Technetium TC 99m TSC (Oral)

Technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid is a radiopharmaceutical. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive substances that can be used to locate and treat certain diseases or to examine how the body's organs function.

Technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid helps your doctor take images of your esophagus, stomach, and lungs to check how well they are working. This medicine is used to help diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease and pulmonary aspiration.

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 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 decide if you should continue 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 swelling 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.

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks must be considered alongside the benefits. This is a choice you will make with your doctor. Other factors may also influence 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 in children that would limit the use of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid.

Geriatric

While appropriate studies on how age affects the effects of technetium Tc 99m sulfur colloid have not been done in older adults, there are no known specific problems for this age group at this time.

Breast Feeding

Studies suggest that this medication may change milk production or its composition. If you do not receive a different medication, you should watch the infant for side effects and ensure they are getting enough milk.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while others can be used together even if an interaction could happen. 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

Some medicines should not be taken near the time of eating food or certain types of food because interactions may occur. Mixing alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Talk to your healthcare professional about using 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 if you have any other medical conditions, especially:

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

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

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if any of these 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

Some side effects may happen 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 provide ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of these side effects continue, 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
• 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 in a hospital or clinic. This medicine is given by mouth or by a nasogastric tube.

If this medicine is given to children by mouth, it should be combined with a milk feeding. If this medicine is given to children by a nasogastric tube, it is administered into the stomach and then followed with a dextrose or milk feeding.