Hevascol (Ethyl Esters Of Iodised Fatty Acids From Poppyseed Oil)

Hevascol is employed as a contrast agent to improve image quality in specific diagnostic procedures that require visualization of vascular or lymphatic structures.

• Angiography: intra‑arterial injection to delineate arterial anatomy during coronary, peripheral, or cerebral vessel imaging.
• Lymphography: intralymphatic administration to outline lymphatic channels and nodes.
• Interventional radiology: use during catheter‑based procedures to confirm device placement.
• Pre‑operative planning: assists surgeons in mapping vascular supply before reconstructive or transplant surgeries.
• Research imaging studies: applied in clinical trials evaluating novel imaging techniques.

• Ethyl esters of iodised fatty acids from poppyseed oil contain a high concentration of iodine atoms. When administered intra‑arterially or intralymphatically, the iodine absorbs X‑ray photons, increasing attenuation and creating a radiopaque image. The contrast medium remains within the vascular or lymphatic lumen long enough to allow acquisition of high‑resolution images, after which it is cleared by normal metabolic pathways.

Adverse reactions to Hevascol may vary in frequency and severity, ranging from mild, transient events to rare but serious complications.

Common

• Warm sensation or flushing at the injection site.
• Mild nausea or vomiting.
• Transient headache.
• Temporary increase in serum creatinine levels.
• Delayed urticaria.

Serious

• Severe allergic or anaphylactoid reaction, including hypotension and bronchospasm.
• Acute kidney injury, particularly in patients with pre‑existing renal impairment.
• Cardiovascular events such as arrhythmia or myocardial ischemia.
• Local tissue necrosis if extravasation occurs.
• Thromboembolic events.

Before using Hevascol, clinicians should evaluate patient-specific factors and follow safety measures to minimize risk.

• Assess renal function; avoid use in patients with severe renal insufficiency unless benefits outweigh risks.
• Review history of iodine or contrast media allergy; consider pre‑medication in sensitized individuals.
• Ensure adequate hydration before and after administration to support renal clearance.
• Use the lowest effective dose and limit injection rate to reduce adverse reactions.
• Monitor vital signs and renal parameters during and after the procedure.
• Avoid use in pregnant or breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary.
• Verify correct catheter placement to prevent extravasation.

Hevascol may interact with other agents that affect renal function, hemodynamics, or hypersensitivity risk.

Avoid

• Concurrent administration of nephrotoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides or high‑dose NSAIDs.
• Use with other iodinated contrast agents within a short interval.
• ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers taken within 24 hours, which may exacerbate renal effects.

Use with caution

• Beta‑blockers or calcium channel blockers that may mask contrast‑induced hypertension.
• Diuretics, which can alter fluid balance and affect renal clearance.
• Antihistamines or corticosteroids when pre‑medicating for allergy prophylaxis.
• Radiopharmaceuticals that rely on similar imaging windows.
• Thyroid hormone therapy, as iodine load can affect thyroid function.
• Other contrast agents used in sequential imaging studies.