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Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Gadobutrol may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Gadobutrol

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

Gadobutrol is a contrast medium for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used for diagnostics of the brain, spine and vessels. Gadobutrol can also help the doctor find out the kind (benign or malignant) of known or suspected abnormalities in the liver and kidneys. Gadobutrol can also be used for MRI of abnormalities of other body regions. It facilitates visualisation of abnormal structures or lesions and helps in the differentiation between healthy and diseased tissue. It is for use in adults and children of all ages (including term newborn infants). How Gadobutrol works MRI is a form of medical diagnostic imaging that uses the behaviour of water molecules in normal and abnormal tissues. This is done by a complex system of magnets and radio waves. Computers record the activity and translate that into images. Gadobutrol is given as an injection into your vein. This medicine is for diagnostic use only and will only be administered by healthcare professionals experienced in the field of clinical MRI practice. 2.

What you need to know before you take it

Gadobutrol

Do NOT use Gadobutrol if you • are allergic to gadobutrol or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before you are given Gadobutrol if you • suffer or have suffered from an allergy (e.g. hay fever, hives) or asthma • had a previous reaction to any contrast media • have very poor kidney function • suffer from brain conditions with seizures (fits) or from other diseases of the nervous system • have a heart pacemaker or if there are any implants or clips containing iron in your body. Your doctor will decide whether the intended examination is possible or not.

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•

Allergy-like or other types of reactions leading to heart problems, breathing difficulties or skin reactions may occur after use of Gadobutrol. Severe reactions are possible. Most of these reactions occur within half an hour after you are given Gadobutrol. Therefore, you will be observed after the examination. Delayed reactions have been observed (after hours or days) (see section 4).

Kidneys/Liver Tell your doctor if • your kidneys do not work properly • you have recently had, or soon expect to have, a liver transplant. Your doctor may decide to take a blood test to check how well your kidneys are working before making the decision to use Gadobutrol, especially if you are 65 years of age or older. Neonates and infants As kidney function is immature in babies up to 4 weeks of age and infants up to 1 year of age, Gadobutrol will only be used in these patients after careful consideration by the doctor. Other medicines and Gadobutrol Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Ask your doctor for advice before taking any medicine. • Pregnancy Gadobutrol can cross the placenta. It is not known whether it affects the baby. You must tell your doctor if you think you are, or might become, pregnant as Gadobutrol should not be used during pregnancy unless strictly necessary. • Breast-feeding Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or about to start breast-feeding. Your doctor will discuss whether you should continue or interrupt breast-feeding for a period of 24 hours after you receive Gadobutrol. Gadobutrol contains sodium This medicinal product contains less than 23 mg sodium per dose (based on the average amount given to a 70 kg person), i.e. essentially 'sodium-free'. 3.

How to take it

Gadobutrol is injected into your vein using a small needle by a healthcare professional. Your MRI examination can start immediately. After the injection you will be observed for at least 30 minutes. The usual dose The actual dose that is right for you will depend on your body weight and on the region being examined by MRI: In adults a single injection of 0.1 millilitre Gadobutrol per kg body weight is recommended (this means for a person weighing 70 kg the dose would be 7 millilitre), however a further injection of up to 0.2 millilitre per kg body weight within 30 minutes of the first injection may be given. A total amount of 0.3 millilitre Gadobutrol per kg body weight may be given at maximum (this means for a person weighing 70 kg the dose would be 21 millilitres) for imaging of the central nervous system (CNS) and CE-MRA. A dose of 0.075 millilitres Gadobutrol per kg body weight may be given at minimum (this means for a person weighing 70 kg the dose would be 5.25 millilitres) for the CNS.

