tablets and iodine solution, but I want to point out that these are not equivalent and interchangeable preparations. In the event of a nuclear accident, the population should take potassium iodide tablets, which are distributed free of charge today in Vilnius.
They are designed to protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine. Radioactive iodine released into the environment during a nuclear accident can lead to the development of thyroid cancer ”, says M. Urbas.
A representative of the pharmacy remembers that the iodine solution is used to disinfect wounds, it kills bacteria and viruses. You should also be aware that iodine supplements with iodine will not be effective either. Only stable iodine, potassium iodide, is used to prevent thyroid cancer. Stable iodine prevents the thyroid gland from absorbing radioactive iodine and therefore reduces the risk of thyroid disease.
Important information: do not use prophylactically
The thyroid gland does not separate radioactive from stable iodine, so it can absorb both. However, when it becomes saturated with iodine, the thyroid gland no longer accumulates it. In the event of a nuclear disaster, it is important to ensure that the thyroid gland is saturated with stable iodine. Your daily rate for adults and children from 12 years old. contains 2 tablets (65 mg each), 3-12 m. for children – 1 tablet, for babies from 1 month. up to 3 m. – half a tablet, and for newborns up to 1 month. – a quarter tablet.
“I want to urge the population not to rush to take potassium iodide tablets preventively. The Ministry of Health has informed that in the event of a nuclear accident, the population should start using potassium iodide only after a separate notification from the Ministry or the Government, ”M. Urbas reminds Vilnius residents who take potassium iodide tablets. potassium in a press release.
[ad_2]
