Gadavist

Gadavist is a contrast agent,which is given as an intravenous injection before MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The contrast agents go to every part of the body and provide a clearer picture of the body in the MRI scan. MRI is a procedure that gives you a picture of inside of the body. MRI machine uses magnets and computer software to create accurate images of the body. This technique does not use radiations like x-rays.

Gadobutral is gadolinium based contrast agent (GBCA) which is injected into the veins just before the scan. This helps the doctor in diagnosing pathologies in the brain, breast, spine and other parts of the body.

This medication can only be used under direct supervision of a doctor.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

• Solution

Before using Gadavist, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them. Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.
• Age specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group has not revealed any specific adverse effect to the children. Its safety and efficacy has not been established in children younger than 2 years of age. The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not demonstrated any adverse effect that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.
• Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.
• Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. 

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco.

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from.

• Allergic disorders
• Bronchial asthma
• Kidney problems

To use Gadavist correctly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

This medication is only given under the supervision of a healthcare provider. It is given as an injection into the veins, just before doing an MRI scan.

If you take Gadavist, your doctor should perform routine checkups and advise you in taking precautions.

Constant observation is necessary during and after the injection. It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment.

Gadolinium can cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Tell your doctor right away if you feel burning or itching of the skin, joint stiffness, a limited range of motion in the arms and legs, deep bone pain in the hips or ribs muscle weakness, or skin swelling, hardening, or tightening and red or dark patches on the skin of the arms or legs.

This medication may cause an allergic reaction which is called anaphylaxis. It can also increase your risk of having an acute kidney injury (AKI).

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Gadavist. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• Blurred vision
• Confusion, convulsions
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
• Loss of consciousness
• Redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• Paleness of the skin
• Redness of the skin
• Tiredness or weakness
• Sweating
• Tightness in the chest
• Burning, dry, or itching eyes
• Bluish coloration of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
• Burning sensation
• Chest pain
• Deep bone pain
• Cough
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Discharge or excessive tearing
• No blood pressure or pulse
• Hoarseness
• Increased sweating
• Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids tongue, lips, throat, hands, feet ,legs, or sex organs
• Muscle stiffness or weakness
• No breathing
• Noisy breathing
• Sneezing
• Skin rash, swelling, hardness, tightness, burning, itching, or red or dark patches
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Stiff joints or trouble moving
• Unconsciousness
• Stopping of the heart
• Swelling of the mouth or throat

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication. Also contact your healthcare professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.

If any of these side effects becomes more bothersome or does not go away, contact your doctor.