Adverse reactions to radiopharmaceuticals

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiopharmaceutical Safety
• Adverse Event Reporting

Background:

• Radiopharmaceuticals are increasingly used in nuclear medicine procedures.
• Recognition of potential pharmacologic side effects necessitates monitoring.
• A registry for radiopharmaceutical adverse effects has existed since 1971.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review reported side effects and adverse reactions to radiopharmaceuticals.
• To classify adverse reactions based on target organ systems.
• To identify gaps in current reporting and suggest future improvements.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of radiopharmaceutical side effects over the past 25 years.
• Classification of adverse reactions by involved organ systems.
• Analysis of data from a radiopharmaceutical adverse event registry.

Main Results:

• Compilation of reported side effects and adverse reactions.
• Adverse reactions categorized by affected organ systems.
• Identification of radiopharmaceuticals with reported side effects.

Conclusions:

• Radiopharmaceuticals can cause significant side effects.
• Current reporting systems have limitations.
• An organized registry system, like that suggested by the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM), is needed for comprehensive future recording.