Question 1

What is NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer)?

Accepted Answer

NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) is a [radiotracer](https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/nuclear-medicine#pid-991). It's one of the tracers that can be used with scintigraphy or SPECT scans to find kidney problems in adults and children. Before these scans, your provider will give you a small amount of NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) by intravenous (IV) injection. This tracer works by attaching to the kidney cortex (the outer layer of the kidney), which helps your provider to take a picture of your kidney. This can help your provider determine if any part of your kidneys are damaged.

Question 2

How is NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) given?

Accepted Answer

NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) is typically injected into the veins by a healthcare provider on your imaging day, 1-4 hours before the test. In people with severe kidney problems, NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) should be given 6-24 hours before the test since it might take longer for the kidneys to take up the tracer. Make sure to stay hydrated and urinate frequently before, during, and after receiving NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer). Doing so can help to lower your risk of radiation exposure.

Question 3

What are some side effects of NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer)?

Accepted Answer

Most people experience few to no side effects while using NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) as directed. Those who did report side effects experienced symptoms such as feeling faint, fever, and nausea. As with any medication, there's a chance that NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) can cause an allergic reaction. It's important to let your provider know about your history of allergies before getting any testing done. Tell your provider right away if you experience rash, itching, or hives. These symptoms can happen within the first 2 hours to several hours after the injection.

Question 4

Are there any risks with NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer)?

Accepted Answer

Because NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) is radioactive, there's a slight chance that it can raise your risk for cancer if you're also exposed to [other sources of radioactivity](https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses) over a long period of time. Please note that your provider only uses a very small amount of NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) before imaging to prevent exposing you to too much radiation. Make sure to drink a lot of water and urinate often before, during, and after you've received NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer). This can help to flush leftover radioactive tracer out of your body and lower your risk of cancer.

Question 5

Can I receive NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) if I'm breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

It's not clear whether NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) is safe to use in breastfeeding. But research shows that this medication is found in human milk. Since there's a risk of exposure to babies, your provider might recommend that you stop breastfeeding and consider pumping and discarding your breast milk during and for at least 24 hours after treatment with NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer). Some alternatives you can give your baby in the meantime include previously stored breast milk or formula. If you're breastfeeding, please talk with your provider to see whether NephroScan (technetium Tc 99m succimer) is a good option for you.

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