Iobenguane I 131

Iobenguane I 131 is an injectable substance used for a diagnostic exam called MIBG scan (metaiodobenzylguanidine).

MIBG scan is used to detect the presence of cancer in the adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma).

Iobenguane I 131 is a substance that emits low-level radiation (from radioactive Iodine-131) with a half-life of about 5 days. Once it is injected into the bloodstream, it is mainly absorbed by tumors in the adrenals.

Because Iobenguane I 131 is slightly radioactive, it enables adrenal tumors to be visualized using a gamma camera that confirms the diagnosis.

Iobenguane I 131 is injected into your veins and can be given only by a doctor.

Before using Iobenguane I 131, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Only a health professional with adequate training in handling and administering radionuclides can prepare and give Iobenguane I 131.

Tell your doctor

If you have allergies to Iobenguane I 131 or shellfish, which is rich in iodine. You also have to let the doctor know if you have sensitivities to potassium, which is also administered as a contrast agent.

Tell the doctor if you have other health problems, especially conditions in the kidneys and thyroid, before taking Iobenguane I 131. You should not take Iobenguane I 131 if you are dehydrated, unable to urinate or have an allergy to iodine.
Mention all the medicines you take to your doctor. The doctor may instruct you temporarily stop taking medicines like antidepressants, medications for colds, antihypertensives or ADHD medications before giving Iobenguane I 131.

Iobenguane I 131 is excreted in your kidneys. If the substance is not eliminated, it may irradiate your bladder and cause problems. Therefore, you must drink plenty of fluids before and after receiving Iobenguane I 131. The doctor will give you instructions regarding the amount of liquid to take.

Take care not to be dehydrated after taking Iobenguane I 131.

Call your doctor right away if you became

• dehydrated,
• have diarrhea,
• repeated vomiting
• unable to urinate

after taking Iobenguane I 131.

Do not take Iobenguane I 131 if pregnant or nursing a baby. Iobenguane I 131 is radioactive and can harm the unborn baby when taken by pregnant patients. If you nurse a baby, you must avoid breastfeeding for at least 6 days after receiving Iobenguane I 131.

Iobenguane I 131 can be given to children, but they must be monitored during administration. The safety of Iobenguane I 131 to babies is not yet established.

Elderly patients can take Iobenguane I 131, but they must have kidney function tests before and after the test to make sure their kidneys are working properly.

To use Iobenguane I 131 properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Iobenguane I 131 is injected into your veins, so you can only have it in the clinic or hospital.

The doctor will determine your dose Iobenguane I 131 based on your body weight.

The doctor will give inject potassium iodide intravenously before giving you Iobenguane I 131. Potassium iodide prevents the thyroid gland from absorbing Iobenguane I 131. Iobenguane I 131 is given around 24 hours before the radiologic test.

You must take extra fluids after taking Iobenguane I 131. Because of that, expect an increase in urine for around 48 hours after the test, which helps eliminate the medication out of your body.

Since the doctor will give you Iobenguane I 131, chances of overdose is very low.

Iobenguane I 131 must be stored in a freezer with a temperature range of -20 C to -10 C. The substance must be thawed to room temperature for two to three hours before use. Discard unused portion after 4 to 6 hours at room temperature.

Before using Iobenguane I 131, there are some precautions you must take.

Only a health professional can give you Iobenguane I 131. During preparation and administration, care must be taken to ensure sterility of the Iobenguane I 131. Also, you must have adequate shielding during the administration of Iobenguane I 131 to prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Avoid getting dehydrated several days after taking Iobenguane I 131. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids and avoid staying in hot places for long periods.

Call your doctor right away if you have

• vomiting,
• diarrhea
• have difficulties urinating

after taking Iobenguane I 131.

After taking Iobenguane I 131, do not take other medications without asking the doctor first.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Iobenguane I 131.

Expect warmth, tingling, or cold sensation in the spot where Iobenguane I 131 was injected, which is not harmful.

Call your doctor right away if you experience the following:

• Severe allergic reaction like hives, itching, swelling of the face, mouth or tongue
• Dizziness
• Bleeding at the injection site