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SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION

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About the medicine

How to use SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION

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This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe.

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Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient

SonoVue 8 microliters/ml powder and solvent for injectable dispersion

Hexafluoride sulfur

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the package leaflet

  1. What is SonoVue and what is it used for
  2. What you need to know before you use SonoVue
  1. How to use SonoVue
  2. Possible side effects
  3. Storage of SonoVue
  1. Contents of the pack and further information

1. What is SonoVue and what is it used for

SonoVue is indicated only for diagnostic use.

SonoVue is an ultrasound contrast agent that contains microbubbles filled with a gas called sulfur hexafluoride.

If you are an adult, SonoVue helps you get clearer ultrasound images of the heart, blood vessels, and/or liver and breast tissues.

SonoVue helps get clearer images of the urinary tract in children.

Doctor consultation

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2. What you need to know before you use SonoVue

Do not use SonoVue:

  • If you are allergic to sulfur hexafluoride or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
  • If your doctor has told you that you have a right-to-left cardiac shunt.
  • If you have severe pulmonary hypertension (pulmonary artery pressure > 90 mm Hg).
  • If you have uncontrolled hypertension.
  • If you have adult respiratory distress syndrome (a severe disease characterized by widespread inflammation in the lungs).
  • If you have been told not to take dobutamine (a heart-stimulating medication) due to severe heart disease.

Warnings and precautions

Tell your doctor if you have had:

  • episodes of angina or chest pain (thoracic) frequent and/or repeated, especially if you have a history of heart disease,
  • recent changes in your electrocardiogram.

Tell your doctor before you are given SonoVue if:

  • you have recently had a myocardial infarction or have recently undergone coronary intervention,
  • you have chest pain, angina, or severe heart disease,
  • you have severe heart rhythm disorders,
  • your heart disease has worsened recently,
  • you have acute cardiac inflammation of the heart membrane (endocarditis),
  • you have artificial heart valves implanted,
  • you have acute generalized inflammation or infection,
  • you have known blood coagulation problems,
  • you have severe kidney or liver disease,

If you are given SonoVue in combination with a medication, exercise, or device that stimulates the heart to visualize its activity under stress, your heart activity, blood pressure, and heart rate will be monitored.

Children and adolescents

For patients under 18 years of age, SonoVue can only be used for ultrasound of the urinary tract.

Using SonoVue with other medicines

Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.

In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers (medicines to treat heart disease and hypertension or administered as eye drops to treat glaucoma).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.

It is not known whether SonoVue passes into breast milk. However, breastfeeding should be interrupted for two or three hours after the ultrasound.

Driving and using machines

SonoVue does not affect your ability to drive and use machines.

SonoVue contains sodium

This medicine contains less than 23 mg (1 mmol) of sodium per dose, so it is essentially 'sodium-free'.

3. How to use SonoVue

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SonoVue will be administered to you by qualified medical or healthcare personnel.

For ultrasound of the heart or its blood vessels and/or liver and breast tissues in adults: the dose to be administered into a vein will be calculated based on the part of the body to be examined. The recommended dose is 2 or 2.4 ml per patient. This dose may be repeated if necessary up to a maximum of 4.8 ml.

For ultrasound of the urinary tract in children: the recommended dose is 1 ml per patient, to be administered into the bladder as follows:

After emptying your bladder, a saline solution will be introduced into your bladder through a thin tube. Then, SonoVue will be administered through the thin tube, followed by the saline solution to continue filling the bladder. The filling and emptying of the bladder with saline solution may be repeated if necessary.

If you have a serious lung or heart problem, the medical staff will closely monitor you during the administration of SonoVue and for at least 30 minutes after.

If you use more SonoVue than you should

Overdose is unlikely since SonoVue is administered by a healthcare professional. If an overdose occurs, the doctor will take the necessary measures.

4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Most side effects of SonoVue are rare and not serious. However, some patients may experience serious side effects and may need treatment.

Tell your doctor immediatelyif you notice any of the following side effects,

because you may need medical treatment: swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat that may make swallowing or breathing difficult; skin rash; hives; swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles.

The following side effects have been reported with the use of SonoVue:

Uncommon side effects(may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

  • Headache,
  • Numbness,
  • Dizziness,
  • Unusual taste in the mouth,
  • Redness,
  • Chest discomfort,
  • Feeling of discomfort (nausea),
  • Abdominal pain,
  • Skin rash,
  • Feeling of heat,
  • Local reactions at the injection site, such as: pain or an unusual sensation at the injection site.

