Gadamide

Indications

Gadoversetamide is a gadolinium-based contrast agent used with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is injected to make certain body tissues show up more clearly on the scan, for example to help find damage to the blood brain barrier or abnormal blood vessels in the brain, spine and liver. It is used only in hospitals and imaging centres.

How It Works

Gadolinium is a metal with magnetic properties. In this product it is tightly bound to a carrier molecule so it can be safely injected. In the MRI scanner it changes how nearby water molecules respond to the magnetic field, which makes areas with good blood supply or leaky blood vessels appear brighter. It is removed from the body mainly through the kidneys in the urine.

Dosage and Administration

Gadoversetamide is given by a doctor, nurse or radiographer as an injection into a vein just before or during the MRI scan. The dose is worked out from body weight and the type of scan, as prescribed. Patients do not take it at home. You may be asked to drink fluids afterwards to help clear it from the body.

Interactions

Few drug interactions are known. Tell the imaging team about all your medicines, especially if you have recently had another gadolinium contrast scan, take medicines that affect the kidneys, or take beta blockers, which can make allergic reactions harder to treat.

Contraindications

Not used in people with a known allergy to Gadoversetamide or other gadolinium contrast agents. It is generally avoided in people with severe kidney disease or acute kidney injury, and around the time of a liver transplant, because of the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

Side Effects

Possible side effects include headache, a feeling of warmth or coldness at the injection site, nausea, dizziness, a strange taste in the mouth and mild rash. Gadolinium may stay in small amounts in the brain, bones and skin for a long time; the health effects of this are not fully known.

Get urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, fainting or widespread hives during or after the scan. Also report any later thickening, hardening or tightness of the skin, joint stiffness or burning skin, especially if you have kidney disease, as these can be signs of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Gadolinium contrast is used in pregnancy only when the scan is essential and cannot be done without it. Only very small amounts pass into breast milk; mothers may continue breastfeeding or choose to pause for 24 hours after the scan, after discussing with the doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell staff before the scan if you have kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, allergies, previous reactions to contrast, a pacemaker or metal implants, or if you are pregnant. Kidney function may be checked beforehand. Older adults and people on dialysis need special care.

Overdose

Overdose is unlikely because the dose is measured and given by trained staff. If too much is given, the team will monitor you; the agent can be removed by haemodialysis if needed.

Therapeutic Class

Diagnostic agent, gadolinium-based MRI contrast medium.

Storage

Hospital product. Store as directed on the pack, usually below 30°C, protected from light, and do not freeze. Keep out of the reach of children.