Multihance

Multihance 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.

Gadobenate is gadolinium-based contrast agent (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 the following dosage forms:

• Injectable solution

Before using Multihance, 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 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 recently received a GBCA already
• Anemia or any other blood disorder
• Asthma and allergies
• Heart disease
• Recent or long-term kidney problems
• Dubin-Johnson syndrome (an inherited disorder)
• Liver disease
• Seizures. Because it may cause side effects to become worse.
• Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Proper usage of Multihance requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. 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.

In using Multihance, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. 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. Tell your doctor right away if you experience any itching, rash, difficulty in breathing, redness of skin etc.

Gadobenate can also increase your risk of having an acute kidney injury (AKI) which may lead to acute renal failure.

Gadobenate can also cause rhythm problems in the heart like prolong QT interval. It is an arrhythmia which may lead to pounding heart, fainting, and irregular heartbeats.

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 Multihance. 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:

• Anxiety
• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Bladder pain
• Back pain
• Black, tarry stools
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• Blue lips and fingernails
• Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Chills
• Cough
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Decreased urination
• Coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
• Dark urine
• Deep or fast breathing with dizziness
• Difficult, fast, or noisy breathing, sometimes with wheezing
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Difficulty with breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Excessive muscle tone
• Fainting
• General feeling of discomfort or illness
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Headache
• Itching
• Hives
• Inability to move the legs or arms
• Lower back or side pain
• Increased sweating
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Muscle tension or tightness
• Nervousness
• Muscle stiffness
• Nausea
• Numbness of the feet, hands, and around the mouth
• Pale skin
• Pale skin at the injection site
• Pain in the shoulders, arms, jaw, or neck
• Pain or redness at the injection site
• Paralysis of one side of the body
• Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• Pounding heartbeat
• Pounding in the ears
• Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• Problems with speech or speaking
• Reddening of the skin, especially around the ears
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden shortness of breath or troubled to breathe
• Skin rash
• Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• Sugar in the urine
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Sweating
• Swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
• Tightness in the chest
• Swollen glands
• Tiredness
• Trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• Tiredness or weakness
• Yellow eyes or skin
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Wheezing

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.

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