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Hexaminolevulinate (Inside the bladder)

Hexaminolevulinate Hydrochloride (hex-a-mee-noe-LEV-ue-lin-ate hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Used in a procedure for the bladder called cystoscopy to check for cancer cells. This medicine is an imaging agent.

Brand Name(s):

Cysview

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to hexaminolevulinate hydrochloride, aminolevulinic acid, or methyl aminolevulinate. You should not receive this medicine if you have large amounts of blood in the urine or porphyria (an enzyme problem). Do not receive this medicine if you have had any bladder solutions for cancer treatment, such as BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin), in the past 90 days.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid

  • A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. This medicine is given through a tube (catheter) that is placed in your bladder.
  • The tube will be taken out and the medicine must be held in the bladder for at least 1 hour. You may stand, sit, or move during this time. If you feel you cannot hold the medicine in the bladder for 1 hour, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have bladder pain or spasms.
  • This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have a rash; itching; hoarseness; swelling of your hands, face, or mouth; trouble with breathing or swallowing; or chest pain after you receive the medicine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Cloudy urine, burning or painful urination.
  • Lower stomach pain or spasm.
  • Red or dark brown urine.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 3/4/2012
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