Short answer. In Norway, potassium iodide tablets (Jodix, Kaliumjodid SERB) can be bought without prescription at pharmacies 1. The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) recommends keeping them at home if you are under 40, pregnant, breastfeeding or have children living at home 1. Take one dose only, and only when the authorities advise it 1.
Where can I get iodine tablets in Norway?
At the pharmacy, without prescription. DSA: "De kan du kjøpe reseptfritt på apoteket" (you can buy them without prescription at the pharmacy) 1. There is no mailing to households 2. DSB's brochure includes iodine tablets in the household preparedness list 3.
Who should take them?
- Highest risk: children and young people under 18, and pregnant and breastfeeding women 1.
- Recommended to keep tablets at home: people under 40, pregnant or breastfeeding women and households with children 1.
- Very low risk: people over 40 1.
- No need: people without a thyroid 1.
The general mechanism is explained in /guides/potassium-iodide.
How much and when?
One dose only, following the package leaflet and the authorities' advice; Jodix and Kaliumjodid SERB have different dosages 1. Take tablets only on advice from the authorities, through the Crisis Committee for Nuclear Preparedness 1. Listen to NRK P1 and watch for Nødvarsel alerts: see the alerts page.
What do municipalities stock?
The Crisis Committee recommends that all municipalities have tablets available for under-18s and pregnant or breastfeeding women, stored where children spend the day, such as schools and kindergartens 2. Municipalities should be able to reach the whole target group within 4 hours 2. Upper-secondary schools also cover pupils under 18 from other municipalities 2.
Are there iodine zones?
No. The municipal recommendation applies nationwide 2.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for iodine tablets in Norway?
No. They are sold without prescription at pharmacies 1.
Should someone over 40 take iodine?
DSA describes the risk for people over 40 as very low 1.
Will my child receive tablets at school?
Municipalities are recommended to stock tablets for under-18s where children spend the day, such as schools and kindergartens 2.
Can I take a second dose?
DSA advises one dose only, following the package leaflet and the authorities' advice 1.
Sources
- Direktoratet for strålevern og atomsikkerhet (DSA) — Jodtabletter ved atomulykker — https://www.dsa.no/atomberedskap/jodtabletter (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Direktoratet for strålevern og atomsikkerhet (DSA) — Distribusjon av jodtabletter til kommunene — https://www.dsa.no/atomberedskap/distribusjon-av-jodtabletter-til-kommunene (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap (DSB) — How you can play your part in Norway's emergency preparedness – Advice on emergency preparedness — https://www.dsb.no/siteassets/sikkerhverdag/egenberedskap/brosjyren/dsb-egenberedskap-engelsk-web.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Norway, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Direktoratet for strålevern og atomsikkerhet (DSA) · Jodtabletter ved atomulykker checked 2026-10-20
- Direktoratet for strålevern og atomsikkerhet (DSA) · Distribusjon av jodtabletter til kommunene checked 2026-10-20
- Direktoratet for samfunnssikkerhet og beredskap (DSB) · How you can play your part in Norway's emergency preparedness – Advice on emergency preparedness checked 2026-10-20