This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Elucirem; Vueway
- This drug raises the chance of a health problem called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in some people. NSF may lead to severe skin, muscle, and organ problems that could be deadly. The risk of NSF is raised in people who have some types of kidney problems. Call the doctor right away if your child has skin burning, itching, swelling, or scaling; red or dark spots on the skin; or hard or tight skin. Call the doctor right away if your child has stiff joints; muscle weakness, or hip or rib pain. Call the doctor right away if your child has trouble moving, bending, or straightening arms, hands, legs, or feet.
- Before your child uses this drug, talk with the doctor if your child has kidney problems or is at risk for kidney problems. This includes people who have high blood pressure or high blood sugar (diabetes). Tell the doctor if your child has recently taken a drug like this one.
- Your child’s blood work may need to be checked. Talk with the doctor.
- This drug is given as a shot into a vein only. Severe health problems have happened when drugs like this were given into the spine. This included problems like confusion, memory loss, behavior changes, seizures, coma, and death. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
What is this drug used for?
- It is used during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If your child has kidney disease.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Tell your child’s doctor if your child has had a drug like this one before. This drug has a metal called gadolinium in it. Small amounts of gadolinium can stay in parts of your child’s body like the brain, bones, skin, and other body parts for months to years. It is not known how gadolinium may affect your child. So far, this has not been shown to be harmful in people with normal kidneys. However, some people may be at higher risk from gadolinium staying in the body. This includes pregnant people, young children, and people who have had many doses of gadolinium drugs. If you have questions, talk with your child’s doctor.
- Some people have rarely felt tired; had pains; and had skin, muscle, or bone problems for a long time. These signs have not been linked to gadolinium. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
- Kidney failure has happened with this drug in people who already had kidney problems. Talk with the doctor.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
- This drug may irritate the vein. If the drug leaks from the vein, it may also cause irritation around that area. Tell your child’s nurse if your child has any redness, burning, pain, swelling, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your child’s body.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Feeling of warmth or coldness where this drug is given.
- Dizziness or headache.
- Upset stomach.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given as a shot into a vein.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
- This drug will be given in a health care setting.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- The injection will be given to your child in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2024-02-13
Copyright
© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.