| Pharmacy Drug Brand Name: | Definity® |
| Active Ingredient(s): | perflutren lipid microspheres |
| Delivery / Dosage Form(s): | Intravenous injectable suspension |
| Company Manufacturer Name: | DuPont Pharmaceuticals |
| Availability / Prescription: | Prescription only, professional use only |
| FDA Approval Date *: | July 31, 2001 |
* Approval by the FDA does not necessarily mean that this drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Definity used for?
Definity is a diagnostic contrast medicine (special dye) that is used during some echocardiograms (ultrasound images of the heart) when the doctor needs to see a clearer picture of the patient’s heart.
Who should not be given Definity?
You should not be given Definity if you:
- have a heart shunt
- are allergic to octafluoropropane or to any of the other ingredients in Definity
Special Warnings with Definity:
Definity has not been studied in patients with the following conditions. Therefore, extreme caution should be used when considering Definity for patients with:
- severe emphysema
- inflammation of blood vessels in the lungs (pulmonary vasculitis)
What should I tell my health care (healthcare) provider?
Tell your health care (healthcare) provider if you:
- have a heart defect since birth
- have a history of severe emphysema or other lung problems
- are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding
Tell your doctor about all the medicines that you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What are some possible side effects of Definity? (This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects assosciated with Definity. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide expert advice on the possible side effects of this drug.)
Definity is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are headache, back and kidney (renal) pain or discomfort, flushing (“hot flash”), and nausea.