Gadoxetate (Intravenous)

Generic name: gadoxetate [ gad-OX-e-tate-dye-SOE-dee-um ]
Brand name: Eovist
Drug class: Magnetic resonance imaging contrast media

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 8, 2024.

Intravenous route(Solution)

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Patients with chronic, severe renal insufficiency (GFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) or acute kidney injury are at greatest risk. NSF may lead to fatal or debilitating systemic fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle, and internal organs. Avoid use of GBCAs in patients with impaired elimination unless use is essential and other modalities (eg, non-contrast enhanced MRI) are not available. Screen for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (eg, age greater than 60 years, hypertension, or diabetes), perform lab testing to estimate the GFR. For patients with the highest NSF risk, do not exceed the recommended dose and allow enough time for drug elimination prior to any readministration .

Uses for gadoxetate

Gadoxetate injection is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent used to help create a clear picture of the body during MRI scans. MRI scans use magnets and computers to create images or “pictures” of certain areas of the body. Unlike x-rays, MRI scans do not involve radiation. Gadoxetate is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) that is given by injection before an MRI to help diagnose problems in the liver.

This medicine is to be used only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using gadoxetate

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of gadoxetate injection in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established in premature infants.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of gadoxetate injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart disease which may require caution in patients receiving this medicine.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of gadoxetate

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins just before you have an MRI scan.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Precautions while using gadoxetate

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress while you are receiving this medicine and during the MRI scan to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Check with your doctor or nurse right away if you or your child have burning or itching of the skin, deep bone pain in the hips or ribs, joint stiffness, a limited range of motion in the arms and legs, muscle weakness, red or dark patches on the skin of the arms or legs, or skin swelling, hardening, or tightening within the first few days or weeks after you receive this medicine. These may be symptoms of a very serious disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF).

This medicine may increase your risk of having acute kidney injury (AKI). This has occurred in patients with severe kidney problems, and the risk is increased with high doses of gadoxetate.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor or nurse right away if you or your child have chest pain, cold, clammy skin, confusion, dizziness, lightheadedness, a skin rash, itching, sweating, swelling of the face, tongue, and throat, or trouble breathing after receiving the medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you have mild, burning pain, feeling of warmth or coldness, or redness at the injection site.

This medicine contains a metal called gadolinium, which can stay in your body (including the brain, bones, skin, kidneys, liver, spleen) for a long time (several months to years). Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

Make sure your doctor knows that you have used this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests (eg, serum iron).

Side Effects of gadoxetate

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

Blurred vision
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
chest pain or tightness
chills
dizziness
fainting
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
feeling hot
headache
inability to sit still
need to keep moving
nervousness
pounding in the ears
restlessness
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
trouble breathing

Incidence not known

Cold, clammy skin
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
fast, weak pulse
lightheadedness
restlessness
sneezing
stuffy or runny nose
sweating
unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Rare

Back pain
bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
change in sense of smell
change in taste
dry mouth
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of warmth
general feeling of discomfort or illness
increased sweating
increased watering of the mouth
itching
loss of taste
nausea
rash with flat lesions or small raised lesions on the skin
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
sensation of spinning
vomiting