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Further information regarding the administration and handling of Gadobutrol is given at the end of the leaflet. Dosage in special patient groups The use of Gadobutrol is not recommended in patients with severe kidney problems and patients who have recently had, or soon expect to have, a liver transplant. However if use is required you should only receive one dose of Gadobutrol during a scan and you should not receive a second injection for at least 7 days. Neonates, infants, children and adolescents In children of all ages (including term newborn infants) a single dose of 0.1 millilitre Gadobutrol per kg body weight is recommended for all examinations (see section 1). As kidney function is immature in babies up to 4 weeks of age and infants up to 1 year of age, Gadobutrol will only be used in these patients after careful consideration by the doctor. Neonates and infants should only receive one dose of Gadobutrol during a scan and should not receive a second injection for at least 7 days. Elderly It is not necessary to adjust your dose if you are 65 years of age or older but you may have a blood test to check how well your kidneys are working. If you receive more Gadobutrol than you should Overdosing is unlikely. If it does happen, the doctor will treat any symptoms and may use kidney dialysis to remove Gadobutrol from your body. There is no evidence to suggest that this will prevent the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF; see section 4) and it should not be used as treatment for the condition. In some cases your heart will be checked. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or radiologist. 4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most of these reactions occur within half an hour after you are given Gadobutrol. Delayed allergy-like or other types of adverse reactions, occuring hours to several days after you have received Gadobutrol, have been observed in rare cases. If this should happen to you, tell your doctor or radiologist immediately. The most serious side effects (which have been fatal or life-threatening in some cases) are: • heart stops beating (cardiac arrest), a severe lung disease (acute respiratory distress syndrome) / fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) and severe allergy-like (anaphylactoid) reactions (including stop of breathing and shock). In addition for the following side effects life-threatening or fatal outcomes have been observed in some cases: • shortness of breath (dyspnoea), loss of consciousness, severe allergy-like reaction, severe decrease of blood pressure may lead to collapse, stop of breathing, fluid in the lungs, swelling of mouth and throat and low blood pressure. In rare cases: • allergy-like reactions (hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis) may occur, including severe reactions (shock) that may need immediate medical intervention. If you notice: • swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat • coughing and sneezing • difficulty breathing • itching v004_0 INN

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• runny nose • hives (nettle-type rash) tell the MRI department staff immediately. These may be the first signs that a severe reaction is happening. Your investigation may need to be stopped and you may need further treatment. The most frequently observed side effects (may affect 5 or more in 1,000 people) are: • headache, feeling sick (nausea) and dizziness. Most of the side effects are mild to moderate.

Possible side effects

which have been observed in clinical trials before the approval of Gadobutrol are listed below by how likely they are. Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people • headache • feeling sick (nausea) Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people • allergy-like reaction, e.g.

  • low blood pressure
  • hives
  • swelling of the face
  • swelling (oedema) of the eyelid
  • flushing The frequency of the following allergy-like reactions is not known:
  • severe allergy-like reaction (anaphylactoid shock)
  • severe decrease of blood pressure may lead to collapse (shock)
  • breathing stops
  • breathing difficulties (bronchospasm)
  • blueness of the lips
  • swelling of the mouth and throat
  • swelling of the throat
  • increased blood pressure
  • chest pain
  • swelling of the face, throat, mouth, lips and/or tongue (angioedema)
  • conjunctivitis
  • increased sweating
  • cough
  • sneezing
  • burning sensation
  • pale skin (pallor) • dizziness, disturbed sense of taste, numbness and tingling • shortness of breath (dyspnoea) • vomiting • redness of the skin (erythema) • itching (pruritus including generalized pruritus) • rash (including generalized rash, small flat red spots [macular rash], small, raised, circumscribed lesions [papular rash] and itchy rash [pruritic rash]) • various kinds of injection site reactions (e.g. leakage into the surrounding tissue, burning, coldness, warmth, reddening, rash, pain or bruising) • feeling hot Rare: may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people • fainting • convulsion • disturbed sense of smell v004_0 INN

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• • • • •

rapid heart beat palpitations dry mouth generally feeling unwell (malaise) feeling cold

Additional side effects which have been reported after the approval of Gadobutrol with unknown frequency (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): • Heart stops beating (cardiac arrest) • A severe lung disease (acute respiratory distress syndrome) • Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) • There have been reports of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis – NSF (which causes hardening of the skin and may affect also soft tissue and internal organs). Variations in blood tests of the kidney function (e.g. increase of serum creatinine) have been observed after administration of Gadobutrol. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or radiologist. This includes any side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below). By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. United Kingdom Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. 5.

