DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Gadopentetate Dimeglumine (gad-o-PEN-te-tate dime-GLUE-mine)
Brand Name: Magnevist

Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is used for:

Providing a better picture with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is a diagnostic aid. When used with an MRI, it works by aiding in the detection of abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord, or whole body.

Do NOT use Gadopentetate Dimeglumine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Gadopentetate Dimeglumine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Gadopentetate Dimeglumine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Gadopentetate Dimeglumine . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have seizures, anemia, blood problems (eg, sickle cell anemia, other anemias, blood clots, blood clotting problems, hemolysis), heart problems, kidney or liver problems, asthma, or breathing problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Gadopentetate Dimeglumine . However, no specific interactions with Gadopentetate Dimeglumine are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Gadopentetate Dimeglumine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Gadopentetate Dimeglumine :

Use Gadopentetate Dimeglumine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
• If Gadopentetate Dimeglumine contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.
• If you miss a dose of Gadopentetate Dimeglumine , contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Gadopentetate Dimeglumine .

Important safety information:

• Gadopentetate Dimeglumine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Gadopentetate Dimeglumine . Using Gadopentetate Dimeglumine alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 3 years of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant while taking Gadopentetate Dimeglumine , discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Gadopentetate Dimeglumine during pregnancy. Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Gadopentetate Dimeglumine , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Gadopentetate Dimeglumine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Dizziness; headache; nausea; pain, swelling, coldness, or redness at the injection site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); changes in vision; fast or irregular heartbeat; numbness in an arm or leg; severe stomach pain; sharp or crushing chest pain; sudden leg pain; sudden severe headache, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting; sudden shortness of breath.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of Gadopentetate Dimeglumine :

Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Gadopentetate Dimeglumine at home, store Gadopentetate Dimeglumine as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Gadopentetate Dimeglumine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Gadopentetate Dimeglumine , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Gadopentetate Dimeglumine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Gadopentetate Dimeglumine . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.