Rare side effects(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

  • Blurred vision,
  • Decreased blood pressure,
  • Itching,
  • Back pain,
  • General pain,
  • Chest pain,
  • Fatigue,
  • Severe and less severe allergic reactions (including skin redness, decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, or a more severe reaction accompanied by difficulty breathing and dizziness).

Frequency not known(cannot be estimated from the available data):

  • Chest pain that extends to the neck or left arm, as it may be a symptom of a potentially severe allergic reaction called Kounis syndrome.
  • Fainting,
  • In some cases of allergic reactions in patients with angiocardiopathy, cases of lack of oxygen supply to the heart or cardiac arrest have been reported,
  • Vomiting.

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of SonoVue

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label after EXP. The expiry date is the last day of the month stated.

This medicine does not require any special storage conditions.

The SonoVue dispersion should be administered within 6 hours of preparation.

6. Contents of the pack and further information

Contents of SonoVue

  • The active substance is sulfur hexafluoride in the form of microbubbles.
  • The other ingredients are: macrogol 4000, distearoylphosphatidylcholine, dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol sodium, palmitic acid.

The glass syringe contains a 9 mg/ml (0.9%) sodium chloride injectable solution. Appearance of the product and pack size

SonoVue is a kit that includes a glass vial with white powder, a glass syringe containing the solvent, and a transfer system.

Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer:

Marketing authorisation holder

Bracco International B.V.

Strawinskylaan 3051

NL-1077 ZX Amsterdam

Netherlands

Manufacturer:

Bracco Imaging S.p.A.

Via Ribes 5, Bioindustry Park

Colleretto Giacosa-10010 (TO)

Italy

Date of last revision of this leaflet:

Other sources of information

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency website: http://www.ema.europa.eu.

This information is intended only for healthcare professionals:

If SonoVue is not used immediately after reconstitution, the dispersion will be shaken again before being drawn up into the syringe.

The medicine is for single use only. Any unused volume at the end of an examination should be discarded.

Reconstitution instructions:

Series of steps showing how to use an auto-injector with a medication cartridge and safety needle

  1. Connect the plunger to the syringe by screwing it clockwise.
  2. Open the blister of the MiniSpike transfer system and remove the cap from the syringe.
  1. Open the cap of the transfer system and connect the syringe by screwing it clockwise.
  2. Remove the protective disc from the vial. Slide the vial into the transparent sheet of the transfer system and press firmly to secure the vial in place.
  3. Empty the contents of the syringe into the vial by pushing the plunger.
  1. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds to mix the contents of the vial to obtain a homogeneous milky liquid.
  2. Invert the system and carefully draw up SonoVue into the syringe.
  1. Unscrew the syringe from the transfer system.

After reconstitution, SonoVue is a homogeneous white milky dispersion.

Do not use if the resulting liquid is clear and/or if solid parts of the lyophilized product are observed in the suspension.

The SonoVue injectable dispersion should be administered within 6 hours of preparation.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.

Online doctors for SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION

Discuss questions about SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION, including use, safety considerations and prescription review, subject to medical assessment and local regulations.

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Doctor

Tarek Agami

General medicine 11 years exp.

Dr. Tarek Agami is a general practitioner registered in both Portugal and Israel, with broad experience in family and preventive medicine. He offers online consultations for adults and children, providing personalised support for primary care needs, chronic disease management, and everyday health concerns.

Dr. Agami received clinical training and worked in leading medical institutions in Israel (Kaplan Medical Center, Barzilai Medical Center, Wolfson Medical Center) and Portugal (European Healthcare City, Viscura Internacional, Hospital Dr. José Maria Grande, Hospital Vila Franca de Xira). His approach combines international medical standards with individualised attention to each patient.

Main areas of consultation:

  • Diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory infections, cardiovascular symptoms)
  • Evaluation of symptoms and guidance on further diagnostic testing
  • Preventive check-ups and regular health monitoring
  • Medical support during travel or after relocation
  • Treatment adjustments and lifestyle recommendations based on your personal history
Dr. Agami provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic or Mounjaro) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Portugal and Israel.

Dr. Agami is committed to evidence-based, patient-centred care, ensuring that each person receives trusted medical support tailored to their health goals.

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Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicine 18 years exp.

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

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Hocine Lokchiri

General medicine 21 years exp.

Dr. Hocine Lokchiri is a French consultant with over 20 years of experience in General and Emergency Medicine. He works with adults and children, helping patients with urgent symptoms, infections, sudden health changes and everyday medical concerns that require timely evaluation. His background includes clinical practice in France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, which allows him to navigate different healthcare systems and manage a wide range of conditions with confidence. Patients value his calm, structured approach, clear explanations and evidence-based decision-making.

