Gadopentetate Dimeglumine Side Effects

Severe Side Effects of Gadopentetate Dimeglumine

• Gadopentetate Dimeglumine and other gadolinium-based contrast agents may cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis when used in patients with renal failure.  Please refer to black box warning on this page.
• This drug may cause severe convulsions including grand mal seizures.
• Serious anaphylactic shock and allergic reactions have occured in some patients who used Gadopentetate Dimeglumine.
• Acute renal failure and worsening of kidney function may occur.

Common Side Effects of Gadopentetate Dimeglumine

• Gadopentetate Dimeglumine may cause migraines, abdominal pain, vomiting, loose stools, dry mouth, ear and eye pain, rash, anxiety, and irritated throat and nasal passages.

Warnings & Recalls for Gadopentetate Dimeglumine

Black Box Warning

• On May 23rd, 2007, the FDA issued an updated black box warning for all gadolinium-based contrast agents including Gadopentetate Dimeglumine.  These contrast agents may cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, which is a life threatening form of Fibrosis that targets the skin, internal organs, joints, and eyes of the patient.
• The patient should not take Gadopentetate Dimeglumine if he or she has renal impairment or any other kidney problems.

Other Warnings

• Immediately discontinue use if an allergic reaction, hives, or anaphylactic shock occurs.
• Patients with possible renal impairment should have creatine levels tested and kidney function screened before use.
• The physician should observe caution when administering Gadopentetate Dimeglumine and observe the injection site for any allergic reactions.
• Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is a pregnancy category class C drug.  The patient should observe caution when administered this drug while pregnant.  In a study using pregnant lab rats and rabbits, the drug slowed fetal development when administered over a period of 10 days.

Gadopentetate Dimeglumine Treatment and Use

Gadopentetate Dimeglumine | Magnevist is an injectable contrast used with MRI scans (magnetic imaging resonance).  It is frequently used in adults and pediatric patients to identify lesions in the brain, neck, and spine which may indicate cancer, disease, or trauma.  A popular brand name of this drug called Magnevist is produced by Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

What does Gadopentetate Dimeglumine do?

When Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is within a magnetic field (such as an active MRI machine) it creates a magnetic moment and allows the target area to be imaged and diagnosed.  This contrast in conjunction with the MRI machine allows the physician or specialist to identify tumors, lesions, and other abnormalities.  Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is a gadolinium-based contrast which includes other brands such as Omniscan, OptiMARK, MultiHance, and ProHance.

Dosage

The typical dose for Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is 0.2mL per kg or for every 2.2 lbs of weight via intravenous injection.  For example, a person who weighs 176 lbs should receive 16 mL.

Other Names for Gadopentetate Dimeglumine

Brand Name

• Magnevist

Generic

• Gadopentetate Dimeglumine

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Gadopentetate Dimeglumine