The Basics
What is Ioflupane I 123?
A radioactive agent that allows images of the brain to be detected by a gamma camera to detect brain signs of Parkinson’s disease.
Brand names for Ioflupane I 123
Datscan
How Ioflupane I 123 is classified
Radiopharmaceuticals, Iodine Radioisotopes, Diagnostic Agents
Ioflupane I 123 During Pregnancy
Ioflupane I 123 pregnancy category
Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Ioflupane I 123 while pregnant
N/A
Taking Ioflupane I 123 While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Ioflupane I 123?
Information in this record refers to the use of ioflupane I 123 as a diagnostic agent. The Society of Nuclear Medicine recommends that breastfeeding be interrupted for at least 1 day and possibly up to 6 days following tracer doses of ioflupane I 123;[1] however, the manufacturer states that breastfeeding should be interrupted for 6 days after administration of ioflupane I 123 to a nursing mother. The International Atomic Energy Agency recommends a cessation period of more than 3 weeks based on the assumption that the product may be contaminated with I 124 and I 125.[2] During the period of interruption, the breasts should be emptied regularly and completely. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[3][4][5] The milk that is pumped by the mother during the time of breastfeeding interruption can either be discarded or stored refrigerated and given to the infant after 10 physical half-lives, or about 5.5 days, have elapsed since pumping. Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[6]
Maternal / infant drug levels
Information in this record refers to the use of ioflupane I 123 as a diagnostic agent. The Society of Nuclear Medicine recommends that breastfeeding be interrupted for at least 1 day and possibly up to 6 days following tracer doses of ioflupane I 123;[1] however, the manufacturer states that breastfeeding should be interrupted for 6 days after administration of ioflupane I 123 to a nursing mother. The International Atomic Energy Agency recommends a cessation period of more than 3 weeks based on the assumption that the product may be contaminated with I 124 and I 125.[2] During the period of interruption, the breasts should be emptied regularly and completely. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[3][4][5] The milk that is pumped by the mother during the time of breastfeeding interruption can either be discarded or stored refrigerated and given to the infant after 10 physical half-lives, or about 5.5 days, have elapsed since pumping. Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[6]
Possible effects of Ioflupane I 123 on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Ioflupane I 123
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Djang DS, Janssen MJ, Bohnen N et al. SNM practice guideline for dopamine transporter imaging with 123I-ioflupane SPECT 1.0. J Nucl Med. 2012;53:154-63. PMID: 22159160
2. International Atomic Energy Agency. Radiation Protection and Safety in Medical Uses of Ionizing Radiation, IAEA Safety Standards Series No. SSG-46, IAEA, Vienna. 2018. https://www.iaea.org/publications/11102/radiation-protection-and-safety-in-medical-uses-of-ionizing-radiation
3. Mountford PJ, Coakley AJ. A review of the secretion of radioactivity in human breast milk: data, quantitative analysis and recommendations. Nucl Med Commun. 1989;10:15-27. PMID: 2645546
4. Early PJ, Sodee DB. Principles and practice of nuclear medicine. 2nd ed. St. Louis. Mosby-Year Book, Inc. 1995:1380-1.
5. National Radiation Protection Board (UK). Administration of radioactive substances advisory committee. Notes for guidance on the clinical administration of radiopharmaceuticals and use of sealed radioactive sources. 2019. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/…/file/…/ARSAC_NfG_2019.pdf
6. Stabin MG, Breitz HB. Breast milk excretion of radiopharmaceuticals: mechanisms, findings, and radiation dosimetry. J Nucl Med. 2000;41:863-73. PMID: 10809203
7. Howe DB, Beardsley M, Bakhsh S. Appendix U. Model procedure for release of patients or human research subjects administered radioactive materials. In, NUREG-1556. Consolidated guidance about materials licenses. Program-specific guidance about medical use licenses. Final report. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards. 2008;9, Rev. 2. http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1556/v9/r2/
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
