Technetium Tc 99m Succimer

Technetium Tc 99m Succimer is a radioactive diagnostic agent indicated for use as an aid in scintigraphic evaluation of renal parenchymal disorders for adults and pediatric patients including term neonates.

• Technetium Tc 99m Succimer is available under the following different brand names: Nephroscan

Common side effects of Technetium Tc 99m Succimer include:

• hives
• rash 
• itching 
• redness 
• lightheadedness 
• fever
• nausea

Serious side effects of Technetium Tc 99m Succimer include:

• hives
• difficulty breathing 
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat 
• rash
• redness of the skin

Rare side effects of Technetium Tc 99m Succimer include:

• none 

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

• Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, coordination loss, unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.
• Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Serious heart symptoms include fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in the chest; shortness of breath; sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out.

This is not a complete list of side effects and other serious side effects or health problems that may occur because of the use of this drug. Call your doctor for medical advice about serious side effects or adverse reactions. You may report side effects or health problems to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Adult and pediatric dosage

Single-dose vial kit

• 5 single-dose vials, each vial containing lyophilized powder of 1 mg technetium Tc 99m Succimer

Renal scintigraphy

Adult dosage

• 74-222 MBq (2-6 mCi) IV bolus

Pediatric dosage

• Recommended amount of radioactivity for renal parenchymal imaging: 1.85 MBq/kg (0.05 mCi/kg); range:19-74 MBq (0.5-2 mCi) IV bolus
• Weighing less than 11 kg: 19 MBq (0.5 mCi)
• Weighing between 11 to 12 kg: 21 MBq (0.6 mCi)
• Weighing between 13 to 14 kg: 26 MBq (0.7 mCi)
• Weighing between 15 to 16 kg: 30 MBq (0.8 mCi)
• Weighing between 17 to 18 kg: 33 MBq (0.9 mCi)
• Weighing between 19 to 20 kg: 37 MBq (1 mCi)
• Weighing between 21 to 22 kg: 41 MBq (1.1 mCi)
• Weighing between 23 to 24 kg: 44 MBq (1.2 mCi)
• Weighing between 25 to 26 kg: 49 MBq (1.4 mCi)
• Weighing between 27 to 28 kg: 52 MBq (1.4 mCi)
• Weighing between 29 to 30 kg: 56 MBq (1.5 mCi)
• Weighing between 31 to 32 kg: 59 MBq (1.6 mCi)
• Weighing between 33 to 34 kg: 63 MBq (1.7 mCi)
• Weighing between 35 to 36 kg: 67 MBq (1.8 mCi)
• Weighing between 37 to 38 kg: 70 MBq (1.9 mCi)
• Weighing more than 39 kg: 74 MBq (2 mCi)

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows: 

• See “Dosages”

If your medical doctor is using this medicine to treat your pain, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider, or pharmacist first.

• Technetium Tc 99m Succimer has no noted severe interactions with any other drugs
• Technetium Tc 99m Succimer has no noted serious interactions with any other drugs
• Technetium Tc 99m Succimer has no noted moderate interactions with any other drugs
• Technetium Tc 99m Succimer has no noted minor interactions with any other drugs

This information does not contain all possible interactions or adverse effects. Visit the RxList Drug Interaction Checker for any drug interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you and share this information with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your healthcare professional or doctor for additional medical advice, health questions, or concerns.

Contraindications

• None

Effects of drug abuse

• None

Short-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Technetium Tc 99m Succimer?”

Long-Term Effects

• See “What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Technetium Tc 99m Succimer?”

Cautions

• Hypersensitivity reactions, including urticaria, rash, pruritus, and erythema reported; onset of reactions varied within 2 hours to several hours after injection; monitor for hypersensitivity reactions and always have cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment and personnel available
• Technetium Tc 99m contributes to a patient’s overall long-term cumulative radiation exposure; long-term cumulative radiation exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer; ensure safe handling and preparation reconstitution procedures to protect patients and health care workers from unintentional radiation exposure; encourage patients to drink fluids and void as frequently as possible after administration
• Use in patients with severely reduced eGFR may influence image interpretation as the kidneys may not absorb the Technetium Tc 99m Succimer and thus may distribute to organs or parts of the body other than kidneys; satisfactory images may be out

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Insufficient data are available for use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage
• Lactation
  • Present in breast milk
    • There are no data on the effects of technetium Tc 99m Succimer on breastfed infants or effects on milk production
    • Use for imaging in infants with renal disease; exposure to Technetium Tc 99m Succimer via breast milk is expected to be lower.
    • Advise lactating women to temporarily discontinue breastfeeding and to pump and discard breast milk for a minimum of at least 24 hours after administration
    • Consider developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with a mother’s clinical need, any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from technetium Tc 99m Succimer or the underlying maternal condition