PRODUCT INDICATION AND CLINICAL USE
DaTscan is indicated for visualization of functional striatal dopamine transporter using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain imaging in adult patients with suspected Parkinsonian Syndromes (PS). DaTscan SPECT imaging may be used as an adjunct to other established evaluations to help differentiate essential tremor from tremor due to PS related to idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). DaTscan is unable to discriminate between PD, MSA, and PSP.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
- DaTscan is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to ioflupane or to any ingredient in the formulation, including any non-medicinal ingredient or component of the container.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
- Radiopharmaceutical Use: DaTscan should be used only by healthcare professionals qualified in the use of radioactive prescribed substances. Appropriate management facilities should be readily available, and radiation exposure should be minimized for patients and healthcare workers.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following DaTscan administration. Appropriate resuscitation equipment should be available prior to administration.
- Thyroid Accumulation of Iodine-123: DaTscan may contain free iodide (iodine-123). Accumulation of radioiodine in the thyroid gland may increase long-term risk for thyroid neoplasia. Administration of a thyroid blocking agent is recommended prior to DaTscan administration.
- Radiation Risk: As with any radiopharmaceutical, exposure to ionizing radiation is associated with a potential risk of cancer induction and hereditary defects. Radiation exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable while obtaining the intended diagnostic information.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
- In clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse events were headache, nausea, and dizziness.
- Less common adverse events included vertigo, increased appetite, dry mouth, formication (paresthesia), dysgeusia, and injection-site pain.
- Post-marketing reports include hypersensitivity reactions and injection-site pain.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
- Drugs that bind to the dopamine transporter with high affinity may interfere with DaTscan image interpretation and may affect imaging results.
- Examples include amphetamine, benzatropine, bupropion, cocaine, mazindol, methylphenidate, phentermine, sertraline, and venlafaxine. Temporary discontinuation should be considered when clinically appropriate.
USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
- Pregnancy: DaTscan should not be administered during pregnancy unless the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
- Lactation: If administration is necessary, breastfeeding should be interrupted for 3 days after DaTscan administration and expressed milk should be discarded.
- Pediatrics: Safety and efficacy in patients under 18 years of age have not been established. DaTscan is not authorized for pediatric use in Canada.
- Renal and Hepatic Impairment: DaTscan is not recommended in patients with moderate to severe renal or hepatic impairment due to limited clinical data.
OVERDOSAGE
- The risks of overdose relate primarily to radiation exposure. In cases of radioactive overdose, frequent urination and bowel movements should be encouraged to minimize radiation dose to the patient. Care should be taken to avoid contamination from excreted radioactivity.
Prior to administration, please read the Product Monograph for DaTscan for complete prescribing information and important safety information.
Reporting Side Effects
- To report suspected adverse reactions, contact GE HealthCare Canada at 1-800-654-0118 (option 2, then option 1) or email canadainfo@ge.com.
- Adverse reactions can also be reported to Health Canada by visiting canada.ca/drug-device-reporting or by calling toll-free 1-866-234-2345.