This information explains what to do after having a reaction to contrast dye.
You had a reaction to:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast:
☐ Gadobutrol (Gadovist®)
☐ Gadoxetate disodium (Eovist®)
☐ Gadoterate meglumine (Clariscan™)
☐ Gadoterate meglumine (Dotarem®)
☐ Gadopiclenol (Elucirem™)
☐ Gadopiclenol (VUEWAY™)
Computed tomography (CT) scan contrast:
☐ Iohexol (Omnipaque™)
☐ Iopamidol (Isovue®)
What you should do today
☐ Go to the Urgent Care Center or your local emergency room.
☐ Go home after your scan.
-
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you have any of these symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Feel short of breath
- Chest pain
- Call the doctor who ordered this scan if you have any new or concerning symptoms.
☐ You got diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), which may make you sleepy.
- Don’t drive yourself home. We’ll help make arrangements as needed.
- Go to the nearest emergency room if you have sudden sharp eye pain or trouble urinating (peeing).
What you should do before your next scan with contrast
Tell all your healthcare providers that you had this reaction. We’ve entered the contrast reaction in your medical record at MSK.
For future ☐ CT scans ☐ MRI scans with contrast, follow the instructions checked below:
☐ Your reaction was a side effect of the contrast, not an allergy. We’ll take steps to reduce the side effect the next time you have this contrast.
☐ Your reaction was a mild allergic reaction. Don’t do anything differently before your next scan.
☐ Your reaction was a moderate allergic reaction. The doctor who orders the scan will give you a prescription for a steroid medication. They may also give you a prescription for diphenhydramine. Start taking these the day before every (check one) ☐ MRI ☐ CT scan you have with contrast. Follow your doctor’s instructions.
☐ Your reaction was serious. Talk with your doctor about your allergy before getting contrast before your next (check one) ☐ MRI ☐ CT scan.
If you have any questions, call ____________ and ask to talk with a nurse.