MAGNETICRESONANCE IMAGING CONTRAST AGENTS, IRON-CONTAINING (Diagnostic)?
? Not commercially available in Canada.
Category
- Diagnostic aid, superparamagnetic, liver disorders
Description
Iron-containingMRI (magnetic resonance imaging) contrast agents (also called superparamagneticagents) are used to help provide a clear picture during MRI. MRI is a specialkind of diagnostic procedure. It uses magnets and computers to create imagesor ?pictures? of certain areas inside the body. Unlike x-rays,it does not involve ionizing radiation.
Ferumoxides, an iron-containing contrast agent, is given by injection beforeMRI to help find and diagnose tumors of the liver.
The dose of ferumoxides will be different for different patients accordingto body weight.
Ferumoxides is to be used only by or under the supervision of a doctor.
Before Having This Test
In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighedagainst the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.Also, test results may be affected by other things. For MRI contrast agents,the following should be considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to contrast agents or to injectable preparations of iron.Also, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any other substances, such asfoods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy?Studies with ferumoxides have not been done in pregnantwomen. However, in animal studies, ferumoxides caused birth defects in theoffspring when given to the mother in doses many times larger than the humandose. Also, it is not yet known what effect the magnetic field used in MRImight have on the development of the fetus. Be sure you have discussed thiswith your doctor.
Breast-feeding?It is not known whether ferumoxides passes intothe breast milk. However, your doctor may want you to stop breast-feedingfor some time after you receive an MRI contrast agent. Be sure you have discussedthis with your doctor.
Children?There is no specific information comparing use ofMRI contrast agents in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults?Ferumoxides has been used in tests in older adultsand has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in olderpeople than it does in younger adults.
Other medical problems?The presence of other medical problems may affectthe use of MRI contrast agents. Make sure you tell your doctor if you haveany other medical problems, especially:
- Allergies or asthma (history of) or
- Immunity problems?If you have a history of allergies or asthmaor have a decreased natural immunity, you may be at greater risk of havingan allergic reaction to the contrast agent
Preparation for This Test
Yourdoctor may have special instructions for you to get ready for your test, dependingon the type of test you are having. If you do not understand the instructionsyou receive or if you have not received any instructions, check with yourdoctor ahead of time.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Alongwith their needed effects, MRI contrast agents may cause some unwanted effects.Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they mayneed medical attention.
Less common or rare
Back, leg or groin pain (severe); itching,watery eyes; skin rash or hives; swelling of face; thickening of tongue; unusual tiredness or weakness (severe); wheezing, tightness in chest, or troubled breathing
Other side effects may occurthat usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go awayas your body adjusts to this agent. However, check with your doctor if anyof the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Other side effects not listed abovemay also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check withyour doctor.
Developed: 10/22/1997
