Perflubron (Oral)

Perflubron is a contrast agent. Contrast agents help provide a clear picture during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is a special type of diagnostic procedure that uses magnets and computers to create images or "pictures" of certain areas inside the body. Unlike x-rays, it does not involve radiation.

Perflubron is taken by mouth before an MRI to darken images of the bowel (intestines), which may help the doctor diagnose bowel problems or diseases.

Perflubron is to be used only by or under the supervision of a doctor.

This medicine may cause some leakage from the rectum. You may need to use absorbent pads to avoid soiling your clothing and feeling embarrassed.

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, you and your doctor will consider the risks of the test against the benefits it will provide. Keep in mind that other factors may affect test results. For this test, consider the following:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your healthcare professional know 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

There is no specific information comparing the use of perflubron in children to its use in other age groups, but it is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older adults than it does in younger adults.

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 want to adjust the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtime or with certain types of food because interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with some medicines may also lead to interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional how to use your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

Having other medical problems may impact the use of this diagnostic test. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical issues, especially:

• Blockage or perforation of the bowel—Either of these conditions may allow perflubron to be absorbed into the body and possibly increase the risk of side effects.

Some side effects may happen that usually do not require medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body gets used to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to provide information on how to prevent or lessen some of these side effects. Consult your health care professional if any of the following side effects persist, are bothersome, or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Abdominal or stomach fullness
• diarrhea
• loss of control of bowels
• nausea and vomiting
• oily taste in mouth

Less common

• Abdominal or stomach pain
• rectal gas
• rectal leakage of the solution of perflubron

Rare

• Chills
• dizziness
• flushing or redness of skin
• headache
• numb mouth
• trembling

Other side effects not listed may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, consult 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.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.