Cis Sulfur Colloid (Injection)

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

Technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid injection is used to find lymph node tumors in patients with breast cancer. It also helps your doctor see an image of your liver, spleen, bone marrow, or a peritoneo-venous (LeVeen) shunt, to check how well they are functioning.

This medicine should 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 check you or your child closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will help your doctor see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should keep using it.

This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis needs immediate medical attention. The most serious signs of this reaction are very fast or irregular breathing, gasping for breath, wheezing, or fainting. Other signs may include changes in the color of the skin on the face, very fast but irregular heartbeat or pulse, hive-like swellings on the skin, and puffiness or swellings of the eyelids or around the eyes. If these side effects happen, get emergency help right away.

You may be exposed to radiation when you receive this medicine. This may also increase your risk of developing cancer (especially in children). Talk with your doctor if you or your child have concerns about this.

If you are a woman who can get pregnant, the imaging procedures should be done within 10 days after the start of your monthly period or a pregnancy test should be performed within 48 hours before the procedure.

You may feel a burning sensation at the injection site after receiving this medicine.

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, you and your doctor must consider the risks of the test against the benefits it will provide. Other factors may also influence test results. For this test, the following points should be kept in mind:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever experienced any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know about any other allergies you may have, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, carefully read the label or package ingredients.

Pediatric

Studies conducted so far have not shown any specific problems in children that would limit the usefulness of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid injection for imaging the liver, spleen, bone marrow, or abdominal or stomach cavity.

Geriatric

While appropriate studies on age-related effects of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid injection have not been done in older adults, no specific issues for this age group have been reported so far.

Breast Feeding

Research indicates that this medication may affect milk production or composition. If you are not given an alternative medication, you should monitor your infant for side effects and ensure they are getting enough milk.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should never be used together, while others may be combined even if there is a potential for interaction. In such cases, your doctor may adjust the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken around mealtimes or with specific foods due to possible interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional about taking your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may impact the use of this diagnostic test. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, especially:

• Cancer—Use with caution. May worsen this condition.

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

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

More common

• Cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• cough
• difficulty swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• fast, weak pulse
• hives or welts
• itching
• lightheadedness
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• rash
• redness of the skin
• shortness of breath
• sweating
• tightness in the chest
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• wheezing

Less common

• Chills
• difficult or labored breathing
• fever
• heart stops
• no breathing
• no pulse or blood pressure
• seizures
• unconscious

Incidence not known

• Burning, redness, swelling, or scarring at the injection site

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• feeling of warmth
• nausea
• numbness
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• sweating
• vomiting

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.

In the U.S.

• Cis Sulfur Colloid
• Technetium TC 99m TSC

Available Dosage Forms:

• Kit

Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent, Radiopharmaceutical Imaging

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine. Depending on your medical problem, this medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a vein, or into your peritoneum (abdominal or stomach cavity).