Xenon Xe 133 is a radiopharmaceutical. Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive agents, which may be used to find and treat certain diseases or to study the function of the body's organs.
Xenon Xe 133 gas is used to help diagnose lung problems and to help your doctor see an image of your lungs. It is also used to help your doctor check the blood flow in your brain.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor with specialized training in nuclear medicine. This product is available in the gas dosage form.
Before using Xenon Xe 133, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Also, other things may affect test results.
For this test, the following should be considered:
Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric Population: Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of Xenon Xe 133 gas in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric Population: Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of Xenon Xe 133 gas in the elderly.
However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving Xenon Xe 133 gas.
Pregnancy: All Trimesters: Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women OR no animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate studies in pregnant women.
Breastfeeding: There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur.
In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other Interactions: Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.
Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
Before using Xenon Xe 133, there are some precautions you must take. It is very important that your doctor checks you closely while you are receiving this medicine.
This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to use it. While using this medicine, you may be exposed to radiation. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.
The vial stopper contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before you start using this medicine.
As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Xenon Xe 133. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known:
- cough
- the difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- hives
- itching
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
- tightness in the chest
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- wheezing
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
