Pronunciation:

al-BUE-min, EYE-oh-di-nay-ted I-131

Brand Names:

• Volumex

Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Diagnostic Agent

Uses of This Medicine:

Albumin, iodinated I-131 injection is used to determine the amount of blood in the body. This medicine 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.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Also, other things may affect test results. For this test, 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 albumin, iodinated I-131 injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Older adults—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of albumin, iodinated I-131 injection in the elderly.

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.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Your doctor may give you iodine solution at least 24 hours before receiving this medicine and continue for 1 to 2 weeks.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

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

While receiving this medicine, you will be exposed to radiation. If you have any questions about this, talk to your doctor.

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:

Incidence not known

Difficulty in breathing or swallowing

fast heartbeat

skin itching, rash, or redness

swelling of the face, throat, or tongue

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.