gadobutrol

Pronunciation: GAD oh BUE trol

Brand: Gadavist

What is the most important information I should know about gadobutrol?

Gadobutrol can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. Your doctor may check your kidney function before you receive this medicine.

Gadobutrol can stay in your body for months or years after you receive this medicine. It is not known whether this could cause any health problems in people with normal kidneys. Tell your doctor if you have had repeated scans with a contrast agent, and provide the date of your last scan.

What is gadobutrol?

Gadobutrol is a contrast agent that has magnetic properties. It is used in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to allow blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues to be seen more clearly.

Gadobutrol is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the brain and spine (central nervous system), the blood vessels of the kidneys, and the heart. Gadobutrol is also used with MRI of the breast to help detect breast cancer.

Gadobutrol may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving gadobutrol?

Gadobutrol can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. Your doctor may check your kidney function before you receive this medicine.

Gadobutrol can stay in your body for months or years after you receive this medicine. It is not known whether this could cause any health problems in people with normal kidneys. Tell your doctor if you have had repeated scans with a contrast agent, and provide the date of your last scan.

You should not receive gadobutrol if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  • any type of reaction to a contrast agent;
  • diabetes;
  • high blood pressure;
  • liver disease;
  • asthma, hay fever, food or drug allergies;
  • an injury, surgery, or severe infection; or
  • if you are over 60 years old.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is gadobutrol given?

Gadobutrol is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when the medicine is injected.

Your doctor or other healthcare provider may want to watch you for a short time after your test is over. This is to make sure you do not have any unwanted side effects or delayed reactions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since gadobutrol is used only during your MRI or MRA, you will not be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving gadobutrol?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of gadobutrol?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects of gadobutrol may occur up to several days after injection.

Gadobutrol can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. Call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of this condition, such as:

  • burning, itching, swelling, scaling, and tightening or hardening of your skin;
  • muscle weakness;
  • joint stiffness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;
  • deep bone pain in your ribs or your hips;
  • trouble moving; or
  • skin redness or discoloration.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

  • kidney problems --little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • headache;
  • nausea; or
  • dizziness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect gadobutrol?

Other drugs may affect gadobutrol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor can provide more information about gadobutrol.

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