Ceretec (Injection)

Technetium Tc 99m exametazime injection is a radiopharmaceutical. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive agents that can be used to find and treat certain diseases or to study how the body's organs work.

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

This medicine must only be given by or under the direct supervision of a doctor who has specialized training in nuclear medicine.

It is very important that your doctor monitors you closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will help your doctor determine if the medicine is working correctly and decide if you should keep receiving it.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, difficulty breathing, or chest pain after the injection.

You will be exposed to radiation when you receive this medicine. Discuss any concerns about this with your doctor.

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will weigh the risks of taking the medicine against the benefits it may provide. Consider the following for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know 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.

Pediatric

Studies have not been done to determine how age affects the use of technetium Tc 99m exametazime injection in children. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Geriatric

While studies on how age affects the use of technetium Tc 99m exametazime injection in older adults have not been performed, no specific problems for older adults have been reported so far. However, older patients are more likely to have kidney issues related to aging, which may require caution and possibly a dose adjustment for those receiving technetium Tc 99m exametazime injection.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the potential benefits and risks before taking this medication during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other situations, two different medicines can be used together even if an interaction may happen. In such cases, your doctor might adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around the time of eating food or certain types of food due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Other medical conditions may affect how this medicine works. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other health issues, especially:

• Kidney disease—Use with caution. The effects may be stronger because the medicine is removed from the body more slowly.

• Stomach problems (e.g., peritonitis) or
• Tumor—Use with caution. Test results may be affected in patients with these conditions.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine can also cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they might require medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away 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 happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, talk to your healthcare professional.

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

In the U.S.

• Ceretec
• Drax Exametazime

Available Dosage Forms:

• Kit

Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent, Radiopharmaceutical Imaging

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.