Magnevist

Magnevist is a contrast agent given as an 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 the 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.

Gadopentetate is one of the gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) which is injected intravenously 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 contrast agent is available in injectable solution dosage form.

If you are about to start Magnevist, speak with your doctor about what you need to know, a doctor always weighs the benefits of a drug against its associated risks. 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 on the children. Its safety and efficacy have 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 especially:

• Patients who have had recent reactions to contrast media especially GMCA
• History of asthma or allergies
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure
• Acute or chronic kidney disease

To use Magnevist properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. It is given as an injection into the veins, just before doing an MRI scan.

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

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.

Gadopentetate can cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). 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. These are the manifestations if NSF.

This medication may cause an allergic reaction which is called anaphylaxis. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any itching, rash, difficulty in breathing, cold clammy skin, lightheadedness, redness of skin etc.

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 Magnevist. 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
• Arm, back, or jaw pain
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Confusion
• Changes in skin color
• Chest tightness or heaviness
• Chills
• Cough
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fever
• Headache
• Headache, severe and throbbing
• Loss of bladder control
• Hives
• Irritation of the throat
• Itching
• Loss of consciousness
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Noisy breathing
• Red or irritated eyes
• Pain or swelling of the treated skin
• Paleness of the skin
• Pounding in the ears
• Redness, tenderness, itching, burning or peeling of the skin
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Slow or fast heartbeat
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Sweating
• Tenderness
• Swelling of the foot or leg
• Swelling or puffiness of the face
• Agitation
• Total body jerking
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Wheezing
• Blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin
• Bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
• Coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• Burning or itching of the skin
• Change in consciousness
• Coma
• Decreased urine output
• Depression
• Frequent strong or increased urge to urinate
• Diarrhea
• Difficult, fast, or noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
• Hostility
• Difficulty with speaking
• Hoarseness
• Joint stiffness
• Increased sweating
• Irritability
• Joint or muscle pain
• Muscle twitching or weakness
• Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, throat, hands, tongue, legs, feet, or sex organs
• Lethargy
• Limited range of motion in the arms and legs
• No blood pressure or pulse
• Deep pain in the hip bone or ribs
• No breathing
• Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
• Rapid weight gain
• Skin swelling, hardening or tightening
• Red or dark patches on the skin
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• Stupor
• Spots on your skin resembling a blister or a pimple
• Stopping of heart
• Swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• Trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• Tenderness
• Tightness in the chest
• Unconsciousness
• Troubled breathing

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