Optiray 240

Optiray 240 is a contrast agent used to make internal organs visible to x-rays and other imaging tests like computerized tomography (CT) scan and angiography. 

Optiray 240 is an iodine compound that naturally absorbs x-rays. Thus, it makes internal organs visible to x-ray films. Doctors use Ioversol to visualize internal organs and diagnose diseases. 

Optiray 240 is an injectable medication, and you can only have it with doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start Optiray 240, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. You also have to mention allergies to iodine, seafood, and other substances before taking Ioversol. Tell the doctors if you recently received contrast agents before taking Ioversol. 

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Ioversol. Ioversol is an FDA category B drug, which means it is somewhat safe when taken by pregnant patients. Do not nurse a baby after taking Ioversol because the medication may be expressed in breast milk.

Tell the doctor if you recently received contrast agents during the past 6 months before taking Ioversol. Tell the doctor all your health conditions before taking Ioversol.

Optiray 240 must be used with care on the following health problems:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Heart disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Recent or history of stroke
• History of blood clots
• History of coronary artery disease
• Migraine
• Hypertension
• Congestive heart failure
• Diabetes
• Homocystinuria
• Sickle cell anemia
• Asthma
• Food allergies, especially seafood
• Multiple myelomas, a type of bone cancer
• Pheochromocytoma, a type of cancer in the adrenal glands
• Dehydration
• Problems or difficulties in urinating

To use Optiray 240 properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Optiray 240 is administered by injecting it into the veins (intravenous route). Only a health professional can give you Ioversol. The doctor will determine your dose.

Optiray 240 is given right before the x-ray or imaging procedure. You can only receive it in the hospital or doctor’s clinic. Before receiving Ioversol, the doctor will usually advise you to drink plenty of fluids before and after the test.  

Make sure to notify your health providers if you feel uncomfortable or experience symptoms during and after receiving Ioversol. Ioversol is given by health professionals, and you only receive it once at a time, so overdosing or missing a dose is highly unlikely.

In using , you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Side effects of Ioversol and other contrast agents can appear for up to 16 days after administration.

Make sure to maintain open communication with your doctor and make a call immediately for any untoward symptoms.

Make sure to drink a lot of fluids before and after receiving Ioversol. This helps promote elimination of the medication and prevent the development of problems in the kidneys.

Call your doctor if you become dehydrated, have difficulties in urinating, diarrhea or repeated vomiting after receiving Ioversol to prevent kidney problems.

Call the doctor right away if you experienced these serious side effects of Optiray 240:

• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Slowed heart rate
• Swelling and rapid weight gain 
• Passing little or no urine
• Wheezing
• Breathing difficulties
• Seizures
• Symptoms of thyroid problems such as extreme tiredness, dry skin, joint stiffness, muscle weakness or pain, hoarseness, sensitivity to warm or cold temperatures, and weight gain
• Symptoms of heart attack such as chest pain, pressure, pain that radiates to the jaws, neck, back and shoulder and sweating
• Stroke symptoms such as sudden numbness or loss of control on one side of the body, sudden severe headache, slurred speech and vision changes

These side effects of Ioversol are not harmful, but you can call your doctor if they become bothersome:

• Warmth or pain at the injection site
• Dizziness or spinning sensation
• Headache
• Nausea