Gadavist and Alcohol/Food Interactions

gadolinium-based contrast agents - renal impairment

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs. Gadobenate ion is eliminated predominately via the kidneys. The risk for NSF appears highest among patients with chronic, severe kidney disease (GFR <30 mL/min/1.73m2), or acute kidney injury. It is recommended to avoid the use of GBCAs in these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrasted MRI or other processes. NSF may result in fatal or debilitating systemic fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle and internal organs. Consider screening patients for acute kidney injury and other conditions that may reduce renal function and for patients at risk for chronically reduced renal function (e.g., age > 60 years, hypertension or diabetes), estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through laboratory testing. For patients receiving hemodialysis, physicians may consider the prompt initiation of hemodialysis following the administration of a GBCA to enhance the contrast agent's elimination. The usefulness of hemodialysis in the prevention of NSF is unknown.