What is Gadoterate meglumine?
Gadoterate meglumine is a magnetic contrast agent. The contrast agent is used with magnetic resonance images (MRIs) to make blood vessels, organs, and non-bony tissue more visible. Gadoterate meglumine can be used to diagnose certain brain and spinal disorders (central nervous system). This medication guide does not list all possible uses for gadoterate meglumine.
Side effects of Gadoterate meglumine
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat. Gadoterate meglumine can cause side effects up to a few days after the injection. People with advanced kidney disease can be at risk of a potentially life-threatening condition caused by gadoterate. If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition, call your doctor immediately.
- Burning, itching, and swelling of the skin are all symptoms.
- Muscle weakness
- Joint stiffness of the arms, hands, feet, or legs;
- Deep bone pain in the ribs and hips
- Trouble moving
- Skin redness or discoloration.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Kidney problems include: little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling of the feet or ankles; feeling tired or breathless.
Some of the common side effects associated with gadoterate meglumine include:
- Headache;
- Nausea;
- Rash;
- Pain or a cold sensation around the IV needle
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in case of adverse side effects can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Gadoterate can be life-threatening for people with advanced renal disease. This medication should not be taken by people with kidney disease or those on dialysis.
Before you take this drug
Gadoterate can be life-threatening for people with advanced renal disease. Gadoterate is not recommended for people with kidney disease or those on dialysis. Gadoterate meglumine can remain in your body for months or even years after taking this medication. This medicine is not known to cause health problems in people with healthy kidneys. Tell your doctor that you've had scans using a contrast agent multiple times and give the date of the last scan.
If you have an allergy to gadoterate, it is best not to receive the drug.
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following:
- Existence of kidney problems; And Allergic reaction to any contrast agents used for diagnosis.
- Diabetes;
- High blood pressure
- Asthma; fever; food or drug allergy
- An injury, surgery, or severe infection;
- If you are older than 60,
This medicine is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant. Breast-feeding may not be recommended if you take this medication within a few days. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take Gadoterate meglumine?
Infusions of gadoterate are given into the vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. If you experience any pain or swelling when medicine is injected, tell your caregivers. You may be asked to stay under observation by your doctor or another healthcare provider for a few minutes after the test. Your goal should be to minimize side effects or delayed reactions of any medications taken, especially over long-term periods.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You will not have a schedule of doses since gadoterate is only used during the MRI.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because gadoterate is administered by a health professional in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes restrictions in terms of diet, beverages or activities for you to participate in, be sure to heed their advice.
Interaction with other drug
Gadoterate meglumine may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop taking.