How to store it

Gadobutrol

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and the carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions. Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 20-25°C. From a microbiological point of view, if not used immediately, the in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and should not be longer than 24 hours at 20-25°C. For single-dose use, any solution for injection not used in one examination must be discarded. For multi-dose use, any remaining solution for injection not used within a single, continuous 24 hour period after first opening must be discarded. This medicinal product is a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. Do not use this medicine if you notice severe discoloration or the presence of particulate matter or if the container appears defective. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The healthcare professional will dispose of this medicine when no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment. 6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Gadobutrol contains v004_0 INN

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The active substance is gadobutrol. 1 ml of solution for injection contains 604.72 mg gadobutrol (equivalent to 1.0 mmol gadobutrol containing 157.25 mg gadolinium). 1 vial with 2 ml contains 1209.44 mg gadobutrol 1 vial with 7.5 ml contains 4535.4 mg gadobutrol, 1 vial with 15 ml contains 9070.8 mg gadobutrol, 1 vial with 30 ml contains 18141.6 mg gadobutrol. 1 bottle with 65 ml contains 39306.8 mg gadobutrol. The other ingredients are calcobutrol sodium (see end of section 2), trometamol, hydrochloric acid 1N and water for injection. What Gadobutrol looks like and contents of the pack Gadobutrol is a clear, colourless to pale yellow solution for injection. The contents of the packs are: • 1 or 3 vials with 2 ml solution for injection • 1 or 10 vials with 7.5, 15 or 30 ml solution for injection • 1 or 10 bottles with 65 ml solution for injection (in 100-ml bottle) Hospital pack: • 3 vials with 2 ml solution for injection • 10 vials with 7.5, 15 or 30 ml solution for injection • 10 bottles with 65 ml solution for injection Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Bayer plc 400 South Oak Way Reading RG2 6AD Manufacturer: Bayer AG Müllerstrasse 178 13353 Berlin Germany This leaflet was last revised in November 2024 —————————————————————————————————————————-The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: •

Renal impairment

Prior to administration of Gadobutrol, it is recommended that all patients are screened for renal dysfunction by obtaining laboratory tests. There have been reports of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) associated with use of some gadoliniumcontaining contrast agents in patients with acute or chronic severe renal impairment v004_0 INN

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(GFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2). Patients undergoing liver transplantation are at particular risk since the incidence of acute renal failure is high in this group. As there is a possibility that NSF may occur with Gadobutrol, it should therefore only be used in patients with severe renal impairment and in patients in the perioperative liver transplantation period after careful risk/benefit assessment and if the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced MRI. If it is necessary to use Gadobutrol, the dose should not exceed 0.1 mmol/kg body weight. More than one dose should not be used during a scan. Because of the lack of information on repeated administration, Gadobutrol injections should not be repeated unless the interval between injections is at least 7 days. As the renal clearance of Gadobutrol may be impaired in the elderly, it is particularly important to screen patients aged 65 years and older for renal dysfunction. Haemodialysis shortly after Gadobutrol administration may be useful at removing Gadobutrol from the body. There is no evidence to support the initiation of haemodialysis for prevention or treatment of NSF in patients not already undergoing haemodialysis. •

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Gadobutrol should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires use of Gadobutrol. Continuing or discontinuing of breast-feeding for a period of 24 hours after administration of Gadobutrol, should be at the discretion of the doctor and lactating mother. •

Hypersensitivity reactions

As with other intravenous contrast agents, Gadobutrol can be associated with anaphylactoid/hypersensitivity or other idiosyncratic reactions, characterized by cardiovascular, respiratory or cutaneous manifestations, and ranging to severe reactions including shock. In general, patients with cardiovascular disease are more susceptible to serious or even fatal outcomes of severe hypersensitivity reactions. The risk of hypersensitivity reactions may be higher in case of:

  • previous reaction to contrast media
  • history of bronchial asthma
  • history of allergic disorders In patients with an allergic disposition the decision to use Gadobutrol must be made after particularly careful evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio. Most of these reactions occur within half an hour of administration. Therefore, post-procedure observation of the patient is recommended. Medication for the treatment of hypersensitivity reactions as well as preparedness for institution of emergency measures are necessary. Delayed reactions (after hours up to several days) have been rarely observed. •

Seizure disorders

Like with other gadolinium containing contrast agents special precaution is necessary in patients with a low threshold for seizures. •

Overdose

In case of inadvertent overdosage, cardiovascular monitoring (including ECG) and control of renal function are recommended as a measure of precaution.