Online consultations with Dr. Lokchiri are suitable for many situations when someone needs quick medical guidance, reassurance or a clear next step. Common reasons for booking include:

  • fever, chills, fatigue and viral symptoms
  • cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, breathing discomfort
  • bronchitis and mild asthma flare-ups
  • nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, digestive infections
  • rashes, allergic reactions, redness, insect bites
  • muscle or joint pain, mild injuries, sprains
  • headache, dizziness, migraine symptoms
  • stress-related symptoms, sleep disturbances
  • questions about test results and treatment plans
  • management of chronic conditions in stable phases
Many patients reach out when symptoms appear suddenly and cause concern, when a child becomes unwell unexpectedly, when a rash changes or spreads, or when it’s unclear whether an in-person examination is necessary. His emergency medicine background is particularly valuable online, helping patients understand risk levels, identify warning signs and choose safe next steps.

Some situations are not suitable for online care. If a patient has loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, major trauma or symptoms suggesting a stroke or heart attack, he will advise seeking immediate local emergency services. This improves safety and ensures patients receive the right level of care.

Dr. Lokchiri’s professional training includes:

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
  • Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS/ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
  • eFAST and critical care transthoracic echocardiography
  • aviation medicine
He is an active member of several professional organisations, including the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Association for Emergency Physicians (AMUF) and the Swiss Society of Emergency and Rescue Medicine (SGNOR). In consultations, he works with clarity and precision, helping patients understand their symptoms, possible risks and the safest treatment options.
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Анастасія Шалко

Family medicine 13 years exp.

Dr. Anastasiia Shalko is a general practitioner with a background in both paediatrics and general medicine. She graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv and completed her paediatric internship at the P.L. Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education. After working as a paediatrician in Kyiv, she relocated to Spain, where she has been practising general medicine since 2015, providing care for both adults and children.Her work focuses on urgent, short-term medical concerns – situations where patients need quick guidance, symptom assessment and clear next steps. She helps people understand whether their symptoms require in-person evaluation, home management or a change in treatment. Common reasons for booking an online consultation include:

  • acute respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever)
  • viral illnesses such as colds and seasonal infections
  • gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis)
  • sudden changes in how a child or adult feels
  • questions about existing treatment and whether adjustments are needed
  • renewal of prescriptions when clinically appropriate

Dr. Shalko works specifically with urgent and short-term problems, providing practical recommendations and helping patients determine the safest next step. She explains symptoms clearly, guides patients through decision-making and offers straightforward medical advice for everyday acute issues.She does not provide long-term management of chronic conditions, ongoing follow-up or comprehensive care plans for complex long-term illnesses. Her consultations are designed for acute symptoms, sudden concerns and situations where timely medical input is important.With clinical experience in both paediatrics and general medicine, Dr. Shalko confidently supports adults and children. Her communication style is clear, simple and reassuring, helping patients feel informed and supported throughout the consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a prescription required for SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION?
SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION requires a prescription in Spain. You can check with a doctor online whether this medicine may be appropriate for your situation.
What is the active substance in SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION?
The active ingredient in SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION is sulfur hexafluoride, phospholipid microspheres. This information helps identify medicines with the same composition but different brand names.
Who manufactures SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION?
SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION is manufactured by Bracco International B.V.. Pharmacy brands and packaging may differ depending on the distributor.
Which doctors can assess the use of SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION online?
Doctors such as Family doctors, Psychiatrists, Dermatologists, Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Gastroenterologists, Pulmonologists, Nephrologists, Rheumatologists, Hematologists, Infectious disease physicians, Allergists, Geriatricians, Paediatricians, Oncologists may assess whether SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION is appropriate, depending on your situation and local regulations. You can book an online consultation to discuss your symptoms and possible next steps.
What are the alternatives to SONOVUE 8 microliters/ml POWDER AND SOLVENT FOR INJECTABLE DISPERSION?
Other medicines with the same active substance (sulfur hexafluoride, phospholipid microspheres) include LUMINITY 150 MICROLITERS/ML GAS AND SOLVENT FOR SOLUTION FOR DISPERSIBLE INJECTION AND FOR PERFUSION, OPTISON SUSPENSION FOR INJECTION, OPTISON SUSPENSION FOR INJECTION. These may have different brand names or formulations but contain the same therapeutic ingredient. Always consult a doctor before switching or starting a new medicine.
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