The insertion of the pharmacist in radiopharmacy: With emphasis on sodium iodide for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment of thyroid dysfunction

The pharmaceutical career specializing in radiopharmacy allows the pharmaceutical professional to work in nuclear medicine centers (MN), hospitals, clinics, industries, private companies, among other areas. The professional is present throughout MN's process, starting with research, development, production, quality control, waste disposal until the final stage of pharmaceutical care. Radiopharmaceuticals are radiation-emitting structures and are used for diagnosis and therapy of various pathologies. It was observed that the radiopharmaceutical preparation containing sodium iodide is widely used to assess thyroid function and treat thyroid disorders. This radiopharmaceutical is produced from chemical elements, containing in its composition one or more radionuclides, which are capable of performing different functions. This study aimed to explain the role of pharmacists in the areas of radiopharmacy and the use of sodium iodide for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disorders. The research was characterized by a review of the current literature on radiopharmacy, thyroid disorders, sodium iodide and nuclear medicine. (author)