What is gadoxetate?
Gadoxetate is a contrast agent that produces magnetic effects. It is used in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to allow blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues to be seen more clearly on the MRI.
Gadoxetate is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the liver.
Gadoxetate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about gadoxetate?
Gadoxetate can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. The symptoms of this condition include:
burning, itching, swelling, scaling, and tightening or hardening of your skin;
muscle weakness;
joint stiffness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;
deep bone pain in your ribs or your hips;
trouble moving; or
skin redness or discoloration.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. You may not be able to receive gadoxetate.
Your doctor or other healthcare provider may want to watch you for a short time after your test is over. This is to make sure you do not have any unwanted side effects or delayed reactions.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving gadoxetate?
Gadoxetate can cause a life-threatening condition in people with advanced kidney disease. The symptoms of this condition include:
burning, itching, swelling, scaling, and tightening or hardening of your skin;
muscle weakness;
joint stiffness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;
deep bone pain in your ribs or your hips;
trouble moving; or
skin redness or discoloration.
Before receiving this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or if you are on dialysis. You may not be able to receive an MRI with gadoxetate.
To make sure you can safely receive this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
diabetes;
high blood pressure;
liver disease (or liver transplant);
asthma, hay fever, or a history of food or drug allergies;
if you are over 60 years old;
if you have ever had a reaction to a contrast agent; or
if you have recently had an injury, surgery, or severe infection.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether gadoxetate is harmful to an unborn baby. Before you receive this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether gadoxetate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.