Isosulfan blue (Subcutaneous)

Isosulfan blue injection is used to help with a procedure called lymphography (a medical imaging procedure) to see how well your lymphatic system is working in certain areas of your body. It is a blue dye that stains the lymph nodes and lymph vessels. This creates a contrast between the lymph nodes and vessels, which helps your doctor look for serious medical issues such as lymphedema, chyluria (lymph in the urine), chylous ascites (lymph in the stomach), chylothorax (lymph in the chest), cancer of the lymph nodes, or other lymphatic system problems.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have cold clammy skin; confusion; dizziness; lightheadedness; a skin rash; itching; shortness of breath; sweating; swelling of the face, tongue, and throat; or trouble with breathing after you get the injection.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to any dye or medicine given during a test or procedure.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

This medicine may cause your urine to turn blue for up to 24 hours after you receive this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the benefits it will provide. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, inform your healthcare professional if you have any other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been done on how age affects the use of isosulfan blue injection in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on how age affects the use of isosulfan blue injection in older patients.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women to determine the risk to infants when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the possible risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

While some medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be needed. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or specific types of food because interactions may happen. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure to inform your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Asthma, history of—Use with caution. You may be more likely to experience side effects.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

• Cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• cough
• difficulty with swallowing
• dizziness
• fast heartbeat
• fast, weak pulse
• hives or welts
• itching
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• lightheadedness
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• redness of the skin
• shortness of breath
• skin rash
• sweating
• tightness in the chest
• troubled breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• wheezing

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

• Blue discoloration of the skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In the U.S.

• Lymphazurin

In Canada

• Lymphazurin 1%

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent, Lymphatic Visualization

A doctor will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.