lexiscan

Lexiscan (regadenoson) is a stress agent that works by increasing blood flow in the arteries of the heart.

Lexiscan is given in preparation for a radiologic (x-ray) examination of blood flow through the heart to test for coronary artery disease.

Lexiscan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not receive Lexiscan if you have a serious heart condition such as AV block or "sick sinus syndrome" (unless you have a pacemaker).

Tell your caregivers if you have a serious side effect such as chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, sweating, general ill feeling, wheezing or trouble breathing, slow heart rate, severe headache, seizure (convulsions), weak pulse, slow breathing, or fainting.

Before receiving this medicine

You should not use Lexiscan if you are allergic to regadenoson, or if you have a serious heart condition such as AV block or "sick sinus syndrome" (unless you have a pacemaker).

To make sure Lexiscan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease);

• chest pain or heart problems;

• a history of seizures;

• a history of heart disease or high blood pressure;

• if you also take dipyridamole or theophylline; or

• if you have had a prolonged illness that caused vomiting or diarrhea.

Receiving Lexiscan may increase your risk of having abnormal heartbeats, breathing problems, heart attack, stroke, or cardiac arrest. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Lexiscan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

It is not known whether regadenoson passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not breast-feed within 10 hours after receiving Lexiscan. If you use a breast pump during this time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

How is Lexiscan given?

Lexiscan is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

After Lexiscan is injected, you will be given other intravenous (IV) medications that allow blood vessels to be seen more clearly on the radiologic examination.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs will be watched closely during your stress test.

Lexiscan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Radionuclide Myocardial Perfusion Study:

Recommended dose: 5 mL (0.4 mg regadenoson) by intravenous injection

Lexiscan should be administered as a rapid (approximately 10 seconds) injection into a peripheral vein using a 22 gauge or larger catheter or needle.

A 5 mL saline flush should be administered immediately after the Lexiscan injection.

The radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging agent should be administered 10 to 20 seconds after the saline flush. The radionuclide may be injected directly into the same catheter as Lexiscan.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Lexiscan is given by a healthcare professional in preparation for medical testing, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving Lexiscan?

Avoid drinking coffee or other beverages with caffeine for at least 12 hours before your stress test.

Lexiscan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Lexiscan: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregiver right away if you have:

• severe dizziness, fast heartbeats, and warmth or a tingly feeling;

• weak or shallow breathing;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• seizure (convulsions);

• wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing;

• high blood pressure - severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, confusion;

• heart attack symptoms - chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; or

• signs of a stroke - sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance.

Common Lexiscan side effects may include:

• feeling short of breath;

• headache, dizziness;

• chest pain or discomfort;

• nausea; or

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Lexiscan?

Other drugs may interact with regadenoson, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.