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Definity

side effects drug center definity (perflutren lipid microsphere) drug - patient side effects and images

 

PROFESSIONAL

CONSUMER

SIDE EFFECTS

Definity Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Definity, Optison

Generic Name: perflutren

What is perflutren (Definity, Optison)?

Perflutren is an ultrasound contrast agent that is used to improve the quality of an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Perflutren works by changing the way ultrasound waves travel within your heart. This helps the ultrasound portray a sharper image of your heart.

Perflutren is used to allow certain segments of the heart to be seen more clearly on an echocardiogram.

Perflutren may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of perflutren (Definity, Optison)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, skin redness, itching; warmth, redness, numbness, or tingly feeling; wheezing, trouble breathing, tightness in your chest or throat; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, serious or fatal reactions may occur during the injection or shortly afterward. Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • severe dizziness, or a cold sweat;
  • chest pain, wheezing, trouble breathing;
  • fast or slow heartbeats;
  • severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, confusion; or
  • slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, weak or shallow breathing.

You may be more likely to have a serious reaction if you have severe or uncontrolled heart problems (congestive heart failure, a recent heart attack, serious heart rhythm disorder).

Common side effects may include:

  • headache, dizziness;
  • flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
  • nausea;
  • chest pain;
  • pain in your side or lower back; or
  • pain, swelling, or irritation where the injection was given.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about perflutren (Definity, Optison)?

Serious side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, short of breath, or if you have a severe headache, pounding in your ears, chest pain, fast or slow heartbeats, wheezing, or shallow breathing.

You may be more likely to have a serious reaction if you have severe or uncontrolled heart problems (congestive heart failure, a recent heart attack, serious heart rhythm disorder).

You should not be treated with perflutren if you have a genetic heart condition called "cardiac shunt."

Definity Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving perflutren (Definity, Optison)?

You should not be treated with perflutren if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

  • a genetic heart condition called "cardiac shunt"; or
  • if you are allergic to blood products or to a medicine that contains albumin.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Perflutren is made from donated human plasma and may contain viruses or other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of contamination, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Ask your doctor about any possible risk.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

If you are breastfeeding a baby, use a breast pump to empty your milk supply one time after you are treated with perflutren. Throw out the milk you collect during this time and do not feed it to your baby.

How is perflutren given (Definity, Optison)?

Perflutren is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection just before the start of your echocardiogram.

Your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely for at least 30 minutes after you receive perflutren. This is to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction to the medicine.

Definity Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Definity, Optison)?

Since perflutren is given with an echocardiogram, you will not be on a regular dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose (Definity, Optison)?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving perflutren (Definity, Optison)?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect perflutren (Definity, Optison)?

Other drugs may affect perflutren, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information (Definity, Optison)?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about perflutren.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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