Have you experienced symptoms of itching, flushing, hives, nausea or shortness of breath after receiving iv contrast dye for a radiological study? If so, then you may have an iv dye (also called radiocontrast media, or RCM) allergy. RCM allergy is quite common, and reactions can be severe, and even life-threatening. Reactions to RCM can be prevented with the use of newer iv dye agents and medications given prior to receiving the dye.

A long-held myth of RCM allergy is that there is an association with shellfish allergy. This is a still believed by many people, even some physicians. RCM allergy is not really an allergic process at all, and probably not related to the iodine content. Shellfish allergy to due to proteins, not to iodine content. While it is possible to have reactions to both shellfish and RCM, there is no relationship between the two.

Want to learn more? Find out about:

• IV Dye Allergy
• Shellfish Allergy
• Shellfish Allergy and Glucosamine