Lymphazurin (Subcutaneous)

Isosulfan blue injection is used to help with a procedure called lymphography, which is a medical imaging test to see how well your lymphatic system is functioning 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, allowing your doctor to 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 problems related to the lymphatic system.

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

It is very important that your doctor monitors your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will help your doctor see if the medicine is working correctly and decide if you should keep receiving it.

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

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

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

This medicine may cause your urine to turn blue for up to 24 hours after you receive it. 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 its benefits. This is a decision you and your doctor will make together. For this medicine, consider the following:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also inform your healthcare professional if you have other types of 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 isosulfan blue injection affects children. Its safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Geriatric

There is no information available on how isosulfan blue injection affects older adults.

Breast Feeding

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

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might happen. In these situations, your doctor may need to change the dose or take other precautions. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Some medicines should not be used around the time of eating, or with certain types of food, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure to tell 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 necessary effects, a medicine can cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may happen, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away 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 might occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you how 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 happen 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.