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In case of overdose in patients with renal insufficiency, Gadobutrol can be removed by haemodialysis. After 3 haemodialysis sessions approx. 98 % of the agent are removed from the body. However, there is no evidence that haemodialysis is suitable for prevention of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). •

Instructions for use

This medicinal product is a clear, colourless to pale yellow solution. It should be visually inspected before use. Gadobutrol should not be used in case of severe discoloration, the occurrence of particulate matter or a defective container. Presentations for single-dose use only: 2 ml, 7.5 ml and 15 ml vials. Presentations for single or multi-dose use: 30 ml vials and 65 ml bottles For multi-dose use, Gadobutrol must be administered in conjunction with an automatic injector which has been approved for multi-patient use. Handling of the contrast medium should be performed using aseptic technique. The rubber stopper should never be pierced more than once. Gadobutrol should only be drawn up into the syringe or the automatic injector immediately before use. The date and time of piercing of the stopper should be noted on the vial/bottle label in the space provided. The automatic injector used must have been approved for single or multi-patient use. The device manufacturer must demonstrate the suitability of the automatic injector and its disposable components for the intended use. Any additional instructions from the respective equipment manufacturer must also be strictly adhered to. The peel-off tracking label(s) on the vials/bottles should be stuck onto the patient record to enable accurate recording of the gadolinium contrast agent used. The dose used should also be recorded. If electronic patient records are used, the name of the product, the batch number and the dose should be entered into the patient record. For multi-dose use, the single use disposable components must be replaced between each patient. Shelf life after first opening of the container Chemical and physical in-use stability has been demonstrated for 24 hours at 20-25 °C. From a microbiological point of view, if not used immediately, the in-use storage times and conditions prior to use are the responsibility of the user and should not be longer than 24 hours at 20-25°C. Single-dose use (2 ml, 7.5 ml and 15 ml): Any solution for injection not used in one examination must be discarded. Single or multi-dose use (30 ml and 65 ml): For single-dose use, any solution for injection not used in one examination must be discarded. For multi-dose use, any remaining solution for injection not used within a single, continuous 24 hour period after first opening must be discarded. Disposal v004_0 INN

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Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. Posology The lowest dose that provides sufficient enhancement for diagnostic purposes should be used. The dose should be calculated based on the patient's body weight, and should not exceed the recommended dose per kilogram of body weight detailed in this section. •

Adults

CNS indications The recommended dose for adults is 0.1 mmol per kilogram body weight (mmol/kg BW). This is equivalent to 0.1 ml/kg BW of the 1.0 M solution. If a strong clinical suspicion of a lesion persists despite an unremarkable MRI or when more accurate information might influence therapy of the patient, a further injection of up to 0.2 ml/kg BW within 30 minutes of the first injection may be performed. A dose of 0.075 mmol gadobutrol per kg body weight (equivalent to 0.075 ml of gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection per kg body weight) may be given at minimum for imaging of the CNS. Whole Body MRI (except MRA) In general, the administration of 0.1 ml of gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection per kg body weight is sufficient to answer the clinical question. CE-MRA Imaging of 1 field of view (FOV): 7.5 ml for body weight below 75 kg; 10 ml for body weight of 75 kg and higher (corresponding to 0.1-0.15 mmol/kg BW). Imaging of > 1 field of view (FOV): 15 ml for body weight below 75 kg; 20 ml for body weight of 75 kg and higher (corresponding to 0.2-0.3 mmol/kg BW). •

Paediatric population

For children of all ages (including term neonates) the recommended dose is 0.1 mmol gadobutrol per kg body weight (equivalent to 0.1 ml of gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection per kg body weight) for all indications (see section 1). Due to immature renal function in neonates up to 4 weeks of age and infants up to 1 year of age, Gadobutrol should only be used in these patients after careful consideration at a dose not exceeding 0.1 mmol/kg body weight. More than one dose should not be used during a scan. Because of the lack of information on repeated administration. Gadobutrol injections should not be repeated unless the interval between injections is at least 7 days. Imaging The dose required is administered intravenously as a bolus injection. Contrast-enhanced MRI can commence immediately afterwards (shortly after the injection depending on the pulse sequences used and the protocol for the examination). Optimal signal enhancement is observed during arterial first pass for CE-MRA and within a period of about 15 minutes after injection of Gadobutrol for CNS indications (time depending on type of lesion/tissue). T1 -weighted scanning sequences are particularly suitable for contrast-enhanced examinations. Further information regarding the use of Gadobutrol is given in section 3 of the leaflet.

