What is Ioflupane I-123?
Ioflupane I-123 belongs to a class of drugs known as diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals. (RAY deeoh farma SOO tik al.) Ioflupane I123 is a gamma-camera-detectable radioactive agent.
Ioflupane I123 can be used to detect brain symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors or loss of balance, coordination problems, shuffling walking, or other movement disorders. Ioflupane I-123 can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ioflupane I 123
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives; skin itching; difficulty breathing; swelling on your face, lips, or tongue; and/or throat.
Ioflupane I-123 can cause the following side effects:
- Pain, swelling, irritation, or burning around the IV needle
- Headache;
- Dizziness, spinning sensation;
- Dry Mouth;
- Nausea.
There may be other side effects. For advice regarding side effects, it is wise to reach out directly to a medical provider. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Tell your doctor before using ioflupane I123 about any medical conditions, allergies, medicines that you take, and whether you are pregnant or nursing.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ioflupane I123, it should be avoided. You should tell your doctor if there has ever been a reaction to iodine or another contrast agent.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- A thyroid disorder
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- If you've ever had an allergy reaction to iodide of potassium, or Lugol’s solution,
Ioflupane I-123 may be administered to older adults after a kidney function test. You may need to monitor your kidney function after receiving ioflupane I-123.
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not breastfeed for 6 days following the use of ioflupane 123. Throw away any milk collected by a breast pump. Do not give it to your child.
How to take Ioflupane I-123?
Ioflupane I-123 can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider 3 to 6 hours prior to your radiologic test. You will receive a liquid drink containing medicine that protects your thyroid against the harmful radioactive effects caused by ioflupane I123.
Drink lots of fluids before and after your ioflupane I123 test. You should follow your doctor's advice on the type and amount of fluids to drink before and following your test. Ioflupane I123 is radioactive, and if you do not eliminate it from your body properly through urination, it can have dangerous effects on your urinary system.
You can expect to urinate a lot in the 48 hours following your test. If you urinate more than normal during this period, you will know that you have enough fluid. Urinating frequently will help your body rid itself of radioactive iodine.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for computed tomography:
111-185 mbq (3-5 mci), intravenously, after thyroid blocking agent
Thyroid Blocking Agent:
To block thyroid uptake of Iodine123, administer Potassium Iodide Oral Solution, Lugol's Solution (equivalent 100 mg Iodide), or Potassium Perchlorate 400 mg at least one hour before taking this drug.
Comments:
Start single photon-emission computed tomography imaging within 3 to 6 hours of the drug administration.
The dose is determined by the radioactivity measured using an instrument calibrated to suit the application.
Uses:
Visualization of the striatal dopamine transporter using SPECT brain imaging to aid in the evaluation and diagnosis of adult patients suspected of having Parkinsonian syndrome (PS)
To help distinguish essential tremor (which is not caused by PS) from tremors due to PS, such as multiple system atrophy or progressive supranuclear paralysis,
As an adjunct to other diagnoses.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Ioflupane I-123 does not require a daily dosage because it is only used once, before the radiologic test.
If you are unable to complete the radiologic test between 3 and 6 hours following your injection, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because ioflupane I-123 will be administered by a health care professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
Avoid becoming dehydrated in the first few weeks after receiving Ioflupane I-123. You should follow your doctor's advice on the types and amounts of liquids to drink.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, such as:
- Buspirone;
- A diet pill or 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.
This list is incomplete. Ioflupane I123 may be affected by other drugs, including vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
