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ceretec

Ceretec (Technetium Tc-99m Exametazime Kit) is a medication supplied as an injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution and kit.

Technetium Tc-99m Exametazime Kit · by Ge Healthcare

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Form
Injectable, Kit
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Ge Healthcare
FDA application
NDA019829

What is Ceretec?

From the FDA label:The Ceretec kit is supplied as a pack of 5 vials for use in the preparation of a technetium Tc99m exametazime intravenous injection as a diagnostic radiopharmaceutical for use as an adjunct in the detection of altered regional cerebral perfusion and for the radiolabeling of autologous leukocytes. Each vial of Ceretec contains a pre-dispensed sterile, non-pyrogenic, lyophilized mixture of 0.5 mg exametazime [(RR,SS)-4.8-diaza-3,6,6,9-tetramethylundecane-2, 10-dione bisoxime], 7.6 µg stannous chloride dihydrate (minimum stannous tin 0.6 µg; maximum total stannous and stannic tin 4.0 µg per vial) and 4.5 mg sodium chloride, sealed under nitrogen atmosphere with a rubber closure. The product contains no antimicrobial preservative. Prior to publication of the USAN, exametazime was formerly known as hexamethylpropylene amine oxime (HM-PAO). The name HM-PAO appears in many publications. The structural formula of exametazime is: When sterile pyrogen-free sodium pertechnetate Tc99m in isotonic saline is added to the vial of Ceretec, a Tc99m complex of exametazime is formed. Administration is by intravenous injection for diagnostic use. Physical Characteristics Technetium Tc99m decays by isomeric transition with a physical half-life of 6.03 hours. (1) Photons that are useful for imaging studies are listed in Table 1. Table 1. Principal Radiation Emission Data-technetium Tc99m Radiation…

How to use

Ceretec is sold in more than one form (Injectable and Kit), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA019829 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.

Tc99m labeled leukocytes for adjunctive localization of intra-abdominal infection or inflammation. The normal adult (70 kg) dose is 0.259-0.925 GBq (7-25 mCi) as Tc99m labeled leukocytes by intravenous injection. Optimal planar imaging is between 2-4 hours. Cerebral Scintigraphy The recommended dose range for i.v. administration, of reconstituted sodium pertechnetate Tc99m exametazime in the average adult (70 kg) is 370-740 MBq (10-20 mCi). Dynamic imaging may be performed between 0 to 10 minutes following injection. Static imaging may be performed from 15 minutes up to 6 hours after injection.

Side effects

Rash with generalized erythema, facial edema and fever has been reported in less than 1% of patients. A transient increase in blood pressure was seen in 8% of patients.

Who should not take Ceretec

None known.

Dosage forms

Injectable and Kit

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

Is there a coupon or discount for Ceretec?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Ceretec. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Ceretec?
Ceretec is marketed by Ge Healthcare. You can see Ge Healthcare's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Ceretec a brand-name or generic drug?
Ceretec is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Technetium Tc-99m Exametazime Kit.
Is Ceretec available over the counter?
No. Ceretec is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Ceretec come in?
Ceretec is currently marketed as injectable and kit, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
Is Ceretec FDA-registered?
Ceretec is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA019829. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Ceretec safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Ceretec. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Ceretec?
Ceretec's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: Rash with generalized erythema, facial edema and fever has been reported in less than 1% of patients. A transient increase in blood pressure was seen in 8% of patients. Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

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