Prohance

Prohance is a contrast agent given as an injection before MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The contrast agents go to every part of the body and provide a clearer picture of the body in the MRI scan. 

MRI is a procedure that gives you a picture of the inside of the body. MRI machine uses magnets and computer software to create accurate images of the body. This technique does not use radiations like x-rays. 

Gadoteridol is one of the gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCA) which is injected intravenously just before the scan. This helps the doctor in diagnosing pathologies in the brain, breast, spine and other parts of the body. 

This medication can only be used under direct supervision of a doctor. This contrast agent is available in the following dosage forms:

• Injectable solution

Before using Prohance, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Your doctor will consider these risks before prescribing the drug and will inform you about them. 

Following factors should be considered before taking this drug:

• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to this drug in the past, inform your doctor. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to any other drugs or food products.

• Age-specific problems: The data regarding the effects of this medicine specific to the pediatric age group has not revealed any specific adverse effect to the children. Its safety and efficacy has not been established in children younger than 2 years of age. 

The studies specific to the geriatric age group have not demonstrated any adverse effect that would limit the use of this drug in old age group.

• Pregnancy: Regarding the safety of usage of this drug during pregnancy, it comes under “C” category, which means that clinical trials on animals have revealed harmful effects to the developing fetus or relevant studies have not been performed.

• Drug Interactions: Certain drugs should not be used together because they can interact inside the body which can have a harmful effect. On the other hand certain drugs are allowed to be used together. So, you should tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. If there is a chance of interaction between those two drugs, the doctor may change the dose or may prescribe an alternative drug. 

Furthermore, certain medications should not be taken with alcohol or tobacco, which may also result in harmful interactions. Ask your doctor about the concurrent use of this drug along with alcohol or tobacco. 

You should also inform your doctor about any other medical condition you may be suffering from especially:

• Asthma or history of asthma
• Anemia 
• Diabetes 
• Kidney problems
• Hypertension (high blood pressure) 
• Sickle cell anemia
• Seizures (grand mal), or history of seizures
• Liver disease

To use Prohance properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. It is given as an injection into the veins, just before doing an MRI scan.

Before using Prohance, there are some precautions you must take. Constant observation is necessary during and after the injection. It is important to allow your doctor to monitor your progress and to make sure that there aren’t any side effects from the medication. 

Contact your doctor if your symptoms have not improved even after taking the full course of treatment. This medication may cause an allergic reaction which is called anaphylaxis.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any: 

• itching
• rash
• difficulty in breathing
• cold clammy skin
• lightheadedness
• redness of the skin  

Gadoteridol can cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Tell your doctor right away if you feel  burning or itching of the skin, joint stiffness, a limited range of motion in the arms and legs, deep bone pain in the hips or ribs muscle weakness, or skin swelling, hardening, or tightening and red or dark patches on the skin of the arms or legs. These are the manifestations if NSF.

Avoid taking any other medicine unless thoroughly discussed with your doctor. Always ask your doctor before using any prescription, non-prescription or herbal medicine. 

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Prohance. Prohance has a tendency to cause unwanted effects along with its desired effects. Although these side effects may occur only in a handful of patients but if they do occur, contact your physician immediately.

This medication is associated with following side effects:

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• Bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
• chest pain or discomfort
• blurred vision
• cough
• confusion
• decreased awareness or responsiveness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• difficult or labored breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• fainting
• the feeling of warmth
• fever
• increased salivation
• the general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• hives
• hoarseness
• itching
• low blood pressure or pulse
• loss of bladder control
• loss of consciousness
• puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• skin rash
• seizures
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
• slow, fast, or irregular breathing
• tightness in the chest
• spasm of the throat
• sweating
• unconsciousness
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Seek medical help instantly, if you experience any of these symptoms while on this medication. Also contact your health care professional immediately, if have overdosed on this drug.