Clariscan Side Effects
Generic name: gadoterate meglumine
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 25, 2025.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Clariscan Side Effects associated with gadoterate meglumine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Clariscan.
Applies to gadoterate meglumine: intravenous solution.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Intravenous route (solution)
Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) among patients with impaired elimination of the drugs.
Avoid use of GBCAs in these patients unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with noncontrasted MRI or other modalities.
NSF may result in fatal or debilitating 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/1.73m(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 (eg, older than 60 years, hypertension, diabetes), estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) through laboratory testing.
It is very important that your doctor check you or your child's progress while you are receiving this medicine and during the MRI scan to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
The risk of having a very serious disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is increased in patients with severe kidney disease. Even if you have severe kidney problems, your doctor may decide that it is still important to receive this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have burning, itching, swelling, hardening, or tightening of the skin, red or dark patches on the skin, joint stiffness, limited range of motion in the arms and legs, pain that is deep in the hip bone or ribs, or muscle weakness. These may be symptoms of NSF.
This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after receiving the medicine.
This medicine contains a metal called gadolinium, which can stay in your body (including the brain, bones, skin) for a long time (several months to years). Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
This medicine may increase your risk of having acute kidney injury requiring dialysis. This is more likely in patients with a history of kidney problems or in patients receiving increasing doses of gadoterate injection. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have mild, burning pain, feeling of warmth or coldness, peeling of the skin, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
Serious side effects of Clariscan
Along with its needed effects, gadoterate meglumine (the active ingredient contained in Clariscan) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking gadoterate meglumine:
Rare side effects
- blurred vision
- dizziness
- fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- headache
- nervousness
- pounding in the ears
- slow or fast heartbeat
Incidence not known
- areas of the skin that turned red or dark or feel tight
- bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
- bone pain in the hips or ribs
- burning, dry, or itching eyes
- change in consciousness
- chest pain or discomfort
- cough
- decreased or uncontrolled urination
- difficulty with swallowing
- discharge or excessive tearing
- fainting
- fever
- hives or welts, itching, skin rash
- increased sweating
- lack or loss of strength
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
- loss of consciousness
- muscle weakness
- no blood pressure or pulse
- no breathing
- numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in the hands or feet
- paralysis or severe weakness of the legs
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- redness of the skin
- redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
- shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
- skin that burns or itches, swells, scales, or hardens
- stiff joints or muscles
- stopping of the heart
- trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
- trouble moving your arms or legs
- uncontrolled bowel movements
- uncontrolled movements of the body
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Other side effects of Clariscan
Some side effects of gadoterate meglumine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Rare side effects
- bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- change in taste
- discomfort in the throat
- fear
- loss of taste
- nausea
- pain in the arms or legs
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- vomiting
Incidence not known
- transient, mild, pleasant aromatic odor
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Further information
Clariscan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.
