Has your doctor told you to have an MRI scan? You may have been told that you will be given a 'contrast' or 'dye' injection. Many people get a little nervous when they hear these words. It's normal for questions like, "Will this hurt?" and "Will there be any side effects?" come to mind. So today, let's talk very simply about Gadoxetate, a special injection that helps to get clear images during an MRI scan.
Simply put, what is Gadoxetate?
This is a special liquid that we call a 'contrast agent' in medicine. Just like when we draw on a blackboard with colored chalk sticks, we can clearly distinguish and identify each thing, when this Gadoxetate injection is given to the body, the MRI machine can see some of the organs inside your body, especially places like the liver, very clearly and brightly.
This helps the doctor pinpoint the exact location of a problem in your body. The images taken with this contrast are much more detailed than a regular MRI image. This medicine is most commonly available under the brand name `(Eovist)`.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
This is the most important part. Before giving you this vaccine, your doctor needs to have a complete understanding of your health condition. So, if you have any of the conditions listed below, tell your doctor without hiding anything .
| Your health condition | Why is it important to inform? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | This medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. If there is any weakness in the functioning of the kidneys, this medicine may remain in the body. Therefore, this must be communicated. |
| Allergies | If you have had an allergy to a contrast injection, other medication, food, or anything else in the past, be sure to tell your doctor about it. |
| Asthma | Asthma patients may have a slightly increased risk of allergies. |
| Diabetes or high blood pressure | Since these conditions can affect the kidneys, it is important to inform your doctor about this as well. |
| Pregnancy or trying to conceive a child | Since there is still no complete data on the safety of this medication during pregnancy, it is essential to inform your doctor about this. |
| Being a breastfeeding mother | A very small amount of the medicine can pass into breast milk, so talk to your doctor about this as well. |
How is this medicine administered to the body?
This is not a medicine you can take home. It is given as an injection into a vein in your arm by a trained doctor, nurse, or technician at a hospital or clinic before your MRI scan. This is done under strict medical supervision.
Important: Remember that this medicine should only be given under the supervision of a doctor or trained health professional.
Do you give this to small children?
Yes, in some special cases, this vaccine is also used for children over 3 months of age, as decided by the doctor. But it is done with great care and under special precautions. If your child needs this, the pediatrician will explain everything to you.
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But most people don't. Let's break these down into two categories.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| 🚨 If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | Feeling like it's hard to breathe. |
| Chest pain | Feeling of tightness or pain in the chest. |
| Anxiety | The eyes are blue and it looks like they are about to be put on a mask. |
| Pain/inflammation at the injection site | Severe pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. |
| 🙂 These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Headache | A slight headache. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
| Dizziness | Feeling a little dizzy. |
| Difference in vaccination location | When the injection is given, the area feels cold or hot. |
What if I take too much medicine?
Since this is given under medical supervision in a hospital, the chances of overdose are almost zero. However, if you suspect something like this, immediately inform the medical staff there. If you need information about any drug-related poisoning, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . In case of an emergency, you should immediately go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .
Things to be careful about after getting vaccinated
Some people may feel a little dizzy after getting the vaccine. Therefore, it is wise to avoid activities that require mental concentration, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until you feel completely recovered.
Don't get up suddenly, especially if you're older. If you're sitting in a chair, wait a moment and get up slowly. This can reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
Take-Home Message
- Gadoxetate is a 'contrast agent' injection that helps make images clearer during MRI scans.
- Before receiving this vaccine, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions (especially kidney disease) and allergies .
- This is a vaccine given in a hospital by a trained professional.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, skin rash, or chest pain after vaccination, notify medical staff immediately.
- You may experience some dizziness after the vaccination, so avoid risky activities until you feel completely recovered.
- If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
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