Have you ever had to have a CT scan or an X-ray? When doing so, sometimes doctors inject a special medicine, or rather a 'dye', into your body to clearly see things like organs and blood vessels inside your body. One special medicine used for such tests is called Ioversol. So today we will talk about this in a little more detail.
Simply put, what is Ioversol?
Ioversol is a medical 'contrast agent' . That is, it is a special liquid that makes certain parts of the body appear clearer and brighter during radiological examinations such as CT scans or X-rays. When it is injected into the body, the liquid travels through the blood vessels and reaches the relevant organs. Then, when the scan is taken, the doctor can see those parts very clearly.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Check the condition of the blood vessels around organs like your heart, brain, and kidneys .
- Check for blood clots anywhere in the body.
- Accurately diagnose diseases of other body structures.
In addition to these, this medicine can also be used for other medical purposes. Your doctor will explain this to you in detail.
Things you need to tell your doctor before giving this medicine
After deciding to give you the Ioversol vaccine, your doctor will ask you a few questions about your health. However, in addition to all of that, if you have any of the following medical conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor . This is very important.
| Illness / Special Occasion | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Asthma or other allergies | The risk of allergies may increase. |
| Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) | Especially if you are taking medication like Metformin, it can affect the kidneys. |
| Kidney disease | Since this medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys, it can put an extra burden on the kidneys. |
| Heart disease or heart attack | Heart function may be affected. |
| Thyroid disease | The iodine contained in this medicine can affect thyroid hormone levels. |
| Diseases such as pheochromocytoma or multiple myeloma | These are specific medical conditions, and complications can occur due to this contrast agent. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is imperative to inform the doctor as it may affect the baby. |
| If you have previously had an allergy to iodine or another contrast agent | There is a high chance of a severe allergy occurring again. |
How to use this medicine and what to be careful about
This is not a medicine you can take home. The Ioversol vaccine is only given by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic . It can be given as an injection into a vein or as an infusion.
- If given to children: Special care is needed when giving this medicine to young children. Therefore, if you are having this test done on your child, talk to your pediatrician about it.
- In case of accidental overdose: This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that this has happened in any way, it is important to immediately inform the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Please note: If you are taking the diabetes medication Metformin, your doctor may advise you to stop taking it for a few days before and after receiving the Ioversol injection. This is to protect your kidneys. So follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Ioversol. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescription medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and herbal supplements). Especially:
- Metformin (a medicine for diabetes)
- Amiodarone (a medicine for heart disease)
- Medicines for blood pressure
- Some oral contrast dyes
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Ioversol can cause some side effects. Although not everybody gets them, some are serious and some are common.
Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't ignore them. Tell your doctor or nurse right away.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Chest pain | Abnormally increased or irregular heartbeat. |
| Severe skin reactions | A few weeks after taking the medicine, fever, body aches, redness, purple discoloration of the skin, blistering, and peeling of the skin can occur. This condition can also occur inside the mouth. |
| Effects on the kidneys | Decreased urine output or difficulty urinating. |
| Other features | Dizziness, vision changes, numbness or pain in the limbs, redness and pain at the injection site. |
Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported if they persist
These usually go away after a while, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Change in taste in the mouth
- Facial flushing
- Feeling slightly anxious
Take-Home Message
- Ioversol is a special dye that helps to clearly see the inside of the body during tests like CT scans.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you take , especially diabetes, kidney disease, and allergies.
- This is a vaccine that is only given by a medical professional in a hospital.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as severe skin changes or difficulty breathing after taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately .
- If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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