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In this Article

• What is gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist)?
• What are the possible side effects of gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist)?
• What is the most important information I should know about gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist)?
• How is gadopentetate dimeglumine used (Magnevist)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Magnevist)?
• What happens if I overdose (Magnevist)?
• What should I avoid after receiving gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist)?
• What other drugs will affect gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist)?

Gadopentetate dimeglumine can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease who are undergoing an MRI. The symptoms of this condition include:

• burning, itching, swelling, and tightening or hardening of your skin;
• muscle weakness;
• pain or stiffness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;
• deep bone pain in your ribs or your hips;
• yellow patches on the whites of your eyes; or
• skin redness or discoloration.

Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. You may not be able to receive an MRI with gadopentetate dimeglumine.

Before receiving gadopentetate dimeglumine, tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of reaction to another contrast agent, or if you have:

• a recent head or brain injury;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• liver disease;
• sickle cell disease or hemolytic anemia;
• a history of stroke, blood clots, or circulation problems;
• asthma, hay fever, or a history of food or drug allergies; or
• if you are on dialysis.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to receive gadopentetate dimeglumine, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive gadopentetate dimeglumine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Gadopentetate dimeglumine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is gadopentetate dimeglumine used (Magnevist)?

Gadopentetate dimeglumine is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting during your MRI.

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.