Your DaTscan™ journey begins here

DaTscan is a proven diagnostic tool for the evaluation of Parkinsonian syndromes (PS) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Full Prescribing Information

At a Glance

In this together

Here you will find support, answers, and resources tailored to you.

DaTscan aids diagnosis

Diagnosis of DLB and PS is vital for appropriate treatment and care.

How to prepare

Learn what you need to know to help prepare you before, during, and after the scan.

We had you in mind

Browse through our resources dedicated to patients and caregivers.

Why DaTscan?

While early detection of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinsonian syndromes (PS) can result in appropriate treatment and improved clinical outcomes, providing an early and accurate diagnosis can be challenging. DaTscan has been recognized as a trustworthy and validated diagnostic tool for evaluating DLB and PS.

How does DaTscan work?

DaTscan, a radioactive imaging drug is injected into the bloodstream. DaTscan attaches to dopamine transporters in the brain, which allows visualization through a special imaging technique called single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Understanding your diagnosis

Navigating the life-altering event of Parkinsonian syndromes or dementia with Lewy bodies diagnosis is not easy. Being informed about your disease can help you find acceptance and ultimately improve your quality of life.

What is dementia with Lewy Bodies?

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a neurodegenerative disorder and one of the most common forms of dementia.

What are Parkinsonian syndromes?

Parkinsonian syndromes — such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy — are conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as tremors, stooped posture, slowness, and shuffling gait.

Learn more

Watch how the power of dance is being used as a therapeutic tool, addressing both motor symptoms and the social isolation and depression linked with Parkinson’s disease.

YOUR DATSCAN JOURNEY

Everything you need to know about the DaTscan imaging test

We are here to help you prepare for your DaTscan journey. The entire process takes several hours. The test will be performed by a specially trained healthcare professional. We offer a step-by-step guide to prepare you for the big day!
Use the facility locator to find a DaTscan provider near you.

BEFORE THE EXAM

Follow your doctor’s orders when preparing for this test.

Tell your doctor if you:

have any allergies or other medical conditions

are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant

have reduced kidney or liver function

Some medications may interfere with this test; tell your doctor what medications you are taking. Your doctor can decide whether you should stop any of them before the DaTscan imaging. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about DaTscan.

ON THE DAY OF THE EXAM

Drink plenty of fluids and wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Drink plenty of fluids and go to the bathroom frequently before your DaTscan imaging and for two days afterward

Wear loose, comfortable clothing; you will have to lie still for a period of time

Bring a list of all the medications and supplements you are taking

Ask a family member or guardian to accompany you if you need the support

DURING THE EXAM

During the imaging test, you will need to lie very still.

You will receive a drug to protect your thyroid prior to the scan

DaTscan will be injected in your arm and absorbed over 3-6 hours

During imaging you will be asked to lie on a table positioned on a headrest. A strip of tape may be placed on your head to minimize movement

Be sure to remain still while the camera positioned close to your head takes pictures (~30 minutes)

AFTER THE EXAM

Your doctor will explain the test results and what they mean for your treatment options.

You can continue with your regular activities (unless your doctor tells you otherwise)

Drink lots of fluid and go to the bathroom frequently

Depending on the results of your test, your doctor will discuss what this means and provide comprehensive guidance.

CHECKLIST

Important things to remember

Dress appropriately

Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Fluids and voiding

Drink fluids and go to the bathroom frequently before your test and for 2 days afterward.

Questions

Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about DaTscan imaging.

Medications

Bring a list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking.

Important Safety Information

DaTscan — Important Safety Information for Consumers

What is DaTscan^TM(Ioflupane I 123 Injection)

DaTscan is a radioactive drug that is injected into your bloodstream so that images can be taken with a
single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) camera. DaTscan may be used, in addition to
other diagnostic evaluations, to identify suspected Parkinsonian syndromes (PS) or suspected dementia
with Lewy bodies (DLB) in adults.

DaTscan is available only by prescription and may be ordered by your doctor.

Important Safety Information About DaTscan

You should not be given DaTscan if:

• You are sensitive to any of the ingredients of DaTscan. Talk with your doctor; he or she can help you
understand what the drug ingredients are

What is the most important information you should know about DaTscan?

• Allergic and injection-site reactions could occur following a DaTscan injection. If you have any
symptoms of an allergic nature, including low blood pressure; trouble breathing; throat tightness;
swelling of your face, lips, or tongue; or rash and itching, inform your doctor or go to your nearest
emergency room right away

• To help decrease the amount of thyroid exposure to radiation: Your doctor will give you
a medication at least one hour before you receive DaTscan. The purpose of this medication
is to minimize the amount of radioactive iodine going into your thyroid gland

• Pregnancy: Clinical studies have not been conducted with DaTscan on pregnant women. Any
radioactive drug, including DaTscan, may cause harm to the fetus. If you are pregnant or think
you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether receiving DaTscan is appropriate

• If you are a nursing mother, talk to your doctor about interrupting nursing after receiving
DaTscan or not to receive DaTscan at all. If you receive DaTscan, pumping, and discarding breast
milk for at least six days after receiving DaTscan can reduce the risks of radiation exposure to
your nursing infant

• If you have kidney and/or liver problems: The effects of kidney and or liver damage from the
use of DaTscan are not certain. DaTscan is removed by the kidney, and patients with severe
kidney problems may have increased radiation exposure. Tell your doctor if you have reduced
kidney or liver function

• Children: DaTscan is not approved for use in children

The most common side effects of DaTscan:
• The most commonly reported side effects include injection-site pain, headache, nausea
and upset stomach, dry mouth, skin rash, hives, or dizziness

What you should know about taking DaTscan with other medications:
• Be sure to tell your doctor what drugs, including any over-the-counter medications, you
are taking so that he or she can decide whether you should stop taking any of them for a
period of time before using DaTscan

Questions about the procedure:
• Always talk with your doctor if you have any questions about the SPECT imaging
procedure or the use of DaTscan

Your doctor should advise you to:
• Drink plenty of water prior to and after receiving DaTscan, and go to the bathroom
frequently for the first 48 hours after receiving DaTscan

The safety information included here is not comprehensive. If you have any questions, please be
sure to discuss them with your doctor.
For more information about DaTscan, call GE Healthcare Customer Service at 800 292 8514.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact GE Healthcare at 800 654 0118 (option 2,
then option 1), or the FDA at 800 FDA 1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for DaTscan at www.Datscan.com.

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