Warning: Risk Associated With Intrathecal Use And Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
Risk Associated with Intrathecal Use
Intrathecal administration of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) can cause serious adverse reactions including death, coma, encephalopathy, and seizures. Gadoteridol injection is not approved for intrathecal use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1)] .
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis
GBCAs increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Avoid use of Gadoteridol injection in these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrasted MRI or other modalities. NSF may result in fatal or debilitating systemic fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle and internal organs.
The risk for NSF appears highest among patients with:
- chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2), or
- acute kidney injury
Screen patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function. For patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (e.g. age greater than 60 years, hypertension or diabetes), estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through laboratory testing.
For patients at highest risk for NSF, do not exceed the recommended gadoteridol dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the drug from the body prior to re-administration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2)] .