Generic Name: Definity (perflutren)
For Echocardiography "I did not know that they used this until after the fact. But the test didn't last long because when I started on the treadmill I didn't last too long. I started breathing very hard which I have never done. I normally can run up five flight of stairs, no problem, and could probably go more if there were more to go up. Not this time, I was breathing so hard, I felt that my lungs might burst. I felt as if I couldn't get in enough air to blow out. And later that day I had a very bad headache and was extremely tired. This was a one time test that I didn't know they were going to use. I knew they were going to do the treadmill test and ultrasound but not the IV. News to me."
For Echocardiography "I just want to share my experience because I wish I would have know the potential side effects from this medication before actually having the procedure. If I would have know then I wouldn’t have panicked as much much as I did. I went into the hospital for left arm pain. The decided I needed an echocardiogram with contrast. Everything was fine during the ultrasound until the medication started going in my IV. I started feeling lower back pain, I remember thinking I need to reposition myself because my back is starting to hurt. Within 15 seconds my chest, arms, sides, back and legs started hurting. I was in excruciating pain! I have never felt anything like this in my life. I began screaming in pain and scared wondering what was happening and how long this was going to last. The nurse ran to call the doctor and immediately came in with morphine. It was a 10 out of 10 for sure! The pain finally decreased around 8-10 min later. It was awful!! I will never get this again."
For Echocardiography "I had an allergic reaction to definity. I had immediate shooting pain in the back of my neck, my BP shot up quickly and I broke out in huge whelps all over my body. I was told no one ever has a reaction and had to argue with the nurse that I was experiencing an allergic reaction. I have had weird issues for the last three months after this reaction. Please be aware"
For Echocardiography "I had an echo treadmill test using Definity to see how the blood was going in and out of my heart chamber. I was on the treadmill 1 1/2 minutes and I had horrible pain in my lower back. My pain level was at a 9. I asked that they stop the treadmill. My pain did not stop. I just kept walking around the room and finally, after five plus minutes my pain stopped. I never had pain like this in my back. It was terrible. This was the first time I had Difinity. Never again. I must be allergic to it."
For Echocardiography "Echocardiogram today, was told an IV for contrast study, but I was assured it was necessary, quick, safe, and it would quickly dissipate. I’ve never had a reaction so no concerns other than hope it shows better details. I felt a surge of heat, my chest and throat felt constricted, face & scalp tingled. I couldn’t breathe, inhale, no air. I was burning. She immediately flushed the IV, I was bright red. Taken to ER, treated for an allergic reaction. I have no allergies, I wasn’t expecting a problem."
For Echocardiography "They give me this test in a hospital when they give me the microbubbles witch is definitely a drugs and I went into a heart attack! My blood pressure went down, my heart rate went up. I was out for 7 hours and in the hospital for 6 days yet it took only 30 sec to do this to me. I did not know anything for 7 hours but my hospital saved me and I went home to my family. I will never be right- it damaged my heart. I was in A-Fib till December till a great heart Dr stopped my heart and restarted it. I still have trouble with my heart racing and there nothing they can do about it.This happened in September 18, 2015 and in December of 2015 they restarted my heart. Still having trouble with my heart to this day.I hope this helps some one out there."
For Echocardiography "They did a test with the bubble study. Everything was alright during the test, but when I got up, I started coughing and wheezing. I couldn't take in a breath without coughing. My nose and throat were draining lots of mucus. I felt very anxious. They kept me for about 15 mins, said that my reaction was a fluke, and sent me home. I got home and took 2 benadryl. Things calmed down after about an hour. It seemed like an allergic reaction to me..I don't usually wheeze..I can't believe they sent me home!"
For Echocardiography "I did not have pain, but after returning home I had very bad intestinal gas and then diarrhea. My entire abdomen felt bloating and uncomfortable. Still diarrhea the next day though the bloating has subsided. Minor compared to some reviews I’ve seen but what bothers me is that I asked if there were any side effects and the tech straight up told me there were NONE! Just be honest with people instead of giving the drug just because it make imaging easier!"
For Echocardiography "I've had this contrast for the 2nd time with my echo. I am 44 years old, female that has been in the healthcare field for about 20 years. Each medication may affect each individual differently, does the risk of medication outweigh the result? I felt in my case I needed the procedure done for my congenital heart defect, which will result in heart surgery. This time I needed more contrast than last, on the initial administering I immediately tasted a foul taste in my mouth. Secondly, a headache came on while lying during my echo. The sensitivity to light once leaving. Fever, my husband said he couldn't sleep next to me, I was burning up that night and the next morning. Mild cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and I have blisters on my tongue now. Good news, even though my test results are stable and it was a difficult test and this too will pass. Just wanted to share my experience to help others know the side effects that occurred this go-round for me."
For Echocardiography "No issues at all. Aided clarity in ultrasound of my heart."
Optison, Definity RT
Optison, Definity RT
