Definity ®

Brand Name: Definity ®
Active Ingredient: perflutren lipid microspheres
Dosage Form(s): Intravenous injectable suspension
Company Name: DuPont Pharmaceuticals
Availability: Prescription only
Date Approved by FDA*: July 31, 2001

*Approval by FDA does not mean that the drug is available for consumers at this time.

What is Definity used for?

Definity is a diagnostic contrast medicine (special dye) that is used during some echocardiograms (ultrasound images of the heart) when the doctor needs to see a clearer picture of the patient’s heart.

Who should not be given Definity?

You should not be given Definity if you:

  • have a heart shunt
  • are allergic to octafluoropropane or to any of the other ingredients in Definity

Special Warnings with Definity:

Definity has not been studied in patients with the following conditions. Therefore, extreme caution should be used when considering Definity for patients with:

  • severe emphysema
  • inflammation of blood vessels in the lungs (pulmonary vasculitis)

What should I tell my health care provider?

Tell your health care provider if you:

  • have a heart defect since birth
  • have a history of severe emphysema or other lung problems
  • are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Tell your doctor about all the medicines that you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are some possible side effects of Definity?

(This is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Definity. Your health care provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)

Definity is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are headache, back and kidney (renal) pain, flushing (“hot flash”), and nausea.

For more detailed information about Definity, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.