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Frequently asked questions about Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection

How do I take Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection?

Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection comes as injection containing 1mmol. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection?

The active substance in Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection is gadobutrol.

Are there equivalent medicines to Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Gadovist 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection in prefilled syringe/cartridge, Gadovist 1.0mmol/ml solution for injection, Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection in prefilled syringe/cartridge. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Gadobutrol 1.0 mmol/ml solution for injection without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Gadobutrol (4 medicines)
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⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

This medicinal product is for diagnostic use only.

Gadobutrol is indicated in adults and children of all ages (including term neonates) for:

• Contrast enhancement in cranial and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• Contrast enhanced MRI of liver or kidneys in patients with high suspicion or evidence of having focal lesions to classify these lesions as benign or malignant.

• Contrast enhancement in magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA).

Gadobutrol can also be used for MR Imaging of pathologies of the whole body.

It facilitates visualisation of abnormal structures or lesions and helps in the differentiation between healthy and pathological tissue.

Gadobutrol should be used only when diagnostic information is essential and not available with unenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Gadobutrol should only be administered by healthcare professionals experienced in the field of clinical MRI practice.

Method of administration

This medicinal product is for intravenous administration only.

The dose required is administered intravenously as a bolus injection. Contrast-enhanced MRI can commence immediately afterwards (shortly after the injection depending on the pulse sequences used and the protocol for the examination).

Optimal signal enhancement is observed during arterial first pass for CE-MRA and within a period of about 15 minutes after injection of gadobutrol for CNS indications (time depending on type of lesion/tissue).

T1 -weighted scanning sequences are particularly suitable for contrast-enhanced examinations.

Intravascular administration of contrast media should, if possible, be done with the patient lying down. After the administration, the patient should be kept under observation for at least half an hour, since experience shows that the majority of undesirable effects occur within this time (see section 4.4).

Instructions for use:

Presentations for single-dose use only: 2 ml, 7.5 ml and 15 ml vials.

Presentations for single or multi-dose use: 30 ml vials and 65 ml bottles. For multi-dose use, gadobutrol must be administered in conjunction with an automatic injector which has been approved for multi-patient use.

For instructions on the preparation and administration of the product, see Section 6.6 .

Posology

The lowest dose that provides sufficient enhancement for diagnostic purposes should be used. The dose should be calculated based on the patient's body weight, and should not exceed the recommended dose per kilogram of body weight detailed in this section.

Adults

CNS indications

The recommended dose for adults is 0.1 mmol per kilogram body weight (mmol/kg BW). This is equivalent to 0.1 ml/kg BW of the 1.0 M solution.

If a strong clinical suspicion of a lesion persists despite an unremarkable MRI or when more accurate information might influence therapy of the patient, a further injection of up to 0.2 ml/kg BW within 30 minutes of the first injection may be performed.

A dose of 0.075 mmol gadobutrol per kg body weight (equivalent to 0.075 ml gadobutrol per kg body weight) may be administered at minimum for imaging of the CNS (see section 5.1).

Whole Body MRI (except MRA)

In general, the administration of 0.1 ml gadobutrol per kg body weight is sufficient to answer the clinical question.

CE-MRA

Imaging of 1 field of view (FOV): 7.5 ml for body weight below 75 kg; 10 ml for body weight of 75 kg and higher (corresponding to 0.1-0.15 mmol/kg BW).

Imaging of >1 field of view (FOV): 15 ml for body weight below 75 kg; 20 ml for body weight of 75 kg and higher (corresponding to 0.2-0.3 mmol/kg BW).

Special Populations

Renal impairment

Gadobutrol should only be used in patients with severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2) and in patients in the perioperative liver transplantation period after careful risk/benefit assessment and if the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced MRI (see section 4.4). If it is necessary to use gadobutrol, the dose should not exceed 0.1 mmol/kg body weight. More than one dose should not be used during a scan. Because of the lack of information on repeated administration, gadobutrol injections should not be repeated unless the interval between injections is at least 7 days.

