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Provayblue (injection)

Generic name: methylene blue (injection) [ METH-i-leen-BLOO ]
Brand name: Provayblue
Drug classes: Antidotes, Miscellaneous diagnostic dyes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jul 2, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Provayblue?

Methemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin (HEEM o glo bin). Hemoglobin is a substance in blood that carries oxygen and distributes it to your tissues and organs. However, methemoglobin is not a type of hemoglobin that is useful in carrying oxygen.

Methemoglobin normally exists in small amounts in the blood. However, when methemoglobin levels increase, the blood is less efficient in circulating oxygen. The resulting lack of oxygen throughout the body can cause symptoms such as pale or blue-colored skin.

Methemoglobinemia is a condition in which methemoglobin is present in high levels in the blood. Methemoglobinemia can occur when a person is exposed to certain drugs or chemicals such as nitrites.

Provayblue is used to treat methemoglobinemia. Provayblue works by converting methemoglobin to a more efficient type of hemoglobin to better carry oxygen throughout the body.

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

Provayblue side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers right away if you have:

Common side effects of Provayblue may include:

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.

Warnings

You should not be treated with Provayblue if you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.

Many drugs can interact with Provayblue. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you recently stopped using, especially an antidepressant.

Before taking this medicine

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

Many drugs can interact with Provayblue. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you recently stopped using, especially:

To make sure Provayblue is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Using Provayblue during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Do not breast-feed within 8 days after you received Provayblue. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

How is Provayblue given?

Provayblue is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. The IV infusion can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, kidney function, and other vital signs will be watched closely while you are receiving Provayblue. Your blood will also need to be tested to help your doctor determine that the medicine is working.

You may only need to receive one dose of Provayblue. If you do need a second dose, it can be given 1 hour after your first dose.

Provayblue will most likely cause your urine or stools to appear blue or green in color. This is a normal side effect of the medication and will not cause any harm. However, this effect may cause unusual results with certain urine tests.

methylene blue

What happens if I miss a dose?

Because you will receive Provayblue in a clinical setting, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, stomach pain, chest pain or tightness, wheezing, trouble breathing, feeling like you might pass out, fast heart rate, anxiety, confusion, tremor, dilated pupils, blue-colored skin or lips, numbness, or tingling.

What should I avoid while receiving Provayblue?

Provayblue may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

For at least 24 hours after treatment with Provayblue, avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. This medicine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect Provayblue?

Many drugs can interact with Provayblue, and some drugs should not be used together. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you have recently used before your treatment with this medicine.

Does ProvayBlue interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

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.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.