prednisone + radioiodine

Prednisone + radioiodine refers to the combined use of oral prednisone, a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid, with radioiodine (radioactive iodine-131) therapy. This combination is primarily used in the management of Graves' disease and Graves' orbitopathy (GO), particularly to prevent or reduce the risk of worsening eye symptoms following radioiodine treatment for hyperthyroidism. Prednisone acts as an immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory agent by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, thereby reducing immune-mediated inflammation in orbital tissues. Radioiodine is a radiopharmaceutical that selectively destroys thyroid tissue through beta radiation after being taken up by thyroid cells. The combination leverages prednisone's ability to suppress inflammatory responses triggered or exacerbated by thyroid antigen release during radioiodine-induced thyroid cell destruction.