gadobutrol
Gadobutrol (Gadavist) is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). Radiologists use it to see inside of your body on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Gadobutrol (Gadavist) injected intravenously (into the veins) before imaging and can be used for both adults and children. The most common side effects include headache and nausea. Rarely, gadobutrol (Gadavist) can cause severe thickening of your skin and other organs. The risk is higher if you have kidney problems, including sudden kidney injury.
What is Gadobutrol (Gadavist)?
What is Gadobutrol (Gadavist) used for?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults and children to find:
Certain problems in the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system or CNS)
Breast cancer cells - adults only
Certain problems in the blood vessels of the kidneys and heart
Coronary artery disease (CAD) - adults only
How Gadobutrol (Gadavist) works
Gadobutrol (Gadavist) is a contrast dye containing gadolinium. It's used with an MRI scan to help your radiologist see where abnormal tissues are in your body to better diagnose your medical condition.
Drug Facts
What are the side effects of Gadobutrol (Gadavist)?
Common Side Effects
- Headache (2%)
- Nausea (1%)
Other Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Changes in taste
- Feeling Hot
- Injection site reactions (e.g., skin redness and pain)
- Vomiting
- Tingling sensation
- Itching
- Rash
- Trouble catching your breath
Serious Side Effects
- Severe thickening of the skin and other organs: red patches, swelling, itching, skin hardening, pain, joint pain, muscle weakness
- Allergic reactions: rash, itching, hives, shortness of breath, swelling
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Burning, itching, hardening, or thickening of the skin, red or dark patches on the skin, joint stiffness or pain
- Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet
- Trouble breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Gadobutrol (Gadavist)
Pros
Can be used to see many different parts of the body
Can be used in adults and young children
Generally well-tolerated and low risk of side effects
Cons
Can cause short-term kidney injury
Higher risk of side effects in people with kidney problems
Might not be a good option during pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Gadobutrol (Gadavist)
You'll typically receive gadobutrol (Gadavist) before your MRI. This medication needs to be given by a trained personnel on the radiology team with the right tools and technique to lower the risk of side effects.
Let your radiology team know if you feel pain while receiving gadobutrol (Gadavist). If this happens, there's a risk that the contrast agent might've leaked from your IV into the surrounding tissues.
Though rare, some people have experienced allergic reactions after receiving gadobutrol (Gadavist). Symptoms can appear minutes or days after your dose. Monitor yourself for dizziness, rash, and trouble breathing during your MRI appointment and after you go home. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Frequently asked questions about Gadobutrol (Gadavist)
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What are the risks and warnings for Gadobutrol (Gadavist)?
Gadobutrol (Gadavist) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe organ thickening and sudden kidney injury
Risk factors: Chronic kidney disease | Sudden kidney injury | Surgery | Severe infection | Injury | Taking medications that cause kidney problems | Repeated doses or higher than prescribed dose of gadobutrol (Gadavist) | Diabetes | High blood pressure | Older than 60 years of age
Some people with kidney problems have developed a medical condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) after receiving gadobutrol (Gadavist). This happens because their kidneys aren't working properly to get rid of gadobutrol (Gadavist) from the body, which can lead to toxicity. NSF can cause severe thickening of the skin, muscles, and other organs in your body, which can be life-threatening.
Before your imaging, your radiologist will order blood work to check on your kidney health. Let your care team know if you have any symptoms of kidney injury in the days leading up to or after your imaging, such as making less urine, swelling in the ankles and legs, and tiredness.
Your radiologist might not use gadobutrol (Gadavist) for your MRI if you have kidney problems, unless there aren't any safer options available.
Serious allergic reactions
Risk factors: Past allergic reactions to contrast dye | Asthma
Serious allergic reactions to gadobutrol (Gadavist) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). These reactions are most common within the first 30 minutes of injection, but they can also happen several days after. During your appointment, your healthcare team will monitor you for signs and symptoms of allergic reaction. If you notice dizziness, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips or tongue after receiving gadobutrol (Gadavist) (even after you're already home from your appointment), get medical help right away.
Buildup of gadolinium in the body
Risk factors: Multiple doses | Pregnancy | Children | History of inflammatory conditions
Certain contrast agents that contain gadolinium, such as gadobutrol (Gadavist), can stay in your body for several months or years. Most commonly, gadobutrol (Gadavist) can build up in your bone, but it can also build up in the brain, skin, kidneys, liver, and spleen. More research is needed to understand the kind of impact the buildup of gadolinium can have on different parts of the body. But there's a risk that it can cause harm. If you've received multiple doses of gadolinium medication in the past, if you're pregnant, or if you've a history of inflammatory conditions, talk to your radiology team before receiving gadobutrol (Gadavist).
Injection site reactions
Gadobutrol (Gadavist) can sometimes cause irritation around the injection site when the medication is leaked out of the veins. If you experience itching, pain, and redness around the injection site, let your radiology team know.
Gadobutrol (Gadavist) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Gadobutrol (Gadavist)
Each mL of injection contains 1 millimole (mmol) of gadobutrol (Gadavist).
Your radiologist will determine your dose of gadobutrol (Gadavist) based on your body weight. The typical dose is 0.1 mL/kg of body weight injected into the veins on imaging day by a nurse or a radiologist.
Gadobutrol (Gadavist) images
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References
Best studies we foundIbrahim, M. A., et al. (2023). Gadolinium magnetic resonance imaging. StatPearls.
National Kidney Foundation. (2024). Acute kidney injury (AKI).
National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2014). Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.
Schlaudecker, J. D., et al. (2009). Gadolinium-associated nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. American Family Physician.
Shamam, Y. M., et al. (2023). Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. StatPearls.
Slate Run Pharmaceuticals, LLC. (2024). Gadobutrol injection [package insert]. DailyMed.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings.
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