The Basics
What is Gadobenate?
Given by injection before an MRI scan to help find problems in the brain, spine, and other parts of your body.
Brand names for Gadobenate
Multihance
How Gadobenate is classified
Contrast Media, Diagnostic Agents
Gadobenate During Pregnancy
Gadobenate pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Gadobenate while pregnant
GBCAs cross the placenta and result in fetal exposure and gadolinium retention. The human data on the association between GBCAs and adverse fetal outcomes are limited and inconclusive (see Data). In animal reproduction studies, gadobenate dimeglumine has been shown to be teratogenic in rabbits following repeated intravenous administration during organogenesis at doses up to 6 times the recommended human dose. There were no adverse developmental effects observed in rats with intravenous administration of gadobenate dimeglumine during organogenesis at doses up to three times the recommended human dose (see Data). Because of the potential risks of gadolinium to the fetus, use MultiHance only if imaging is essential and cannot be delayed. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and is 15 to 20%, respectively.
Taking Gadobenate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Gadobenate?
There is no published experience with gadobenate during breastfeeding. Gadobenate has been safely used in infants, so it does not appear to pose a substantial risk to a breastfed infant.[1] Guidelines developed by several North American professional organizations state that breastfeeding need not be disrupted after a nursing mother receives a gadolinium-containing contrast medium.[2][3][4]
Maternal / infant drug levels
There is no published experience with gadobenate during breastfeeding. Gadobenate has been safely used in infants, so it does not appear to pose a substantial risk to a breastfed infant.[1] Guidelines developed by several North American professional organizations state that breastfeeding need not be disrupted after a nursing mother receives a gadolinium-containing contrast medium.[2][3][4]
Possible effects of Gadobenate on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Gadobenate
Gadobutrol, Gadopentetate, Gadoteridol, Gadoterate.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Fraum TJ, Ludwig DR, Bashir MR et al. Gadolinium-based contrast agents: A comprehensive risk assessment. J Magn Reson Imaging. 2017;46:338-53. PMID: 28083913
2. American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media. Administration of contrast media to breast-feeding mothers. In, ACR manual on contrast media. 2017;Version 10.3:102-3. https://www.acr.org/~/media/37D84428BF1D4E1B9A3A2918DA9E27A3.pdf
3. Patenaude Y, Pugash D, Lim K et al. The use of magnetic resonance imaging in the obstetric patient. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2014;36:349-55. PMID: 24798674
4. Committee Opinion No. 723: Guidelines for Diagnostic Imaging During Pregnancy and Lactation. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130:e210-e216. PMID: 28937575
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
