It tells you:
- how the medicine works
- how it will be given to you
- how the scan will be performed
- whether there are any side-effects.
Please also read the leaflet called Unlicensed Medicines: Information for Patients
Why have I been given this information?
The information given here will advise you about the unlicensed product Tc99m DPD. It will also help you to decide whether you want to go ahead with the procedure.
This medicine does not have a license. What does this mean?
For most medicines, more information is found in the medicine package, however this medicine does not have a license for use in the UK.
This means that the manufacturer has not provided any information and so we have written this leaflet for you instead. The leaflet called Unlicensed Medicines: Information for Patients tells you more about medicine licensing regulations. It also tells you why unlicensed medicines are sometimes used.
Why does Tc99m DPD not have a licence?
It is made in very small quantities. The manufacturer may think that applying for a licence is not worth their while. Remember that your doctor will have thought carefully about which medicine is best for your condition.
What is Tc99m DPD injection and how does it work?
Tc99m DPD injection is a radioactive injection which allows us to take images of the function of your heart.
On arrival in the Nuclear Medicine Department the radiographer/technologist will explain the procedure to you and then give you the Tc99m DPD injection into a vein in your arm.
This is similar to having a blood test. Most people do not feel any side effects from this, however on very rare occasions, hot flushes or feelings of nausea could occur.
This will be removed from the body in your urine as well as decaying naturally over 24 hours.
To help the injection to be flushed out of your system, please drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day.
What does the scan involve?
You will need to come back to the Nuclear Medicine Department 3-4 hours after your injection for your scan, which should take around 45-60 minutes.
You will have a whole-body scan followed by a SPECT/CT scan.
The whole-body scan takes around 25 minutes. You will lie on your back and the bed moves between two cameras as they image your body from head to toe. The second part of the scan involves the same two cameras moving slowly around your chest to produce 3D images, this is also followed immediately by a very quick, low-dose CT scan. This takes around 20-30 minutes.
These images are merged together to allow the radiologists to look at both the structure and function of your heart.
When should Tc99m DPD injection not be used?
Tc99m Injection should not be used if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Please let your radiographer know if you think you may be pregnant.
Are there any side-effects?
Intravenous injection of Tc99m DPD injection may very rarely cause an adverse reaction of nausea, hot flushes, rashes or hypersensitivity.
The symptoms are generally mild and would normally occur during injection but they could occur up to 24 hours after injection.
Please let your radiographer know if you are experiencing any feelings such as a warm flush, itching, sickness or breathing difficulties.
Because of the radioactive nature of this injection, you will be told to avoid unnecessary close contact with children under five, for six hours.
Following your injection, you will have to follow careful bathroom hygiene by flushing the toilet twice each time you go. Also, gentlemen need to wipe up any urine splashes with toilet paper and flush down the toilet. This is because your stools and urine will be slightly radioactive and double flushing will ensure that there is no radioactivity left down the toilet pan. Please wash your hands carefully after using the toilet.
Will Tc99m DPD affect any other medicines?
Tc99m DPD is not known to interact with any other medicines.
Why do I need to agree to take this medicine?
Your agreement should be obtained before prescribing any medicine. This leaflet has explained that Tc99m DPD Injection does not have a licence, and provided information about possible side effects. Please ask questions if you need more information.
You will be asked your consent as to whether or not you want to take this medicine. If you have any further questions, please ask your radiographer.
Contact information
If you have any additional questions, please contact the department listed on your appointment letter.
St James Hospital:Ìý0113 206 8212
LGI:Ìý0113 392 5473