UREA C 14 (Diagnostic)?
Some commonly used brand names are:
In the U.S.?
? Not commercially available in Canada.
Category
- Diagnostic aid, Helicobacter pylori infection
Description
Urea C 14 is a radiopharmaceutical (ray-dee-oh-far-ma-SOO-ti-kal). It is used to diagnose stomach ulcers caused by a certainkind of bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori.
This agent is taken by mouth. If any H. pylori bacteriaare present in the stomach, they will cause the urea C 14 to be broken downinto radioactive carbon dioxide gas. When you breathe out by the mouth, theamount of radioactive carbon dioxide can be measured to see whether the bacteriaare in your stomach.
This agent is a radioactive agent. However, with the small amounts in thecapsule that is used for the test, the radiation your body receives is verylow and is considered safe.
This agent is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of adoctor with specialized training in nuclear medicine. It is available in thefollowing dosage form:
Before Having This Test
In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighedagainst the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.Also, test results may be affected by other things. For this radiopharmaceutical,the following should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to urea C 14. Also tell your health care professional ifyou are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, ordyes.
Pregnancy?Radiopharmaceuticals usually are not recommendedfor use during pregnancy. This is to avoid exposing the fetus to radiation.Some radiopharmaceuticals may be used for diagnostic tests in pregnant women,but it is necessary to inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Be sure youhave discussed this with your doctor.
Breast-feeding?Some radiopharmaceuticals pass into the breastmilk and may expose the baby to radiation. It is not known whether urea C14 passes into breast milk. If you must receive a radiopharmaceutical, itmay be necessary for you to stop breast-feeding for some time after receivingit. Be sure you have discussed this with your doctor.
Children?The amount of radiation in this agent is very lowand considered safe for children. However, be sure you have discussed withyour doctor the benefit versus the risk of exposing your child to radiation.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are takingthis radiopharmaceutical, it is especially important that your health careprofessional know if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Antibiotics or
- Medicines containing bismuth (e.g., Helidac Therapy, Pepto-Bismol)?Mayinterfere with the results of the test; these medicines should not be takenwithin 4 weeks before the test
- Lansoprazole (e.g., Prevacid) or
- Omeprazole (e.g., Prilosec) or
- Sucralfate (e.g., Carafate)?May interfere with the results;these medicines should not be taken within 2 weeks before the test
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of this radiopharmaceutical. Make sure you tellyour doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Stomach surgery?The lack of acid in the stomach may interferewith the results of this test
Preparation for This Test
Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours before having this test.
Do not touch the capsule with your hands becausethat could interfere with the test. The capsule will be handed to you in acup. Tip the capsule directly into your mouth from the cup and swallow itwith a little warm water.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush or chewit before swallowing.
Precautions After Having This Test
There are usually no special precautions to observe for radiopharmaceuticalswhen they are used in small amounts for diagnosis.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine maycause some unwanted effects. This agent does not usually cause any side effects.However, if you notice any unusual effects, check with your doctor.
Developed: 09/30/1998
