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February 10, 2012
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perflutren lipid microsphere suspension-injectable, Definity

GENERIC NAME: PERFLUTREN LIPID MICROSPHERE SUSPENSION - INJECTABLE (pur-FLOOT-rin)

BRAND NAME(S): Definity

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used just before certain medical tests of the heart (e.g., echocardiograms) to help diagnose heart problems. Perflutren improves the ability of doctors to evaluate heart problems and can help clarify results of earlier tests.

HOW TO USE: Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Inject this medication directly into a vein (IV bolus) or give over 5 to 15 minutes (IV infusion) in a saline solution usually just before the medical test; or use as directed by the doctor. After mixing the vial, if the product is not used within 5 minutes, gently turn the bottle upside down several times to make sure the suspension is mixed well before drawing into a syringe. Draw up the product suspension into a syringe by pulling back on the plunger; do not inject air into the vial. Doing so may inactivate the drug. This product should appear as a milky, white suspension. Before using, check this product visually for any unusual particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, or flushing may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occurs: back pain, redness/swelling/irritation at the injection site, chest pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: irregular heartbeat, fever, joint pain, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet, stomach pain, vomiting, vision or hearing problems, bruising. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, dizziness, swelling, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: other heart problems (e.g., childhood/congenital defects, pulmonary hypertension), previous heart procedures (e.g., cardiac shunt placement), lung problems (e.g., COPD or emphysema), any allergies (especially to fluorocarbons propellants). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.




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perflutren lipid microsphere suspension-injectable, Definity

Echocardiogram Definition

An echocardiogram (often called "echo") is a graphic outline of the heart's movement. During this test, high-frequency sound waves, called ultrasound, provide pictures of the heart's valves and chambers. This allows the technician, called a sonographer, to evaluate the pumping action of the heart. Echo is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart's valves.

Why Do I Need an Echo?

Your doctor may perform an echocardiogram to:

  • Assess the overall function of your heart.
     
  • Determine the presence of many types of heart disease .
     
  • Follow the progress of heart valve disease over time.
     
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical treatments.

What Are the Types of Echocardiograms?

There are several types of echocardiograms and your doctor will he...

Read the Echocardiogram article »


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