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Iobenguane I-131

Generic name: iobenguane I-131 [ EYE-oh-BEN-gwane ]
Brand name: Azedra
Dosage form: intravenous solution (-)
Drug class: Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 10, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is iobenguane I-131?

Iobenguane I-131 is a radiopharmaceutical (RAY dee oh far ma SOO tik al) medicine that is used to treat a certain type of adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma).

Iobenguane I-131 is also used to treat a rare type of nerve cell tumor (paraganglioma) that can spread throughout the body.

Iobenguane I-131 is for use in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Iobenguane I-131 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Iobenguane I-131 side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Iobenguane I-131 may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of iobenguane I-131 may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Both men and women using iobenguane I-131 should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Iobenguane I-131 can harm an unborn baby if the mother or father is receiving this medicine.

If you are a woman, keep using birth control for at least 7 months after your last dose. If you are a man, keep using birth control for at least 4 months after your last dose.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Using iobenguane I-131 may increase your risk of developing other cancers, such as leukemia. Ask your doctor about this risk.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.

Iobenguane I-131 can harm an unborn baby if the mother or the father is receiving this medicine.

This medicine may affect fertility (ability to have children) in both men and women. However, it is important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy because iobenguane I-131 can harm an unborn baby.

Do not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 80 days after your last dose.

How should I take iobenguane I-131?

Iobenguane I-131 is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Iobenguane I-131 is usually given within 1 hour before the first in a series of 3 radiologic tests over 5 days. Two additional doses are then given, separated by at least 90 days.

You may be given other medication to help protect your thyroid gland from exposure to the radiation in iobenguane I-131. Keep using iobenguane I-131 for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Drink at least 2 liters of liquid on the day before you receive iobenguane I-131, and for 1 week afterward. Follow your doctor's instructions about the types of liquids you should drink. Iobenguane I-131 is radioactive and it can cause dangerous effects on your bladder if it is not properly eliminated from your body through urination.

Expect to urinate often during the first few days after your test. This will help rid your body of the radioactive materials.

Iobenguane I-131 can lower your blood cell counts. Your blood will need to be tested often. Your treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Your blood pressure and kidney function will also need to be checked often.

propranolol, labetalol, Inderal, phentolamine, Normodyne, Azedra

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your iobenguane I-131 injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid after receiving iobenguane I-131?

For a short time after you receive iobenguane I-131, your body can give off radiation. For at least 1 week after each dose, avoid having contact with other people as much as possible (especially children and pregnant women). Avoid sharing an eating utensil or drinking glass with another person. Wash your hands with soap and water after each time you use the bathroom.

What other drugs will affect iobenguane I-131?

Some medicines can interfere with the quality of images produced by iobenguane I-131. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you recently stopped using, especially:

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect iobenguane I-131. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Does iobenguane I 131 interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

More about iobenguane I 131

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.