WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Radiation Exposure Risk
Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m
contributes to a patient's overall long term cumulative radiation exposure.
Long term cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk of
cancer. Use the lowest dose of Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m necessary for
imaging and ensure safe handling and preparation to protect the patient and
health care worker from unintentional radiation exposure. Encourage patients to
drink fluids and void as frequently as possible after intravenous or
intravesicular administration. Advise patients to blow their nose and wash
their eyes with water after ophthalmic administration [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION].
Radiation risks associated with
the use of Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m are greater in pediatric patients than
in adults due to greater absorbed radiation doses and longer life expectancy.
Ensure the diagnostic benefit of Sodium Pertechnetate Tc99m outweighs these
greater risks prior to administration in pediatric patients.
Unintended Mo-99 Exposure
Unintended exposure to Mo-99
radiation contributes to a patient's overall cumulative radiation dose. To
minimize the risk of unintended radiation exposure, strict adherence to the
eluate testing protocol is required. Use only potassium molybdate Mo-99,
processing reagents, saline, and other supplies, including kits, provided by
NorthStar Medical Radioisotopes. Do not administer Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m
injection after the 0.15microCi of Mo-99/mCi of Tc-99m limit has been reached
and discard the Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m injection when the 12 hour
expiration time is reached; whichever occurs earlier [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity reactions,
including serious signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, following administration
of Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m injection have been reported. Always have
cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment and personnel available and monitor all
patients for hypersensitivity reactions
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis,
Impairment Of Fertility
No long-term studies have been
performed to evaluate carcinogenic potential, mutagenicity potential, or to
determine whether Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m injection may affect fertility in
males or females.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary
There are no available data
with Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m use in pregnant women to inform any
drug-associated risks of developmental outcomes. Animal reproductive studies
have not been conducted with Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m. All
radiopharmaceuticals, including Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m, have the potential
to cause fetal harm depending on the fetal stage of development and the
magnitude of the radiation dose. If considering Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m
administration to a pregnant woman, inform the patient about the potential for
adverse pregnancy outcomes based on the radiation dose from Sodium
Pertechnetate Tc-99m and the gestational timing of exposure.
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and
miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a
background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S.
general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and
miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies are 2-4% and 15-20%,
respectively.
Lactation
Risk Summary
There are limited data available in the published
literature on the presence of technetium Tc-99m in human milk. There are no
data available on the effects of Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m on the breast fed
infant or the effects on milk production. Exposure of Sodium Pertechnetate
Tc-99m to a breastfed infant can be minimized by temporary discontinuation of
breast feeding (see Clinical Considerations). The developmental and
health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's
clinical need for Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m, any potential adverse effects on
the breastfed child from Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m or from the underlying
maternal condition.
Clinical Considerations
To decrease radiation exposure to the breastfed infant,
advise a lactating woman to pump and discard breastmilk after the
administration of Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m for 12 to 24 hours, where the
duration corresponds to the typical range of administrated activity, 259 MBq to
925 MBq (7mCi to 25mCi).
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have been established for Sodium
Pertechnetate Tc-99m in pediatric patients from birth (term neonates) to 17
years of age of age for thyroid imaging and for urinary bladder imaging via
direct isotopic cystography for the detection of vesicoureteral reflux based on
clinical experience. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in
pediatric patients for salivary gland imaging or nasolacrimal drainage system
imaging. Although dose adjustment based on body size or weight is generally
recommended, the administered dose should be adequate to obtain acceptable
quality diagnostic information [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Radiation
risks of Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m injection are greater in pediatric
patients than adults [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Geriatric Use
Studies on the relationship of age to the effects of
Sodium Pertechnetate Tc-99m injection have not been performed in the geriatric
population. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences
in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose
selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the
low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased
hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug
therapy.