Gadoxetate (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 24, 2022.
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 .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Eovist
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Diagnostic Agent
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.
Gadoxetate 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 gadoxetate, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to gadoxetate 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 gadoxetate.
Breastfeeding
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, ..
