CT IV Contrast Allergy

JACK5IE

I know many of us receive CT scans every 3 - 6 months. Years ago while getting a CT scan with IV Contrast I had a reaction that felt like my throat was closing. It didn't last long, maybe a half hour but it was very frightening. Since I started getting regular CT scans my MO prescribes them with oral contrast only. My scans are due soon and I always question that they are getting a good look with the oral contrast only. Does anyone here get CT scans with oral contrast only and if so does your doctor feel it is adequate visually? Thanks.

Jenaus1

Hi Jack5IE,

I also have a reaction to CT Contrast. My last two scans were without the contrast, but I was given a different drink (white thick muck) to show my kidneys and liver. My oncologist said that the scans without contrast, were slightly fuzzy but fine for what we needed.

Hope this helps.

cowgal

I am allergic to the iodine contrast. My MO prescribes prednisone and benedryl prior to my scans. I have to take one prednisone tablet 13 hours before the scan, another 7 hours before the scan and another one 1 hour before the scan. I take two benedryl tablets also one hour before the scans. I am highly allergic and had full body severe hives and throat closing prior to using this protocol. If anyone is interested, I will look to see what the strength of the tablets are when I get home.

JACK5IE

Thank you Jenaus1 and cowgal!

Jenaus1...I also drink the oral contrast (barium). My MO also said it was good enough too but I always worry that it might be missing something. I'm glad I'm not the only one here that doesn't get the IV contrast. Thank you.

Cowgal...wow that's a lot! Do they steroids affect you in any way? Thank you for replying.

cowgal

Each prednisone tablet is 50 mg. The benadryl is 50 mg and my MO does not give me a prescription for the benadryl because I have it on hand (over the counter and each pill is 25 mg so I have to take 2). The worst part of it is having to get up 7 hours before the scans to take the second prednisone pill. Side effects that I have experienced is some constipation, a little puffiness and my lower back pain actually feels better for a few days. To me it is worth it to be able to handle the contrast dye. I have had some CT guided epidurals in the last year due to the pain in my back so I had to do the prednisone/benadryl protocol for those too.

amontro

i have been getting my scans every 6 months. A few years ago, I stopped the oral contrast, and soon after, the IV.

. I can't even remember why I stopped the contrasts. I know I had reactions at the time. This doesnt seem to interfere with the scans. Benadryl was also recommended for me.

I'm sure if they see something, I will either get a scan with contrast or an MRI.

JACK5IE

Thanks cowgal and amontro!