Lymphoseek

Lymphoseek is a radioactive diagnostic agent. It is used to find lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer or melanoma.

It is also very beneficial in guiding sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer, skin and squamous cell cancer of oral cavity.

It is available in the form of powder (to make solution) and is injected only by a doctor or other trained health professional.

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Lymphoseek.

Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about condition such as:

Allergy: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children: There are no adequate studies done which prove Technetium Tc 99 Tilmanocept’s harmful effects in children. However, safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly: This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults.

Pregnancy: It is a category C drug. It is not safe in pregnancy. It may cause harmful effects to an unborn baby.

Breast Feeding: there are no adequate studies which prove that Tilmanocept passes into breast milk. If you are using it while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.

Drug Interactions: Technetium Tc 99 Tilmanocept may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• Any previous allergic reaction to dextran or its other forms (iron dextran).

To use Lymphoseek properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

It is given as an injection either under the skin, around the tumor or below the areola of the breast by a doctor or a trained health professional.

Your vitals will be monitored during the procedure.

Before using Lymphoseek, there are some precautions you must take.

Your doctor will be monitoring you during the procedure. Technetium Tc 99 Tilmanocept may cause severe allergic reactions which can be life-threatening.

Inform your doctor immediately if you start having rash, itching, fainting, palpitation and swelling of hand, face or mouth.

During the procedure, you will be exposed to radiations which may have harmful effects. It may increase your risks of cancer. Cancer risks are especially increased in children.

Your doctor may perform a pregnancy test 48 hours before this test to make sure you are not pregnant.

It is safe to give this medicine within 10 days of the monthly period as chances of pregnancy are less likely.

Avoid breastfeeding for at least 60 hours after this medicine. The milk should be pumped and thrown away.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Lymphoseek to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

All medicines have some side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

Most common are:

• Injection site reaction
• Pain
• Skin itching, rash or redness
• Swelling of the face, throat or tongue

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.