Iobenguane I-131

What is Iobenguane I131?

Iobenguane can be described as a radiopharmaceutical (RAY dee Oh far ma SOO tik Al) medicine used to treat a specific kind of tumour in the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma). Iobenguane is also used to treat a rare form of cancer of the nerve cells (paraganglioma) that may spread throughout the body.Iobenguane I-131 is for use by both children and adults who are twelve years old or older. Iobenguane I-131 could also be used for other purposes not covered in this medication guide.

Side effects of Iobenguane I-131

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue, Iobenguane I-131 can cause serious adverse side effects. Consult your doctor immediately in the event that you experience:

• Chest pressure and the feeling of chest pressure; dry cough sensation of shortness of breath;
• Easily bleeding, unusual appearance of red or purple spots on the skin
• Thyroid symptoms: extreme tiredness dry skin, joint pain, or stiffness muscles pain or the voice becoming hoarse and feeling greater sensitivity to cold temperatures and weight gain
• Low white blood cell count low white blood cell counts, fever or mouth sores, open sores on the skin, tender throat, cough, breathing problems,
• Red blood cells are low (anemia)—pale skin and fatigue; being lightheaded or sluggish with cold feet and hands

Common negative side effects of Iobenguane I-131 could include:

• Low blood cell count;
• Being tired
• Nausea,
• Vomiting;
• Dizziness;
• Lower blood pressure (feeling lightheaded).

This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Men and women who are taking iobenguane I131 must use effective birth control to stop the pregnancy. Iobenguane I-131 can harm a newborn baby when the father or mother is taking this medication. If you're a female, take contraceptives until at least 7 months after the last dose. If you're a male, continue using birth control for a minimum of 4 months following your last dose.

Prior to use this drug

Speak to your doctor if you are ever diagnosed with:

• Kidney disease.
• If you've had regular "INR" or prothrombin time tests.

Utilizing iobenguane I-131 could increase the chances of developing other types of cancer, like leukemia. Talk to your doctor about the possibility. It is possible that you will need to take a pregnancy test that is negative prior to beginning this treatment. Iobenguane I-131 may harm a newborn baby if the father or mother is taking this medication.

• If you're pregnant, do not use Iobenguane I-131 when you are expecting. Make sure you use effective birth control methods to avoid the possibility of pregnancy while you take this medication and for a minimum of seven months following the last dose.
• If you're male, use effective birth control if you have a partner who can get pregnant. Use birth control for a minimum of 4 months following your last dose.
• Inform your doctor immediately. If you become pregnant when one of the mothers or fathers is taking iobenguane I131,

This medication can affect fertility (the ability to have children) for both men and women. It is nevertheless important to use birth control in order to avoid pregnancy, as Iobenguane I-131 could harm a newborn baby. Do not breastfeed during the time you are taking this medication or for at least 80 days following your last dose.

How to take Iobenguane-I-131?

Iobenguane I-131 is administered in the form of an injection into the vein. The healthcare professional will give the injection. Iobenguane I-131 is typically given within one hour prior to the first of a series of three radiologic tests that span five days. Two doses of the drug are administered each time, separated by a minimum of 90 days. You could be prescribed other medications to shield the thyroid gland against the exposure radiation of the iobenguane I-131. Continue to take the iobenguane I-131 for the duration your doctor prescribes. Drink at least 2 liters of fluid on the day prior to the time you get iobenguane and for one week following. Follow your doctor's instructions on the type of fluids you need to consume. Iobenguane I-131 is radioactive and could cause harmful effects on your bladder when it isn't removed from the body via the process of urination. Expect frequent urination during the first few days following the test. This will aid in the removal of radioactive substances from your body. Iobenguane I-131 may decrease the blood cell count. Your blood needs to be checked frequently. The treatment you receive could be delayed depending on the test results. Your kidney function and blood pressure should also be regularly checked.

What happens if I miss the dose

Contact your doctor for advice. If you do not make an appointment to receive the iobenguane I131 injection,

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

After a brief period of time, after you have received iobenguane, your body will emit radiation. At least for a week after each dose, be sure to stay out of contact with others for as long as you can (especially pregnant women and children). Avoid sharing a food spoon or glass of water with other people. Clean your hands with soap and water every time you use the bathroom.

Interaction with other drugs

Certain medicines may affect how images are generated by iobenguane I131. Inform your physician about all the medicines you are currently taking as well as any that you have removed, including:

• St. John's wort;
• Tramadol;
• Blood pressure medicine;
• An antidepressant like bupropion, amitriptyline, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, Effexor, Pristiq, and others;
• Diet pills, cough or cold medicines,
• Stimulant drugs like dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, Ritalin, Adderall, and other stimulant medicines such as Ritalin, dextroamphetamine, and others.

The list below is not exhaustive, and other medications may interfere with Iobenguane I-131. This includes prescription as well as over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. There are many possible interactions between drugs that are included here.