Gadopentetate dimeglumine injection

What is Gadopentetate dimeglumine injection?

GADOPENTETATE DIMEGLUMINE (Magnevist®) injection is an contrast agent used with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It helps to diagnose certain medical conditions. Gadopentetate dimeglumine will be given into your vein by a health care professional. Gadopentetate dimeglumine is used to make the pictures from an MRI more clear and allows your health care provider to see the area better. Gadopentetate can be used to look at pictures of your brain, spine, head, neck, and body. Generic injections are not yet available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma or other allergic lung disorders

• allergic tendencies including eczema, hayfever, or allergies to food or drugs

• blood clots or strokes

• blood disorders (anemia, sickle cell disease, or diseases that effect red blood cells)

• kidney disease or decreased kidney function

• liver disease

• seizures

• an unusual reaction to Gadopentetate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Gadopentetate dimeglumine injection is given by injection into a vein. It is given by a health care professional before a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your health care provider may have special instructions for you before you have this procedure. Follow these directions carefully.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with Gadopentetate?

• no drug interactions have been documented between gadopentetate and other medications.

You may or may not be able to take your regular medications before your procedure. Ask your health care professional.

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Gadopentetate?

Follow all instructions of your health care provider to properly prepare you for your test. Serious side effects are rare. Your condition will be closely monitored during use of gadopentetate dimeglumine. Follow all instructions of your health care professional for care after the test.

Some people may get dizzy or lightheaded. After the procedure stand or sit up slowly, this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Do not drive or operate machinery until any symptoms of dizziness go away, usually by the end of the day you had the procedure. If these symptoms do not go away, notify your health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Gadopentetate?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• burning, itching, or red skin

• chest pain

• difficulty breathing, wheezing or shortness of breath

• difficulty moving or stiff joints

• dizziness or lightheadedness

• flushing

• hardening or tightening of the skin

• itching

• muscle weakness

• pain, swelling, or cold or warm sensation where gadopentetate was injected

• seizures

• severe bone or joint pain

• skin rash or hives

• sweating

• yellow, raised spots on the whites of the eye

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• altered taste

• nausea or vomiting

Where can I keep my medicine?

This does not apply. You will only receive gadopentetate in a hospital or clinic setting.