Ioversol

Ioversol is a contrast agent that shows up clearly on x-rays. It contains iodine, which absorbs x-rays. Contrast agents help make blood vessels, organs, and other soft tissues easier to see during a CT scan or other x-ray tests.

Ioversol is used to help identify specific problems with the heart, brain, and blood vessels.

Ioversol may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not be treated with ioversol if you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of reaction to another contrast agent.

You should not be treated with ioversol if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• symptoms of an overactive thyroid.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• any type of reaction to another contrast agent
• liver or kidney disease;
• a stroke, blood clot, or coronary artery disease (hardened arteries);
• a seizure;
• heart disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure;
• diabetes;
• homocystinuria;
• sickle cell anemia;
• asthma, hay fever, food allergies;
• multiple myeloma (bone cancer);
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
• a thyroid disorder; or
• if you are dehydrated.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed within 8 hours after receiving ioversol. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Some side effects of ioversol can happen up to 24 hours after you receive the medication.

Tell your caregivers or call your doctor right away if you have:

• trouble breathing;
• feeling light-headed, like you might pass out;
• slow heartbeats;
• unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness;
• a skin rash;
• pain, bleeding, or skin changes where the injection was given;
• sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), problems with vision or speech;
• chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder; or
• kidney problems--little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effect may include nausea.

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.

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

Drink extra fluids before and after your radiologic test. Ioversol can cause you to get dehydrated, which can lead to dangerous effects on your kidneys. Follow your doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink before and after your test.

Older adults may need special care to avoid becoming dehydrated. Your kidney function may need to be checked after you have received ioversol.

Children younger than 3 years may need to have their thyroid function checked after exposure to ioversol. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions.

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

Some people receiving ioversol have had delayed reactions 30 to 60 minutes after injection. Your caregivers will watch you during this time to make sure you do not have unwanted side effects or delayed reactions.

Ioversol can cause unusual results with certain medical tests for up to 16 days after you receive ioversol. For up to 8 weeks after you receive ioversol, your body may not respond as well as usual to radioactive iodine thyroid treatment. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received ioversol.

Since ioversol is used only during your radiologic test, you will not follow a dosing schedule.

Since ioversol is administered by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to happen. You will be monitored closely for any signs of an overdose.

Do not let yourself become dehydrated in the first few days after receiving ioversol. Call your doctor if you experience any vomiting or diarrhea during this time. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the types and amounts of fluids you should drink.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially:

• diabetes medicine that contains metformin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect ioversol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.