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TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI: 358 Adverse Event Reports & Safety Profile

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358
Total FAERS Reports
1 (0.3%)
Deaths Reported
30
Hospitalizations
358
As Primary/Secondary Suspect
10
Life-Threatening
2
Disabilities
Sun Pharmaceutical Industri...
Manufacturer

Drug Class: Radioactive Diagnostic Agent [EPC] · Route: INTRAVENOUS · Manufacturer: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. · HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · FDA Label: Available

First Report: 20040719 · Latest Report: 20250827

What Are the Most Common TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI Side Effects?

#1 Most Reported
Drug ineffective
118 reports (33.0%)
#2 Most Reported
Product preparation error
39 reports (10.9%)
#3 Most Reported
Scan myocardial perfusion abnormal
38 reports (10.6%)

All TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI Side Effects by Frequency

Side Effect Reports % of Total Deaths Hosp.
Drug ineffective 118 33.0% 0 0
Product preparation error 39 10.9% 0 0
Scan myocardial perfusion abnormal 38 10.6% 0 0
Dizziness 29 8.1% 0 7
Nausea 27 7.5% 0 6
Dyspnoea 24 6.7% 0 4
Off label use 24 6.7% 0 1
Headache 17 4.8% 0 0
Tremor 17 4.8% 0 0
Rash 16 4.5% 0 3
Malaise 15 4.2% 0 0
Vomiting 14 3.9% 0 5
Erythema 13 3.6% 0 3
Fatigue 13 3.6% 0 0
Urticaria 13 3.6% 0 1
Hyperhidrosis 12 3.4% 0 4
Product with quality issue administered 12 3.4% 0 0
Pruritus 12 3.4% 0 2
Asthenia 11 3.1% 0 3
Chest pain 11 3.1% 0 3

Who Reports TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI Side Effects? Age & Gender Data

Gender: 59.1% female, 40.9% male. Average age: 64.1 years. Most reports from: US. View detailed demographics →

Is TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI Getting Safer? Reports by Year

YearReportsDeathsHosp.
2004 2 0 0
2009 4 0 0
2010 1 0 0
2013 6 0 0
2014 1 0 1
2015 19 0 0
2016 66 0 5
2017 22 0 5
2018 29 0 2
2019 26 0 2
2020 16 0 4
2021 23 0 2
2022 16 0 1
2023 13 1 4
2024 52 0 3
2025 31 0 0

View full timeline →

What Is TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI Used For?

IndicationReports
Scan myocardial perfusion 197
Product used for unknown indication 34
Cardiac stress test 33
Chest pain 14
Imaging procedure 7
Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging heart 5

TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs Alternatives: Which Is Safer?

TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TECHNETIUM TC-99M TETROFOSMIN TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TECHNETIUM TC-99M TILMANOCEPT TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TECLISTAMAB TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TECLISTAMAB-CQYV TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TEDIZOLID TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TEDUGLUTIDE TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TEDUGLUTIDE\WATER TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TEGAFUR TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TEGAFUR\URACIL TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI vs TEGASEROD

Other Drugs in Same Class: Radioactive Diagnostic Agent [EPC]

Official FDA Label for TECHNETIUM TC-99M SESTAMIBI

Official prescribing information from the FDA-approved drug label.

Drug Description

Each 10mL vial contains a sterile, non-pyrogenic, lyophilized mixture of: Tetrakis (2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile) Copper (I) tetrafluoroborate - 1 mg Sodium Citrate Dihydrate - 2.6 mg L-Cysteine Hydrochloride Monohydrate - 1 mg Mannitol - 20 mg Stannous Chloride, Dihydrate, minimum (SnCl 2

  • 2H 2 O) - 0.025 mg Stannous Chloride, Dihydrate (SnCl 2
  • 2H 2 O) - 0.075 mg Tin Chloride (stannous and stannic) Dihydrate, maximum (as SnCl 2
  • 2H 2 O) - 0.086 mg Prior to lyophilization the pH is 5.4 to 5.7, and sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may have been added for pH adjustment. The contents of the vial are lyophilized and stored under nitrogen. This drug is administered by intravenous injection for diagnostic use after reconstitution with sterile, non-pyrogenic, oxidant-free Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m Injection. The pH of the reconstituted product is 5.5 (5.0–6.0). No bacteriostatic preservative is present. The precise structure of the technetium complex is Tc 99m[MIBI] 6 + where MIBI is 2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile. Tetrakis (2-methoxy isobutyl isonitrile) Copper (I) tetrafluoroborate has the following structural formula: The molecular formula is C 24 H 44 N 4 O 4 BF 4 Cu, and the molecular weight is 602.98.

