Isosulfan Blue Injection

What is Isosulfan Blue Injection?

ISOSULFAN BLUE (Lymphazurin™) injection is used to look at lymph vessels and lymph nodes. Lymph vessels are tubes in your body that carry fluid called lymph. Lymph helps fight infections and other diseases. Lymph nodes clean lymph fluid and store cells used to fight infections. Isosulfan blue may be used to see if you have lymphedema. If you have cancer, it may be used to see if you have cancer in your lymph nodes. Usually, you will only receive isosulfan blue in a hospital or clinic during surgery.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• an unusual reaction to isosulfan blue, triphenylmethane dyes, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

This medicine will be given to you by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given to you as an injection during surgery.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with Isosulfan Blue?

• certain medicines used for your heart or high blood pressure called ACE inhibitors (examples: captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, ramipril) or Angiotensin II antagonists (examples: losartan, valsartan)

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Isosulfan Blue?

You will be monitored closely during your procedure. Follow all instructions carefully.

You may notice your urine or your skin turns a blue-green color after surgery. Your urine will usually only be blue-green for about 1 day. Your skin may be stained blue-green for as long as a few weeks.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Isosulfan Blue?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

• fast or irregular heart beat or pulse

• hives

• itching

• pain, swelling, or warmth where isosulfan blue was injected

• rash

• swelling of your lips or face

• trouble breathing/wheezing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• blue-green urine

• blue-green skin

Where can I keep my medicine?

You will not be asked to store this medicine. It is used in a hospital or clinic only.