Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Definity
  2. Definity RT

Descriptions


Perflutren lipid microsphere injection is used during an echocardiogram to help diagnose or find problems in the heart.

Perflutren lipid microsphere is an ultrasound contrast agent. Ultrasound contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during ultrasound. Ultrasound is a special kind of diagnostic procedure. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create images or “pictures” of certain areas inside the body. The sound waves produced by the ultrasound equipment can be reflected (bounced off) by different parts of the body, such as the heart or liver. As the sound waves return they are electronically converted into images on a television screen. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound does not involve ionizing radiation. The lipid microspheres sonicated preparation contains very small gas-filled lipid microspheres that reflect the sound waves and help create a better picture.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor with specialized training in ultrasound procedures.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Suspension

Before Using

In deciding to use a diagnostic test, any risks of the test must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. Also, other things may affect test results. For this test, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of perflutren lipid microsphere injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of perflutren lipid microsphere injection in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this diagnostic test. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Allergy to polyethylene glycol—Should not be used in patients with this condition.
  • Congestive heart failure, unstable or
  • Heart attack, acute or
  • Heart disease (eg, coronary artery syndrome) or
  • Heart rhythm problems (eg, ventricular arrhythmia) or
  • Heart shunt or
  • Lung disease or
  • Sickle cell disease—May increase risk for more serious side effects.

Proper Use

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through an IV catheter that is placed in one of your veins before the ultrasound.

Your doctor may have special instructions for you in preparation for your test. If you do not understand the instructions you receive or if you have not received such instructions, check with your doctor in advance.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress very closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

Serious heart or lung problems may occur while you are receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have chest pain, fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, or trouble breathing.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving this medicine.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare

  1. Black, tarry stools
  2. blurred vision
  3. chest pain
  4. chills
  5. difficulty with breathing
  6. dizziness, severe or continuing
  7. fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  8. hives, itching, or skin rash
  9. lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
  10. slow or irregular heartbeat
  11. swollen glands
  12. unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known

  1. Anxiety
  2. change in consciousness
  3. chest tightness
  4. confusion
  5. cough
  6. difficulty with swallowing
  7. dizziness
  8. dry mouth
  9. fainting
  10. irritability
  11. large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  12. loss of consciousness
  13. nervousness
  14. noisy breathing
  15. numbness or tingling in the face, arms, or legs
  16. pounding in the ears
  17. puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  18. restlessness
  19. seizures
  20. shaking
  21. sweating
  22. swelling of the hands, ankles, feet, or lower legs
  23. trouble breathing
  24. trouble sleeping
  25. trouble speaking, thinking, or walking
  26. unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

  1. Back pain
  2. feeling of warmth on the skin
  3. headache
  4. nausea
  5. redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

Rare

  1. Acid or sour stomach
  2. bruising
  3. diarrhea
  4. difficulty with moving
  5. dizziness
  6. dryness of the mouth
  7. feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
  8. fever
  9. heartburn
  10. indigestion
  11. leg cramps
  12. muscle stiffness or tension
  13. pain at the injection site
  14. pain or swelling in the joints
  15. prickly or tingling sensation
  16. sneezing or runny nose
  17. stomach upset or pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/perflutren-lipid-microsphere-intravenous-route/description/drg-20067608