Structured

Formula

11.1 Physical Characteristics Technetium Tc 99m decays by isomeric transition with a physical half-life of 6.02 hours. 1 Photons that are useful for detection and imaging studies are listed below in Table 3.

Table

3 :Principal Radiation Emission Date Radiation Mean %/ Disintegration Mean Energy (KeV) Gamma-2 89.07 140.5 1 Kocher, David, C., Radioactive Decay Data Tables, DOE/TIC-11026, 108(1981).

11.2 External Radiation The specific gamma ray constant for Tc 99m is 5.4 microcoulombs/Kg-MBq-hr (0.78 R/mCi-hr) at 1 cm. The first half value layer is 0.017 cm of Pb. A range of values for the relative attenuation of the radiation emitted by this radionuclide that results from interposition of various thicknesses of Pb is shown in Table 4.To facilitate control of the radiation exposure from Megabequerel (millicurie) amounts of this radionuclide, the use of a 0.25 cm thickness of Pb will attenuate the radiation emitted by a factor of 1,000.

Table

4: Radiation Attenuation by Lead Shielding Shield Thickness (Pb) cm Coefficient of Attenuation 0.017 0.5 0.08 10 –1 0.16 10 –2 0.25 10 –3 0.33 10 –4 To correct for physical decay of this radionuclide, the fractions that remain at selected intervals after the time of calibration are shown in Table 5.

Table

5: Physical Decay Chart; Tc 99m Half-Life

6.02 Hours Hours Fraction Remaining Hours Fraction Remaining 0* 1.000 7 0.447 1 0.891 8 0.398 2 0.794 9 0.355 3 0.708 10 0.316 4 0.631 11 0.282 5 0.562 12 0.251 6 0.501 * Calibration Time

FDA Approved Uses (Indications)

AND USAGE Myocardial Imaging: Kit for the preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Injection is a myocardial perfusion agent that is indicated for detecting coronary artery disease by localizing myocardial ischemia (reversible defects) and infarction (non-reversible defects), in evaluating myocardial function and developing information for use in patient management decisions.

Technetium Tc

99m Sestamibi evaluation of myocardial ischemia can be accomplished with rest and cardiovascular stress techniques (e.g., exercise or pharmacologic stress in accordance with the pharmacologic stress agents labeling). It is usually not possible to determine the age of a myocardial infarction or to differentiate a recent myocardial infarction from ischemia.

Breast

Imaging: Kit for the preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Injection is indicated for planar imaging as a second line diagnostic drug after mammography to assist in the evaluation of breast lesions in patients with an abnormal mammogram or a palpable breast mass. Kit for the preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Injection is not indicated for breast cancer screening, to confirm the presence or absence of malignancy, and it is not an alternative to biopsy.

Technetium Tc

99m Sestamibi, is a myocardial perfusion agent indicated for: detecting coronary artery disease by localizing myocardial ischemia (reversible defects) and infarction (non-reversible defects) ( 1 ) evaluating myocardial function and developing information for use in patient management decisions ( 1 )

Dosage & Administration

AND ADMINISTRATION

  • For Myocardial Imaging: The suggested dose range for I.V. administration of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi in a single dose to be employed in the average patient (70 Kg) is 370–1110 MBq (10–30 mCi). ( 2 )
  • For Breast imaging: The recommended dose range for I.V. administration of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi is a single dose of 740–1110 MBq (20–30 mCi). ( 2 )

For Myocardial

Imaging: The suggested dose range for I.V. administration of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi in a single dose to be employed in the average patient (70 Kg) is 370–1110 MBq (10–30 mCi).

For Breast

Imaging: The recommended dose range for I.V. administration of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi is a single dose of 740–1110 MBq (20–30 mCi).

2.1 Image Acquisition Breast Imaging: It is recommended that images are obtained with a table overlay to separate breast tissue from the myocardium and liver, and to exclude potential activity that may be present in the opposite breast. For lateral images, position the patient prone with the isolateral arm comfortably above the head, shoulders flat against the table, head turned to the side and relaxed, with the breast imaged pendent through an overlay cutout. The breast should not be compressed on the overlay. For anterior images, position the patient supine with both arms behind the head. For either lateral or anterior images, shield the chest and abdominal organs, or remove them from the field of view. For complete study, sets of images should be obtained five minutes after the injection, and in the following sequence: Beginning five minutes after the injection of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi:

  • ten-minute lateral image of breast with abnormality
  • ten-minute lateral image of contralateral breast
  • ten-minute anterior image of both breasts

2.2 Radiation Dosimetry The radiation doses to organs and tissues of an average patient (70 Kg) per 1110 MBq (30 mCi) of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi injected intravenously are shown in Table 1 .

