Description
Perflubron is a contrast agent. Contrast agents are used to help provide a clear picture during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is a special kind of diagnostic procedure. It uses magnets and computers to create images or "pictures'' of certain areas inside the body. Unlike x-rays, it does not involve radiation.
Perflubron is taken by mouth before MRI to darken bowel (intestines) images, which may help the doctor diagnose problems or diseases of the bowel.
Perflubron is to be used only by or under the supervision of a doctor.
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
Although there is no specific information comparing use of perflubron in children with use in other age groups, this agent is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.
Geriatric
This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
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:
- Blockage or perforation of the bowel—Either of these conditions may allow perflubron to be absorbed into the body and possibly increase the risk of side effects
Proper Use
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
Precautions
This agent may cause some leakage from the rectum. The use of absorbent pads may be necessary to prevent soiling of clothing and embarrassment.
Side Effects
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:
More common
- Abdominal or stomach fullness
- diarrhea
- loss of control of bowels
- nausea and vomiting
- oily taste in mouth
Less common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- rectal gas
- rectal leakage of the solution of perflubron
Rare
- Chills
- dizziness
- flushing or redness of skin
- headache
- numb mouth
- trembling
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.
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