Drax Exametazime

Used for Diagnosis

Drax Exametazime is a medication given by a healthcare provider as a diagnostic agent to help locate stomach infections and inflammatory bowel disease. This medication is prepared and given as an injection into the vein, which will then be used with a specialized camera to scan the stomach.

Reviewed by:

Yen Nguyen, PharmD

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 15, 2022

What is Drax Exametazime?

What is Drax Exametazime used for?

Leukocyte labeled scintigraphy (white blood cell scan) to help locate stomach infections and inflammatory bowel disease

Drug facts

Common Brands	Drax Exametazime
Drug Class	Diagnostic agent
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription only

Common Brands

Drax Exametazime

Drug Class

Diagnostic agent

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription only

Common questions about Drax Exametazime

Drax Exametazime is a radioactive (nuclear) medication used for a procedure called leukocyte-labeled scintigraphy. This is a procedure that can help providers scan and find the source of stomach infections and inflammatory bowel disease. Drax Exametazime is injected intravenously (IV or into the vein), and will travel throughout the body. After the first hour, this medication can be seen in your stomach. Your provider will determine if you have a stomach infection or inflammatory bowel disease depending on if the medication builds up or not within 4 hours.

The most common side effects of Drax Exametazime include rash, redness, face swelling, and fever. Other side effects can include tiredness, feeling unwell, headache, dizziness, weakness, flushing, nausea, and vomiting. Although rare, Drax Exametazime might cause an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. Let your provider know right away if you experience any signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat, or difficulty breathing.

Long-term exposure to radiation can raise the risk of cancer. Your provider will handle and prepare Drax Exametazime safely to limit your exposure. To avoid getting radioactive medication exposure in your kidneys and bladder for a long time, make sure to drink a lot of fluids and urinate often after you receive Drax Exametazime. This can help your body flush out the medication quicker.

Once Drax Exametazime is given to you, your provider will start getting your stomach scans 30 minutes to 1 hour after the injection, and will continue up to 4 hours.

It's not known how harmful Drax Exametazime can be for your unborn baby if you were to get this medication during pregnancy. All radioactive medications, including Drax Exametazime, can have a risk of causing harm, so let your provider know before your appointment if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It's not known if this medication passes into your breastmilk. To lower the risk of harm, you should stop breastfeeding temporarily. You can pump and throw away your breastmilk for 12 to 24 hours after receiving Drax Exametazime.

Drax Exametazime

What is Drax Exametazime?

What is Drax Exametazime used for?

Drug facts

Common questions about Drax Exametazime