Paediatric population

For children of all ages (including term neonates) the recommended dose is 0.1 mmol gadobutrol per kg body weight (equivalent to 0.1 ml gadobutrol per kg body weight) for all indications (see section 4.1).

Neonates up to 4 weeks of age and infants up to 1 year of age

Due to immature renal function in neonates up to 4 weeks of age and infants up to 1 year of age, gadobutrol should only be used in these patients after careful consideration at a dose not exceeding 0.1 mmol/kg body weight. More than one dose should not be used during a scan. Because of the lack of information on repeated administration, gadobutrol injections should not be repeated unless the interval between injections is at least 7 days.

Elderly (aged 65 years and above)

No dosage adjustment is considered necessary. Caution should be exercised in elderly patients (see section 4.4).

4.3. Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Gadobutrol must not be used intrathecally. Serious, life-threatening and fatal cases, primarily with neurological reactions (e.g. coma, encephalopathy, seizures), have been reported with intrathecal use.

While injecting gadobutrol into veins with a small lumen there is the possibility of adverse effects such as reddening and swelling.

The usual safety requirements for magnetic resonance imaging, especially the exclusion of ferromagnetic materials, also apply when using gadobutrol.

Hypersensitivity reactions or other idiosyncratic reactions

As with other intravenous contrast agents, gadobutrol can be associated with anaphylactoid/hypersensitivity or other idiosyncratic reactions (e.g., acute respiratory distress syndrome / pulmonary oedema with and without the context of hypersensitivity reactions), characterised by cardiovascular, respiratory or cutaneous manifestations, and ranging to severe reactions including shock. In general, patients with cardiovascular disease are more susceptible to serious or even fatal outcomes of severe hypersensitivity reactions.

The risk of hypersensitivity reactions may be higher in case of:

- previous reaction to contrast media

- history of bronchial asthma

- history of allergic disorders

In patients with an allergic disposition the decision to use gadobutrol must be made after the particularly careful evaluation of the risk-benefit ratio.

Most of these reactions occur within half an hour of administration. Therefore, post-procedure observation of the patient is recommended.

Medication for the treatment of hypersensitivity or other idiosyncratic reactions as well as preparedness for the institution of emergency measures are necessary (see section 4.2).

Delayed reactions (after hours up to several days) have been rarely observed (see section 4.8).

Impaired renal function

Prior to administration of gadobutrol, it is recommended that all patients are screened for renal dysfunction by obtaining laboratory tests.

There have been reports of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) associated with use of some gadolinium-containing contrast agents in patients with acute or chronic severe renal impairment (GFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2). Patients undergoing liver transplantation are at particular risk since the incidence of acute renal failure is high in this group.

As there is a possibility that NSF may occur with gadobutrol, it should therefore only be used in patients with severe renal impairment and in patients in the perioperative liver transplantation period after careful risk/benefit assessment and if the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Haemodialysis shortly after gadobutrol administration may be useful at removing gadobutrol from the body. There is no evidence to support the initiation of haemodialysis for prevention or treatment of NSF in patients not already undergoing haemodialysis.

Neonates and infants

Due to immature renal function in neonates up to 4 weeks of age and infants up to 1 year of age, gadobutrol should only be used in these patients after careful consideration.

Elderly

As the renal clearance of gadobutrol may be impaired in the elderly, it is particularly important to screen patients aged 65 years and older for renal dysfunction.

Seizure disorders

Like with other gadolinium containing contrast agents special precaution is necessary in patients with a low threshold for seizures.

Excipients

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose (based on the average amount given to a 70 kg person), i.e. essentially 'sodium-free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interaction studies have been performed.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

Data from the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents including gadobutrol in pregnant women is limited. Gadolinium can cross the placenta. It is unknown whether exposure to gadolinium is associated with adverse effects in the foetus. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity at repeated high doses (see section 5.3).

Gadobutrol should not be used during pregnancy unless the clinical condition of the woman requires use of gadobutrol.

Breast-feeding

Gadolinium containing contrast agents are excreted into breast milk in very small amounts (see section 5.3). At clinical doses, no effects on the infant are anticipated due to the small amount excreted in milk and poor absorption from the gut. Continuing or discontinuing of breast feeding for a period of 24 hours after administration of gadobutrol, should be at the discretion of the doctor and lactating mother.

