Technetium TC 99m TSC (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 function.

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

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor with 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 allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis requires 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 of 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 occur, get emergency help at once.

You may be exposed to radiation when you are given this medicine. This may also increase your risk of having 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 have a burning sensation at the injection site after receiving this medicine.

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighed against the benefits it will provide. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together. Also, other factors may affect test results. For this test, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction 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 conducted so far have not shown any specific problems related to the use of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid injection in children for imaging the liver, spleen, bone marrow, or abdominal or stomach cavity.

Geriatric

While appropriate studies on the effects of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid injection in older adults have not been performed, no specific problems related to this age group have been reported so far.

Breast Feeding

Research indicates that this medication may change milk production or composition. If an alternative to this medication is not prescribed, you should monitor the infant for side effects and ensure adequate milk intake.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction could happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. 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 consuming specific types of food, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk with your healthcare professional about using your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical issues may influence the use of this diagnostic test. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, 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 occur 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).