Visipaque is in a group of drugs called radiopaque (RAY dee oh payk) contrast agents. This medicine contains iodine, a substance that absorbs x-rays. Radiopaque contrast agents are used to allow blood vessels, organs, and other non-bony tissues to be seen more clearly on a CT scan or other radiologic (x-ray) examination.

Visipaque is used to help diagnose certain disorders of the brain, blood vessels, heart, kidneys, and other internal organs.

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

Visipaque should not be given to a child who has recently used a laxative (stool softener) or has not eaten properly.

Visipaque is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection just before your radiologic test.

You may be given medication to prevent certain side effects while you are receiving Visipaque.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when Visipaque is injected.

Drink extra fluids before and after your radiologic test. Visipaque can cause you to get dehydrated, which can lead to dangerous effects on your kidneys. Follow your doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink before and after your test.

Older adults may need special care to avoid becoming dehydrated. Your kidney function may need to be checked after you have received Visipaque.

Visipaque can interfere with certain medical tests for up to 16 days after you are treated with this medicine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received this medicine.

Visipaque can make radioactive iodine less effective in people with thyroid cancer. This effect can last for up to 8 weeks after you receive this medicine. Tell your doctor if you are scheduled to be treated with radioactive iodine I-131 or I-123.

Visipaque should not be given to a child who has recently used a laxative (stool softener) or has not eaten properly.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of reaction to another contrast agent.

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

• liver or kidney disease;

• heart disease, including congestive heart failure;

• a history of stroke, blood clots, or coronary artery disease;

• asthma, food or drug allergies;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• sickle cell anemia;

• diabetes;

• an active infection;

• a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);

• an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis;

• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);

• multiple myeloma (bone cancer); or

• thyroid disorder, including cancer.

It is not known whether Visipaque will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether iodixanol passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. You should not breast-feed within 10 hours after receiving iodixanol. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

Since Visipaque is used only during your radiologic test, you will not be on a dosing schedule.

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

Do not allow yourself to become dehydrated during the first few days after receiving Visipaque. Call your doctor if you have any vomiting or diarrhea during this time. Follow your doctor's instructions about the types and amount of fluids you should drink.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Visipaque may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating;

• wheezing or trouble breathing;

• a seizure (convulsions);

• thyroid symptoms--extreme tired feeling, dry skin, joint pain or stiffness, muscle pain or weakness, hoarse voice, feeling more sensitive to cold temperatures, weight gain;

• heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

• signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; or

• signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, sudden cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, coughing up blood.

Common side effects of Visipaque may include:

• pain or warm feeling when the medicine is injected;

• dizziness, spinning sensation;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• vision changes;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• headache, migraine;

• chest pain;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• agitation, anxiety, nervousness;

• skin rash, itching; or

• changes in your sense of taste or smell.

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.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially:

• metformin (Glucophage, Glucovance, Actoplus Met, PrandiMet, Avandamet, Kombiglyze, Janumet, Kazano, Invokamet, Jentadueto, Xigduo, Synjardy, Metaglip, and others).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with iodixanol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.