Pronunciation:

eye-soe-SUL-fan BLOO

Brand Names:

• Lymphazurin
• Lymphazurin 1%

Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Diagnostic Agent, Lymphatic Visualization

Uses of This Medicine:

Isosulfan blue injection is used as an aid in a procedure called lymphography (medical imaging procedure) to test how well your lymphatic system is working in certain parts of your body. It is a blue dye that works by staining the lymph nodes and lymph vessels. This creates a contrast between the lymph nodes and vessels and helps your doctor check for serious medical problems such as lymphedema, chyluria (lymph in the urine), chylous ascites (lymph in the stomach), chylothorax (lymph in the chest), cancer of the lymph nodes, or other problems of the lymphatic system.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of isosulfan blue injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Older adults—

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of isosulfan blue injection in geriatric patients.

Breast-feeding—

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Asthma, history of—Use with caution. May be more likely to experience side effects.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

A doctor will give you this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have cold clammy skin; confusion; dizziness; lightheadedness; a skin rash; itching; shortness of breath; sweating; swelling of the face, tongue, and throat; or trouble with breathing after you get the injection.

Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to any dye or medicine given during a test or procedure.

Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

This medicine may cause your urine to turn blue for up to 24 hours after you receive this medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:

Less common

Cold, clammy skin

confusion

cough

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness

fast heartbeat

fast, weak pulse

hives or welts

itching

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

lightheadedness

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

redness of the skin

shortness of breath

skin rash

sweating

tightness in the chest

troubled breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

wheezing

Some side effects 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:

Incidence not known

Blue discoloration of the skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.