Pronunciation:

tek-NEE-shee-um Tc 99m ex-a-MET-a-zeem

Brand Names:

• Ceretec
• Drax Exametazime

Dosage Forms:

• Kit

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Diagnostic Agent, Radiopharmaceutical Imaging

Uses of This Medicine:

Technetium Tc 99m exametazime injection is a radiopharmaceutical. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive agents, which may be used to find and treat certain diseases or to study the function of the body's organs.

Technetium Tc 99m exametazime injection is used to help your doctor see an image of your brain to see how well it is working. It is used for cerebral perfusion scintigraphy in stroke. This medicine is also used for leukocyte labeled scintigraphy to help locate stomach infections and inflammatory bowel disease.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor with specialized training in nuclear medicine.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of technetium Tc 99m exametazime injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Older adults—

Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of technetium Tc 99m exametazime injection have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving technetium Tc 99m exametazime injection.

Breast-feeding—

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

• Stomach problems (eg, peritonitis) or
• Tumor—Use with caution. Results of the test may be affected in patients with these conditions.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A doctor or other health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

You will need to urinate right away and as often as possible after receiving this medicine. Drink plenty of fluids before and after receiving this medicine so you will pass more urine.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

It is very important that your doctor check you closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions. Check with your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, trouble breathing, or chest pain after you get the injection.

You will be exposed to radiation when you are given this medicine. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Fever

flushing or redness of the skin

rash

swelling or puffiness of the face

unusually warm skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.