Reaction to Contrast Dye

I have scans done every 8 weeks and have been doing so for the last 12 months. My reaction to the contrast dye has gotten worse with each scan. It was gradual to start with but has gotten to the point, as soon as the dye is injected I start vomiting and gagging.

I had a scan 8 weeks ago and they injected an anti sickness serum first but that made no difference at all. As soon as the dye went in, I was as ill as I had been the previous time. I went for another scan today and the nurse suggested not having the dye but advised against it as the scan may not be as clear. Well, right or wrongly, I chose not to have the dye. I figured, 12 months of chemo and all those scans later, there has been "no significant" decrease in the size of my tumours so surely going with out the contrast dye this one time couldn't really hurt...

I guess my question is, has any one else experienced this? And if so, is it something you just had to put up with?  

Any feed back would be appreciated... kindest regards.....Janet  

[Angie_Lou]

Dear Janet,

I have not had the experience you have had.  But, I do want to tell you that I know of some people (not OvCa women) that are allergic to the dye and cannot have the dye injected, otherwise, it could kill them.  My girlfriend's grandfather did not know he was allergic to the dye and died.

I'm not sure if there is a test that can be done to see if you have developed an allergy to the dye, but, I suggest you ask questions on the doctor's forum for allergies.  And, until you get answers & allergies are ruled out (from your doctors or elsewhere), please do not allow the dye to enter your body.  You are already going through enough that you do not need a "stupid" complication to arise.

My best to you, Angie

[jane65]

Hi Janet, I also had a reaction to the dye in the past. My onco. has me take Prednisone (steroids) the day before, in the morning, the evening and on  the morning of the scans. When I get to the radiologist I get more steroid pre med. I haven't had a problem except the last time I had a feeling of heat when the dye went in, but it passed quickly. I hope this may help you, mention it to your oncologist. Jane

[nyc lady]

Janet - I no longer have the contrast with my CT Scans as I did begin to develop a reaction. I would have to medicated prior to the scans in order for them to inject the iodine.
Drinking that wonderful cocktail that they give us before the scans is enough by itself...add the iodine on top of it...and yuck!!!!

Best of luck,
Pam

[Conquerer]

I too have a reaction and do not take the dye.  It can develope by overuse.  I am also no allergic to shellfish not sure but there might be a connection because of the iodine in both.  I would be careful and if necessary I agree with Jane you need meds before during and often after
good luck
lalurel

[ShawnP]

I am allergic to the iodine dye as well.  Normally 3 days prior to the scan, I'm given a prescription for Prednisone, an antihistimine and Zantac/Pepcid.  Taking this combo for 3 days prior to the scan worked for me.  I didn't notice a thing and it the scan went without a hitch.  Prior to that, many years ago, I went into anaphalactic shock.  I remember severe itching and trouble breathing during an IVP.  Turns out I'm allergic to iodine and that does include shellfish and eggplant.    

I've had many scans done with the 3 day pre-medication process with no problems.  You'd think with this being a common allergy, they could come up with something most could tolerate or atleast an alternative for those of us with this issue.

Best of luck to you

[Janet535]

Thank you all so much for your imput and suggestions.

I saw my oncologist this morning and he has arranged for me to have an allergy test to assess the severity of the allergy I have developed. He did ask if I had had any previous reaction to shellfish but as I have never eaten it I have no idea.

Now I will just have to wait for the tests to be done, but as I'm not due for another scan for 7 weeks, we have plenty of time to sort it out.

Once again, Thank you all so much for your help. Warmest regards and best wishes..Janet  :-)  

[crecco]

Janet,
   I have never had a reaction to the contrast, but even with all of the scans I have had, they still ask every time if I am allergic to shell fish or if I have had any problems with contrast before.
   I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that if you do have a reaction then they are not supposed to give it to you. Am I wrong here?
   I am glad that you talked to your Dr about this and I hope that from now on you will be able to recieve your scans with no worry.
       Chris