Table

1 Radiation Absorbed Doses from Tc 99m Sestamibi Estimated Radiation Absorbed Dose REST 2.0 hour void 4.8 hour void Organ rads/30 mCi mGy/1110 MBq rads/30 mCi mGy/1110 MBq Breasts 0.2 2.0 0.2

1.9 Gallbladder Wall 2.0 20.0 2.0

20.0 Small Intestine 3.0 30.0 3.0

30.0 Upper Large Intestine Wall 5.4 55.5 5.4

55.5 Lower Large Intestine Wall 3.9 40.0 4.2

41.1 Stomach Wall 0.6 6.1 0.6

5.8 Heart Wall 0.5 5.1 0.5

4.9 Kidneys 2.0 20.0 2.0

20.0 Liver 0.6 5.8 0.6

5.7 Lungs 0.3 2.8 0.3

2.7 Bone Surfaces 0.7 6.8 0.7

6.4 Thyroid 0.7 7.0 0.7

2.4 Ovaries 1.5 15.5 1.6

15.5 Testes 0.3 3.4 0.4

3.9 Red Marrow 0.5 5.1 0.5

5.0 Urinary Bladder Wall 2.0 20.0 4.2

41.1 Total Body 0.5 4.8 0.5

4.8 STRESS 2.0 hour void 4.8 hour void Organ rads/30 mCi mGy/1110 MBq rads/30 mCi mGy/1110 MBq Breasts 0.2 2.0 0.2

1.8 Gallbladder Wall 2.8 28.9 2.8

27.8 Small Intestine 2.4 24.4 2.4

24.4 Upper Large Intestine Wall 4.5 44.4 4.5

44.4 Lower Large Intestine Wall 3.3 32.2 3.3

32.2 Stomach Wall 0.6 5.3 0.5

5.2 Heart Wall 0.5 5.6 0.5

5.3 Kidneys 1.7 16.7 1.7

16.7 Liver 0.4 4.2 0.4

4.1 Lungs 0.3 2.6 0.2

2.4 Bone Surfaces 0.6 6.2 0.6

6.0 Thyroid 0.3 2.7 0.2

2.4 Ovaries 1.2 12.2 1.3

13.3 Testes 0.3 3.1 0.3

3.4 Red Marrow 0.5 4.6 0.5

4.4 Urinary Bladder Wall 1.5 15.5 3.0

30.0 Total Body 0.4 4.2 0.4

4.2 Radiation dosimetry calculations performed by Radiation Internal Dose Information Center, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, PO Box 117, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0117.

2.3 Instructions for Preparation Preparation of the Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi from the Kit for Preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Injection is done by the following aseptic procedure: Boiling Water Bath Procedure: a. Prior to adding the Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m Injection to the vial, inspect the vial carefully for the presence of damage, particularly cracks, and do not use the vial if found. Tear off a radiation symbol and attach it to the neck of the vial. b. Waterproof gloves should be worn during the preparation procedure. Remove the plastic disc from the vial and swab the top of the vial closure with alcohol to sanitize the surface. c. Place the vial in a suitable radiation shield with a fitted radiation cap. d. With a sterile shielded syringe, aseptically obtain additive-free, sterile, non-pyrogenic Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m Injection [925-5550 MBq, (25–150 mCi)] in approximately 1 to 3 mL. e. Aseptically add the Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m Injection to the vial in the lead shield. Without withdrawing the needle, remove an equal volume of headspace to maintain atmospheric pressure within the vial. f. Shake vigorously, about 5 to 10 quick upward-downward motions. g. Remove the vial from the lead shield and place upright in an appropriately shielded and contained boiling water bath, such that the vial is suspended above the bottom of the bath, and boil for 10 minutes. Timing for 10 minutes is begun as soon as the water begins to boil again. Do not allow the boiling water to come in contact with the aluminum crimp. h. Remove the vial from the water bath, place in the lead shield and allow to cool for fifteen minutes. i. Using proper shielding, the vial contents should be visually inspected. Use only if the solution is clear and free of particulate matter and discoloration. j. Assay the reaction vial using a suitable radioactivity calibration system. Record the Technetium Tc 99m concentration, total volume, assay time and date, expiration time and lot number on the vial shield label and affix the label to the shield. k. Store the reaction vial containing the Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi at 15° to 25°C until use; at such time the product should be aseptically withdrawn.

