Residents of the capital according to e. you can pick up your prescription for potassium iodide free of charge until January 17. "Eurovaistinė" pharmacists say that customers who are not registered in Vilnius also inquire about potassium iodide tablets, and they also want to have them in their home medicine cabinet.
Laura Bielskė, the communication manager of the pharmacy network, says that it is currently possible to purchase potassium iodide in pharmacies without a prescription. The drug is suitable for use until 2026.
"We currently have a contract with a long-term supplier, so even e. customers who do not have a prescription can purchase potassium iodide with valid validity in pharmacies, it is hoped that we will be able to ensure a stable supply in the future as well, so those who did not have the opportunity to collect it for free or did not find where to buy it, should not worry", says L. Bielskė, head of communication at Eurovaistinė. According to her, the greatest interest in potassium iodide was back in the summer.
In pharmacies, according to e. prescription, a two-day dose of potassium iodide is issued, that is, 4 tablets. For adults and children from 12 years of age, two tablets are taken together, swallowing them immediately. One tablet is used for children 3-12 years old, and half a tablet for children under 3 years old.
In the event of a nuclear disaster, potassium iodide should be administered within hours of notification, so it is important to have it on hand. If you currently have the opportunity to work from home and spend most of your time there, then keep it here, but if you often go to work or spend weekends at home, it is better to keep the pills with you.
The best potassium iodide tablets keep in a separate compartment in the pantry where you won't crush them. However, if you are going somewhere hot or humid, it is better not to take the tablets together.
Potassium iodide is most effective when taken within 2 to 8 hours after radioactive iodine is released into the environment.
It is not recommended to take potassium iodide with other drugs, so you should wait at least 15-20 minutes, its side effects are the same as most drugs, it may cause pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, but this is very rare.