Fertility

Animal studies do not indicate impairment of fertility.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Not relevant.

4.8. Undesirable effects

The overall safety profile of gadobutrol is based on data from more than 6,300 patients in clinical trials and from post-marketing surveillance.

The most frequently observed adverse drug reactions (≥ 0.5 %) in patients receiving gadobutrol are headache, nausea and dizziness.

The most serious adverse drug reactions in patients receiving gadobutrol are cardiac arrest, acute respiratory distress syndrome / pulmonary oedema and severe anaphylactoid reactions (including respiratory arrest and anaphylactic shock).

Delayed anaphylactoid or other idiosyncratic reactions (hours later up to several days) have been rarely observed (see section 4.4).

Most of the undesirable effects were of mild to moderate intensity.

The adverse drug reactions observed with gadobutrol are represented in the table below. They are classified according to System Organ Class (MedDRA). The most appropriate MedDRA term is used to describe a certain reaction and its synonyms and related conditions.

Adverse drug reactions from clinical trials are classified according to their frequencies.

Frequency groupings are defined according to the following convention: common: ≥ 1/100 to < 1/10; uncommon: ≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100; rare: ≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000. The adverse drug reactions identified only during post-marketing surveillance, and for which a frequency could not be estimated, are listed under 'not known'.

Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 1: Adverse drug reactions reported in clinical trials or during post-marketing surveillance in patients treated with gadobutrol

Frequency

System Organ Class

Common

Uncommon

Rare

Not known

Immune system disorders

Hypersensitivity /anaphylactoid reaction* # (e.g. anaphylactoid shock§*, circulatory collapse§*, respiratory arrest§*, bronchospasm§, cyanosis§, oropharyngeal swelling§*, laryngeal oedema§, hypotension*, blood pressure increased§, chest pain§, urticaria, face oedema, angioedema§, conjunctivitis§, eyelid oedema, flushing, hyperhidrosis§, cough§, sneezing§, burning sensation§, pallor§)

Nervous system disorders

Headache

Dizziness, Dysgeusia, Paraesthesia

Loss of consciousness*, Convulsion, Parosmia

Cardiac disorders

Tachycardia, Palpitations

Cardiac arrest*

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders

Dyspnoea*

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)*1

Pulmonary oedema*1

Gastrointestinal disorders

Nausea

Vomiting

Dry mouth

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Erythema, Pruritus (including generalised pruritus), Rash (including generalised, macular, papular, pruritic rash)

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)

General disorders and administration site conditions

Injection site reaction0, Feeling hot

Malaise, Feeling cold

1 These ADRs have been reported with and without the context of hypersensitivity reactions

* There have been reports of life-threatening and/or fatal outcomes from this ADR

# None of the individual symptoms ADRs listed under hypersensitivity/anaphylactoid reactions identified in clinical trials reached a frequency greater than rare (except for urticaria)

§ Hypersensitivity / anaphylactoid reactions identified only during post-marketing surveillance (frequency not known)

0 Injection site reactions (various kinds) comprise the following terms: Injection site extravasation, injection site burning, injection site coldness, injection site warmth, injection site erythema or rash, injection site pain, injection site haematoma

Patients with an allergic disposition suffer more frequently than others from hypersensitivity reactions.

Isolated cases of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) have been reported with gadobutrol (see section 4.4).

Fluctuations of renal function parameters including increases of serum creatinine have been observed after administration of gadobutrol.

Paediatric population

Based on two single dose phase I/III studies in 138 subjects aged 2-17 years and 44 subjects aged 0-<2 years (see section 5.1) the frequency, type and severity of adverse reactions in children of all ages (including term neonates) are consistent with the adverse drug reaction profile known in adults. This has been confirmed in a phase IV study including more than 1,100 paediatric patients and postmarketing surveillance.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

The maximum daily single dose tested in humans is 1.5 mmol gadobutrol/kg body weight.

No signs of intoxication from an overdose have so far been reported during clinical use.

In case of inadvertent overdosage, cardiovascular monitoring (including ECG) and control of renal function is recommended as a measure of precaution.

In case of overdose in patients with renal insufficiency, gadobutrol can be removed by haemodialysis. After 3 haemodialysis sessions approx. 98 % of the agent are removed from the body. However, there is no evidence that haemodialysis is suitable for prevention of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF).

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