What is DaTscan?
DaTscan belongs to a group of drugs called diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. Ioflupane I123 is a radioactive substance that can be used to detect images of the human brain using a gamma camera. DaTscan can be used to diagnose brain signs for Parkinson’s disease among people who have symptoms like tremors or lack of coordination or balance, shuffled walking, and other movement disorders. DaTscan can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Warnings
Tell your doctor before using DaTscan about any medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you take. Also, tell him if you're pregnant or nursing.
Before you take this drug
DaTscan should not be administered if the patient is allergic to Ioflupane I123. You should tell your doctor about any reactions you may have had to iodine. Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that DaTscan will be safe for you:
- A thyroid condition;
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- If you've ever experienced an allergic reaction after using potassium iodide or Lugol’s solution,
DaTscan may require kidney function testing for older adults. You may need to monitor your kidney function after receiving this medication.
This medicine is unknown to cause harm to an unborn child. Inform your doctor that you are expecting. Do not use the breast pump for 6 days following the last time you used ioflupane. Throw away any collected milkPlease beware giving it to children as this could potentially harm them.
How to take DaTscan?
DaTscan can be infused into the vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare professional 3 to 6 hours prior to your radiologic exam. You will receive a liquid drink containing medicine that protects your thyroid against the harmful effects of radioactive ioflupane I123. You should drink plenty of fluids before and after your DaTscan. You should follow your doctor's advice on the type and quantity of liquids to drink both before and after your DaTscan. Ioflupane I123 is radioactive, and if you do not eliminate it from your system through urination, it could have dangerous side effects. You can expect to urinate a lot in the 48 hours following your test. If you urinate more often than normal during this period, you have enough fluid. You can rid yourself of radioactive iodine by urinating frequently.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for computed tomography:
111-185 MBq (3-5 mCi), intravenously, after thyroid blocking agents
Thyroid Blocking Agent:
To block thyroid uptake of iodine123, administer potassium iodide oral solution and Lugol's solution equivalent to 100mg iodide or 400mg potassium perchlorate at least one hour prior to using this medication.
Comments:
Start single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging 3 to 6 hours after the drug has been administered.
The dose is determined by the level of radioactivity measured using an instrument calibrated to suit, immediately before administration.
Uses:
Visualization of the striatal dopamine transporter using SPECT brain imaging to aid in the evaluation and diagnosis of adults with Parkinsonian syndrome (PS)
To help distinguish essential tremor (idiopathic Parkinson’s disease) from tremor caused by PS (multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear paralysis, and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease),
As an addition to other diagnostic assessments.
What happens if I miss the dose?
DaTscan does not require a daily dosage because it is only administered once, before the radiologic exam. If you are unable to finish your radiologic examination within three to six hours of receiving your injection, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because this medication is administered by healthcare professionals in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Avoid becoming dehydrated in the days immediately following your DaTscan. You should follow your doctor's advice on the amount and type of fluids to drink.
Side Effects of DaTscan
If you experience any of the following symptoms of a reaction to DaTscan, seek emergency medical attention: itching or hives; skin redness; difficulty breathing; swelling in your lips, face, throat, tongue, and/or mouth.
DaTscan may cause side effects such as:
- Pain, swelling, irritation, or burning around the IV;
- Headache;
- Dizziness, spinning sensation;
- Dry mouth
- Nausea.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all other medications you are taking, including:
- Buspirone;
- A diet pill, stimulant medication,
- Adhd medications: amoxapine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, methylphenidate, adderall, ritalin, and others;
- An antidepressant—bupropion, citalopram, paroxetine, sertraline;
- Medicine to treat parkinson's disease—benztropine and selegiline.
The list below is not exhaustive. Ioflupane I123 may also interact with other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all drug interactions.