Technetium Tc

99m Sestamibi should be used within six hours of preparation. The vial contains no preservative. Note: Adherence to the above product reconstitution instructions is recommended.

Cardinal Health

414, LLC's Kit for the Preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Injection is not to be used with the Recon-o-Stat™ thermal cycler due to the smaller vial size requirements of this heating device. The potential for cracking and significant contamination exists whenever vials containing radioactive material are heated. Product should be used within 6 hours after preparation. Final product with radiochemical purity of at least 90% was used in the clinical trials that established safety and effectiveness. The radiochemical purity was determined by the following method.

2.4 Determination of Radiochemical Purity in Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi 1. Obtain a Baker-Flex Aluminum Oxide coated, plastic TLC plate, #1 B-F, pre-cut to 2.5 cm x 7.5 cm. 2. Dry the plate or plates at 100°C for 1 hour and store in a desiccator. Remove pre-dried plate from the desiccator just prior to use. 3.

Apply

1 drop of ethanol 1 using a 1 mL syringe with a 22–26 gauge needle, 1.5 cm from the bottom of the plate. THE SPOT SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO DRY. 4.

Add

2 drops of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi solution, side by side on top of the ethanol 1 spot. Return the plate to a desiccator and allow the sample spot to dry (typically 15 minutes). 5. The TLC tank is prepared by pouring ethanol 1 to a depth of 3-4 mm. Cover the tank and let it equilibrate for ~10 minutes. 6. Develop the plate in the covered TLC tank in ethanol 1 for a distance of 5 cm from the point of application. 7. Cut the TLC plate 4 cm from the bottom and measure the Tc 99m activity in each piece by appropriate radiation detector. 8. Calculate the % Tc 99m Sestamibi as: Figure 1 TLC Plate Diagram 1 The ethanol used in this procedure should be 95% or greater. Absolute ethanol (99%) should remain at ≥ 95% ethanol content for one week after opening if stored tightly capped, in a cool dry place. % Tc99m Calculation Formula TLC Plate Diagram

Contraindications

None known.

  • None known. ( 4 )

Known Adverse Reactions

REACTIONS Adverse events were evaluated in 3741 adults who were evaluated in clinical studies. Of these patients, 3068 (77% men, 22% women, and 0.7 % of the patients' genders were not recorded) were in cardiac clinical trials and 673 (100% women) in breast imaging trials. Cases of angina, chest pain, and death have occurred [ see Warning and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. Adverse events reported at a rate of 0.5% or greater after receiving Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi administration are shown in the following table: Table 2.

Selected Adverse Events

Reported in > 0.5 % of Patients Who Received Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi in Either Breast or Cardiac Clinical Studies* Body System Breast Studies Cardiac Studies Women n = 673 Women n = 685 Men n = 2361 Total n = 3046 Body as a Whole 21 (3.1 %) 6 (0.9 %) 17 (0.7 %) 23 (0.8 %)

Headache

11 (1.6 %) 2 (0.3 %) 4 (0.2 %) 6 (0.2 %)

Cardiovascular

9 (1.3 %) 24 (3.5 %) 75 (3.2 %) 99 (3.3 %)

Chest Pain/Angina

0 (0 %) 18 (2.6 %) 46 (1.9 %) 64 (2.1 %) ST Segment Changes 0 (0 %) 11 (1.6 %) 29 (1.2 %) 40 (1.3 %)

Digestive System

8 (1.2 %) 4 (0.6 %) 9 (0.4 %) 13 (0.4 %)

Nausea

4 (0.6 %) 1 (0.1 %) 2 (0.1 %) 3 (0.1 %)

Special Senses

132 (19.6 %) 62 (9.1 %) 160 (6.8 %) 222 (7.3 %)

Taste Perversion

129 (19.2 %) 60 (8.8 %) 157 (6.6 %) 217 (7.1 %)

Parosmia

8 (1.2 %) 6 (0.9 %) 10 (0.4 %) 16 (0.5 %) * Excludes the 22 patients whose gender was not recorded. In the clinical studies for breast imaging, breast pain was reported in 12 (1.7 %) of the patients.

