gadopentetate dimeglumine

Pronunciation:	gad oh PEN te tate dye MEG loo meen
Brand:	Magnevist

What is the most important information I should know about gadopentetate dimeglumine?

Gadopentetate dimeglumine can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease who are undergoing an MRI. The symptoms of this condition include:

burning, itching, swelling, and tightening or hardening of your skin
muscle weakness;
pain or stiffness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;
deep bone pain in your ribs or your hips;
yellow patches on the whites of your eyes; or
skin redness or discoloration.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to receive an MRI with gadopentetate dimeglumine.

Tell your doctor if you have a seizure disorder, sickle cell or hemolytic anemia, or a history of stroke or blood clots.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Your doctor or other healthcare provider may want to watch you for a short time after your test is over. This is to make sure you do not have any unwanted side effects or delayed reactions.

Some of the side effects of gadopentetate dimeglumine can occur up to 24 hours after you have received the medication.

What is gadopentetate dimeglumine?

Gadopentetate dimeglumine is a contrast agent. Gadopentetate dimeglumine produces magnetic effects. It is used in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to allow blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues to be seen more clearly on the MRI.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the heart, brain, blood vessels, and spinal tissues.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving gadopentetate dimeglumine?

Gadopentetate dimeglumine can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease who are undergoing an MRI. The symptoms of this condition include:

burning, itching, swelling, and tightening or hardening of your skin
muscle weakness;
pain or stiffness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;
deep bone pain in your ribs or your hips;
yellow patches on the whites of your eyes; or
skin redness or discoloration.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to receive an MRI with gadopentetate dimeglumine.

Before receiving gadopentetate dimeglumine, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of reaction to another contrast agent, or if you have:

a recent head or brain injury;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
kidney disease;
liver disease;
sickle cell disease or hemolytic anemia;
a history of stroke, blood clots, or circulation problems; or
asthma, hay fever, or a history of food or drug allergies.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive gadopentetate dimeglumine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is gadopentetate dimeglumine used?

Gadopentetate dimeglumine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting during your MRI.

Your doctor or other healthcare provider may want to watch you for a short time after your test is over. This is to make sure you do not have any unwanted side effects or delayed reactions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since gadopentetate dimeglumine is used only during your MRI, you will not be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have received too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a gadopentetate dimeglumine overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while receiving gadopentetate dimeglumine?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity after you have received gadopentetate dimeglumine unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

What are the possible side effects of gadopentetate dimeglumine?

Some of the side effects of gadopentetate dimeglumine can occur up to 24 hours after you have received the medication.

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

seizure (convulsions);
urinating more or less than usual, or not at all;
feeling light-headed, fainting;
skin changes where the injection was given; or
fast, uneven heart rate.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

headache, dizziness, anxiety;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
increased thirst;
chills;
numbness or tingly feeling;
cold feeling, warmth, pain, or burning where the injection was given; or
stuffy nose, sore throat.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect gadopentetate dimeglumine?

There may be other drugs that can affect gadopentetate dimeglumine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist has more information about gadopentetate dimeglumine written for health professionals that you may read.

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.

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