Question 1

What are Netspot and Ga 68 DOTATOC?

Accepted Answer

Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate) and Ga 68 DOTATOC (gallium Ga 68 edotreotide) are [radiotracers](https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/nuclear-medicine#pid-991). They're two of the tracers that can be used with PET scans to help your provider see where NETs are in your body. NETs are hormone-producing cells that turn into tumors. Specifically, these tracers attach to NETs that have certain protein receptors on their surface. By doing so, Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate) and 68 DOTATOC (gallium Ga 68 edotreotide) tag these tumor cells, which allows your provider to see where they're located.

Question 2

How are Netspot and Ga 68 DOTATOC given?

Accepted Answer

Both Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate) and Ga 68 DOTATOC (gallium Ga 68 edotreotide) are injected into the veins by your healthcare provider. Your provider will determine which radiotracer is appropriate for you before your imaging day. Then on the day of the procedure, you'll receive the tracer typically about an hour or so before your PET scan. Make sure to stay hydrated and urinate frequently before, during, and after receiving either medication. Doing so can help to lower your risk of radiation exposure.

Question 3

What are some side effects of Netspot and Ga 68 DOTATOC?

Accepted Answer

Most people experience few to no side effects while using Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate) or Ga 68 DOTATOC (gallium Ga 68 edotreotide) as directed. Those who did report side effects with __Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate)__ experienced symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and pain and burning sensation at the injection site. With __Ga 68 DOTATOC__, some people reported nausea, itching, and flushing. As with any medication, there's a chance that you might experience an allergic reaction with either of these tracers. It's important to let your provider know about your history of allergies before getting a PET scan. Tell your provider right away if you experience trouble breathing, dizziness, rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the tongue or throat.

Question 4

Will Netspot or Ga 68 DOTATOC raise my risk for cancer?

Accepted Answer

Because Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate) and Ga 68 DOTATOC (gallium Ga 68 edotreotide) are radioactive, there's a slight chance that receiving either tracer 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 healthcare provider will only use a very small amount of tracer 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 Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate) or Ga 68 DOTATOC (gallium Ga 68 edotreotide). This can help to wash any leftover radioactive tracers out of your body. If you're receiving __Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate)__, avoid close contact with infants and people who are pregnant during the first 12 hours after your receive it. If you're concerned about the safety of these tracers or other diagnostic agents, talk with your provider.

Question 5

Will other medications interact with Netspot or Ga 68 DOTATOC?

Accepted Answer

Before your imaging, let your provider know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements. High doses of [steroids](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/corticosteroids), as well as [medications](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/somatostatin-analogues) used for [neuroendocrine cancer](https://www.cancer.gov/pediatric-adult-rare-tumor/rare-tumors/rare-endocrine-tumor/carcinoid-tumor) or [acromegaly](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/acromegaly) might change how much Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate) or Ga 68 DOTATOC (gallium Ga 68 edotreotide) get absorbed by the tumor cells. Talk with your provider if you've any questions about interactions with these radiotracers.

Question 6

Can I receive Netspot or Ga 68 DOTATOC if I'm breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

It's not clear whether Netspot (gallium Ga 68 dotatate) or Ga 68 DOTATOC (gallium Ga 68 edotreotide) are safe to use in breastfeeding. But, given the possible risk of radiation exposure to babies, your provider might recommend that you stop breastfeeding and consider pumping and discarding your breast milk while and for 12 hours after treatment with __Netspot__ (or 8 hours after treatment with __Ga 68 DOTATOC__). Some alternatives you can give your baby in the meantime include previously stored breast milk or formula. Please talk with your provider if you've any concerns about radiotracers and breastfeeding.

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