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ProHance is a medicine that is injected into a vein (IV) to help improve images captured with an MRI of areas such as your brain, head, or neck. Common side effects include nausea, taste changes, and headache. Small amounts of gadolinium can stay in your body for several months to years in areas like your brain, bones, skin, or other organs. Talk to your health care provider if you have concerns. 

Uses

What is ProHance used for?

ProHance (gadoteridol) is commonly used to improve images captured with an MRI of areas such as your brain, head, or neck. 

ProHance may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does ProHance work (mechanism of action)?

MRIs are used to get detailed pictures of things inside your body. They work by using magnets. ProHance has a metal in it called gadolinium. When exposed to the magnets of the MRI machine, gadolinium moves inside your body. This movement helps to create detailed pictures of the brain, head, and neck areas. 

How is ProHance supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • ProHance
  • ProHance Multipack

Dosage forms and strengths

ProHance is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store ProHance?

ProHance is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of ProHance?

The most common side effects of ProHance are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Taste changes
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of ProHance that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of ProHance?

While less common, the most serious side effects of ProHance are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. ProHance may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using ProHance and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use ProHance?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use ProHance.

  • Gadolinium
  • ProHance
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in ProHance.

What should I know about ProHance before using it?

ProHance is usually injected into a vein (intravenously, or IV) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

ProHance is a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). It has a metal called gadolinium in it. Small amounts of gadolinium can stay in your body for several months to years in areas like your brain, bones, skin, or other organs. People who use ProHance or medicines like it multiple times, people who are pregnant, or young children can be at greater risk of ProHance staying in their body for a long time. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in one of these groups.

What should I tell my health care provider before using ProHance?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if ProHance is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Kidney Problems. If your kidneys are not working as well as they should be, ProHance may lead to a condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). NSF is a condition that gets worse over time, where your skin and other tissues become thick and harden. Other tissues may include muscles and organs such as the liver, heart, or lungs. Some people have only mild effects on the skin. Others may have more serious problems, including possible death. Your health care provider will likely check to see how well your kidneys are working before using ProHance. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following after using ProHance.

  • Skin burning, itching, swelling, scaling, hardening, or tightening
  • Skin changes, including red or dark spots
  • Joint stiffness
  • Have a hard time moving, bending, or straightening your arms, hands, legs or feet
  • Hip, rib, or bone pain
  • Muscle weakness

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Previous allergic reaction to dye or contrast

Previous MRIs With Certain Contrast Dyes. Tell your health care provider if you have had any previous MRIs where a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) was used. Examples of GBCAs include Dotarem, Eovist, Gadavist, Magnevist, MultiHance, Omniscan, or Optimark. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how ProHance could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if ProHance passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use ProHance while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about ProHance?

For more information about ProHance, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.bracco.com/en-us/mri or call them at 800-257-5181.

Interactions

Does ProHance interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between ProHance and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect ProHance.

Does ProHance interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between ProHance and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally get too much ProHance?

If you or someone else has gotten too much ProHance, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of ProHance?

ProHance is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital right before you have an MRI. Your health care provider will make sure you receive ProHance when you should.