gadopentetate dimeglumine Health Article

Generic name(s):

gadopentetate dimeglumine

Brand name(s):

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;

• liver disease;

• sickle cell disease or hemolytic anemia;

• a history of stroke, blood clots, or circulation problems;

• asthma, hay fever, or a history of food or drug allergies; or

• if you are on dialysis.

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.