Have you ever had a doctor order you to have a test like a CT scan or an X-ray? At such times, you probably remember being given an injection into a vein before the test. Have you ever wondered what this injection is and why it is being given? Were you a little afraid that something might happen to your body from this? So, let's talk about this clearly today.
What exactly is Iopromide?
Simply put, Iopromide is a special substance that helps make an examination clearer . We call this a 'contrast agent'. Think of it like taking a picture of the organs inside your body with a CT scan or an X-ray. So when you get this Iopromide injection, things like the blood vessels around your heart, brain, kidneys or other organs become very clearly visible on the scan. It's like highlighting the important parts of a black and white photo.
This will help your doctor diagnose your condition. You may also find this medicine under the brand name Ultravist.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you are given this vaccine, it is very important that your medical team (doctor, nurses) knows your health history. This is because people with certain medical conditions need to be especially careful when giving this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the medical conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Don't hide it, because this is for your own safety.
| Medical condition/other matters | What you need to inform |
|---|---|
| Allergies | If you are allergic to Iopromide, iodine, other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| Diabetes | If you have diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus). |
| Kidney disease | If you have any type of kidney disease. |
| Heart disease | If you have any type of heart disease or a history of blood clots. |
| Thyroid diseases | If you have thyroid disease. |
| Other medical conditions | Conditions such as liver disease, stroke, asthma, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or pheochromocytoma. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Dehydration | If you are dehydrated in the days before the test. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is an injection that is given into your vein by a healthcare professional (doctor or nurse) in a hospital or clinic. So you don't need to worry about it, they will do it correctly and safely.
Do you give this to small children?
Yes. If necessary, the doctor can prescribe this medicine even for children over 3 years old. However, there are some things to be careful about when doing so. Therefore, if you are giving it to a child, the doctor will fully inform you about it.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in hospital by trained professionals, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have been exposed to something like this or if you feel any unusual discomfort, inform the hospital staff immediately. If necessary, they will contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice, or refer you to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Could this interact with other medications you are taking?
Yes, it is possible. Some medications you are taking may interact with Iopromide. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins) .
| Type of medicine | Note |
|---|---|
| Do not take this medicine together. | |
| Metformin | If you are taking this medication for diabetes, your doctor may ask you to stop taking it for a few days before and after the scan. |
| Problems can also occur with this medication. | |
| Aldesleukin | A medicine related to the immune system. |
| Beta-blockers | Medicines such as metoprolol and propranolol, which are used for heart disease and high blood pressure. |
| Other contrast materials | If you have recently taken another oral contrast material. |
Important: This list does not include all medications, so it is best to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Things to be careful about after taking the medicine
Your medical team will monitor you closely during and after you receive this vaccine. However, sometimes, this medicine can cause severe skin reactions. What's special is that these can occur even weeks after you receive the medicine.
If you develop a rash with symptoms like a fever or a cold, call your doctor right away. These rashes may turn red or purple, then blister and the skin may start to peel. Or you may notice a red rash with swelling of the face or lips, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. These can be serious symptoms, so seek medical attention right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Iopromide can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergy | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of blood clots | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden and severe headache, leg pain, swelling, warmth, difficulty speaking, numbness in the face/arm/leg. |
| Severe skin reactions | Redness of the skin, blistering, peeling of the skin (even inside the mouth), fever and swelling of the gums. |
| Kidney problems | Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine you pass. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Minor pain | Back pain, headache. |
| Other | Nausea, change in taste in the mouth. |
Take-Home Message
- Iopromide is a special injection given into a vein that helps make tests like CT scans clearer.
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have, medical conditions (especially kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes), and any medications you take before the test.
- If you are taking the diabetes medication Metformin, please inform us about it.
- If a skin rash occurs along with a fever, even after several weeks of taking the medicine, it could be a sign of a serious condition. See a doctor immediately.
- Since this medicine is given in a hospital, don't worry about the administration. But if you experience any severe side effects (difficulty breathing, chest pain), report them immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to ask the doctor or nurse.
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