iopamidol

The brand Isovue and its generics are only meant to be given by mouth or injected into a vein or artery. If they are injected into the spine (even by mistake), they can cause serious harm, including seizures, coma, paralysis, brain swelling, or death. Your care team will follow strict safety checks to prevent this. On the other hand, the brand Isovue-M and its generics are approved for injection into the spine.

• Risk factors: History of allergic reaction to contrast agent | Asthma | Food allergies | History of serious skin reaction

Allergic reactions can happen during or after iopamidol (Isovue). Some reactions can be life-threatening, such as anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Most reactions occur within a few minutes, but they can also happen later. Even if you get other medications ahead of time to lower your risk, serious reactions can still happen. If you experience hives, swelling in your face or throat, or trouble breathing, get medical help right away.

Iopamidol (Isovue) can also cause rare but serious skin reactions, such as Steven-Johnson syndrome or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). These reactions can start within hours or up to several weeks after you receive the medication. Symptoms include severe rashes, skin peeling, or other serious skin problems. Your risk might be higher if you’ve had a reaction like this before, and it may happen faster or be more severe if you get the medication again. Tell your care team about any past severe skin reactions, and get medical help right away if you notice a rash or skin changes.

• Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Dehydration | Diabetes | Heart failure | Blood vessel problems | Older adult | Taking medications that can cause kidney problems | Multiple myeloma | Having high amounts of certain proteins in blood (paraproteinemia) | Repeated or large doses of iopamidol (Isovue)

Contrast dye products like iopamidol (Isovue) can cause serious kidney problems, which can be life-threatening. Your risk is higher if you're an older adult, have diabetes, or take medications that can harm the kidneys.

Make sure you stay well hydrated before and after your test. Your care team might check your kidney health with lab tests and watch for warning signs of kidney problems. Tell them right away if you notice less urination, swelling, sudden weight gain, or unusual tiredness.

• Risk factors: History of heart problems such as heart failure | History of kidney problems | History of liver problems | Repeated or large doses of iopamidol (Isovue)

Iopamidol (Isovue) can put extra strain on your heart and blood flow, especially if you have heart failure or kidney problems. In rare cases, it can cause serious heart problems like abnormal heart rhythms or heart attack, usually within minutes after the injection. Your risk is higher if you already have heart or blood vessel problems or receive large or repeated doses of iopamidol (Isovue).

Iopamidol (Isovue) can also cause fluid buildup in the lungs in people with heart failure. Your care team will use the lowest dose needed, monitor you closely, and have emergency equipment ready during your test.

• Risk factors: Longer procedures | Use of certain catheter and syringes | Certain conditions | Taking medications that can cause heart problems

Though rare, receiving iopamidol (Isovue) during heart imaging can raise your risk of blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Your risk might be higher depending on your health conditions, the medications you take, and how long the procedure lasts.

Tell your care team right away if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, or sudden weakness in your face, arms, or legs.

• Risk factors: History of serious blood vessel problems

Iopamidol (Isovue) can sometimes leak out of the blood vessel during injection, especially if you have blood vessel problems. This can cause pain, swelling, or more serious skin damage like blisters or tissue injury in rare cases. Iopamidol (Isovue) can also cause injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, or swelling where the shot is given. Tell your care team right away if you feel pain or swelling, and get medical help if symptoms get worse after your procedure.

• Risk factors: History of thyroid problems | Receiving iopamidol (Isovue) injection through arteries or veins | Children up to 3 years | Very low birth weight | Premature (early) babies | Children in the intensive care unit (ICU) | Heart problems

Iopamidol (Isovue) can affect your thyroid, especially if you already have thyroid problems. In rare cases, it can cause a serious condition called thyroid storm in people with overactive thyroid.

In babies and young children (especially under 3 years old), it can cause low thyroid levels, which may affect growth and brain development. The risk is higher in premature babies, those with low birth weight, or certain heart conditions. Your care team might check their thyroid health after iopamidol (Isovue), especially in young children or those at higher risk.

• Risk factors: Higher doses of iopamidol (Isovue) | History of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma

Iopamidol (Isovue) can cause dangerously high blood pressure in people with certain rare tumors, such as pheochromocytoma or paragangliomas. Your care team will monitor you closely during the injection. They will use the lowest dose needed and have treatment ready in case your blood pressure rises suddenly.

• Risk factors: History of sickle cell disease

Receiving iopamidol (Isovue) can trigger sickle cell crisis in people with sickle cell disease. Your care team will help keep you well hydrated before and after the test to lower this risk. They will only use iopamidol (Isovue) if it’s truly needed and other options aren’t suitable.