[brandywine]

Isovue for CT scans - is it safe?

by brandywine on Thu Oct 29, 2015 10:45 am

Is Isovue contrast safe for multiple myeloma patients? Is there a safe contrast? If so, what is the name of it?

Thanks for a reply.

[Jonah]

Re: Isovue for CT scans - is it safe?

by Jonah on Thu Oct 29, 2015 9:01 pm

If you're concerned that perhaps gadolinium is in Isovue, it isn't. Isovue, which has the generic name lopamidol, is an iodine-based contrast agent. Here's its prescribing information (PDF) from the FDA website.

With myeloma patients, the primary concern when it comes to CT contrast media is whether they might do some damage to the kidneys. This is mainly an issue, as I understand it, if the kidneys have been damaged in the past. That said, it's less of concern with CT contrast agents such as Isovue that are "low osmolality" agents. These agents are believed to be less likely to cause kidney damage than older, "high osmolality" agents.

I think the bottom line is that you should make sure the radiology folks know that you are a myeloma patient. If the disease has affected your kidneys in the past, you may want to have your physician let the radiology folks know what your kidney health currently is.

The prescribing information has a "Warnings" starting on page 5 that you could read to see if there are any precautions that might apply to you.

[Halches]

Re: Isovue for CT scans - is it safe?

by Halches on Sat Oct 31, 2015 4:18 pm

I am a radiology tech as is my husband who is the multiple myeloma patient. He is having a CT this week for a neuroendocrine tumor on his pancreas that they have been following for about 10 years. As he has CRAB (his renal function is back to normal at this time) his doctor is doing IV hydration on him prior to and after his scan which will be done with iodinated contrast similar to the Isovue. Probably overkill, but better safe than sorry. It just means a 20 minute test will turn into an all day affair.