In

11 of these patients the pain appears to be associated with biopsy/surgical procedures. The following adverse reactions have been reported in ≤ 0.5% of patients: signs and symptoms consistent with seizure occurring shortly after administration of the agent; transient arthritis; angioedema, arrhythmia, dizziness, syncope, abdominal pain, vomiting, and severe hypersensitivity characterized by dyspnea, hypotension, bradycardia, asthenia, and vomiting within two hours after a second injection of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi. A few cases of flushing, edema, injection site inflammation, dry mouth, fever, pruritis, rash, urticaria and fatigue have also been attributed to administration of the agent. The following adverse reactions have been reported in ≤ 0.5 % of patients: signs and symptoms consistent with seizure occurring shortly after administration of the agent; transient arthritis; angioedema, arrhythmia, dizziness, syncope, abdominal pain, vomiting, and severe hypersensitivity characterized by dyspnea, hypotension, bradycardia, asthenia, and vomiting within two hours after a second injection of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi. A few cases of flushing, edema, injection site inflammation, dry mouth, fever, pruritis, rash, urticaria and fatigue have also been attributed to administration of the agent ( 6 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Jubilant DraxImage Inc. at 1-888-633-5343or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .

Warnings

AND PRECAUTIONS

  • Pharmacologic induction of cardiovascular stress may be associated with serious adverse events such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, hypotension, bronchoconstriction and cerebrovascular events ( 5.1 ).
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi has been rarely associated with acute severe allergic and anaphylactic events of angioedema and generalized urticaria. In some patients the allergic symptoms developed on the second injection during Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi imaging ( 5.1 ).
  • Caution should be exercised and emergency equipment should be available when administering Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi ( 5.1 ).
  • Before administering Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Injection, patients should be asked about the possibility of allergic reactions to either drug ( 5.1 ).
  • The contents of the vial are intended only for use in the preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi and are not to be administered directly to the patient without first undergoing the preparative procedure ( 5.2 ).

5.1 Warnings In studying patients in whom cardiac disease is known or suspected, care should be taken to assure continuous monitoring and treatment in accordance with safe, accepted clinical procedure. Infrequently, death has occurred 4 to 24 hours after Tc 99m Sestamibi use and is usually associated with exercise stress testing [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ]. Pharmacologic induction of cardiovascular stress may be associated with serious adverse events such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, hypotension, bronchoconstriction and cerebrovascular events. Caution should be used when pharmacologic stress is selected as an alternative to exercise; it should be used when indicated and in accordance with the pharmacologic stress agent’s labeling.

Technetium Tc

99m Sestamibi has been rarely associated with acute severe allergic and anaphylactic events of angioedema and generalized urticaria. In some patients the allergic symptoms developed on the second injection during Tc 99m Sestamibi imaging. Patients who receive Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi for either myocardial or breast imaging are receiving the same drug. Caution should be exercised and emergency equipment should be available when administering Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi. Also, before administering Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Injection, patients should be asked about the possibility of allergic reactions to the drug.

5.2 General Precautions The contents of the vial are intended only for use in the preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi and are not to be administered directly to the patient without first undergoing the preparative procedure. Radioactive drugs must be handled with care and appropriate safety measures should be used to minimize radiation exposure to clinical personnel. Also, care should be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the patients consistent with proper patient management. Contents of the kit before preparation are not radioactive. However, after the Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m Injection is added, adequate shielding of the final preparation must be maintained. The components of the kit are sterile and non-pyrogenic. It is essential to follow directions carefully and to adhere to strict aseptic procedures during preparation.

Technetium Tc

99m labeling reactions depend on maintaining the stannous ion in the reduced state. Hence, Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m Injection containing oxidants should not be used.

Technetium Tc

99m Sestamibi should not be used more than six hours after preparation. Radiopharmaceuticals should be used only by physicians who are qualified by training and experience in the safe use and handling of radionuclides and whose experience and training have been approved by the appropriate government agency authorized to license the use of radionuclides. Stress testing should be performed only under the supervision of a qualified physician and in a laboratory equipped with appropriate resuscitation and support apparatus. The most frequent exercise stress test endpoints sufficient to stop the test reported during controlled studies (two-thirds were cardiac patients) were: Fatigue 35% Dyspnea 17% Chest Pain 16% ST-depression 7% Arrhythmia 1%

Drug Interactions

INTERACTIONS Specific drug-drug interactions have not been studied.

  • Specific drug-drug interactions have not been studied ( 7 ).