visipaque 320

Important safety information

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Life-threatening or fatal reactions can occur. Always have emergency equipment and trained personnel available. ( 5.2 ) Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury: Acute injury including renal failure can occur. Minimize dose and maintain adequate hydration to minimize risk. ( 5.3 ) Cardiovascular adverse reactions: Hemodynamic disturbances including shock and cardiac arrest may occur during or after administration. ( 5.4 ) Thyroid dysfunction in pediatric patients 0 to 3 Years of Age: Individualize thyroid function monitoring based on risk factors such as prematurity. ( 5.8 ) 5.1 Risks Associated with Inadvertent Intrathecal Administration VISIPAQUE is for intravascular use only and is contraindicated for intrathecal use [see Contraindications (4) and Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. Inadvertent Intrathecal administration can cause death, convulsions/seizures, cerebral hemorrhage, coma, paralysis, arachnoiditis, acute renal failure, cardiac arrest, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and brain edema. 5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions VISIPAQUE can cause life-threatening or fatal hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis. Manifestations include respiratory arrest, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, angioedema, and shock. Most severe reactions develop shortly after the start of the injection (within 3 minutes), but reactions can occur up to hours later. There is an increased risk in patients with a history of a previous reaction to contrast agent, and known allergies (i.e., bronchial asthma, drug, or food allergies) or other hypersensitivities. Premedication with antihistamines or corticosteroids does not prevent serious life-threatening reactions, but may reduce both their incidence and severity. Obtain a history of allergy, hypersensitivity, or hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated contrast agents and always have emergency resuscitation equipment and trained personnel available prior to VISIPAQUE administration. Monitor all patients for hypersensitivity reactions. 5.3 Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Acute kidney injury, including renal failure, may occur after VISIPAQUE administration. Risk factors include: pre-existing renal impairment, dehydration, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, advanced vascular disease, elderly age, concomitant use of nephrotoxic or diuretic medications, multiple myeloma / paraproteinaceous diseases, repetitive and/or large doses of an iodinated contrast agent. Use the lowest necessary dose of VISIPAQUE in patients with renal impairment. Adequately hydrate patients prior to and following VISIPAQUE administration. Do not use laxatives, diuretics, or preparatory dehydration prior to VISIPAQUE administration. 5.4 Cardiovascular Adverse Reactions Life-threatening or fatal cardiovascular reactions including hypotension, shock, cardiac arrest have occurred with the use of VISIPAQUE. Most deaths occur during injection or five to ten minutes later, with cardiovascular disease as the main aggravating factor. Cardiac decompensation, serious arrhythmias, and myocardial ischemia or infarction can occur during coronary arteriography and ventriculography. Based upon clinical literature reported deaths from the administration of iodinated contrast agents range from 6.6 per million (0.00066%) to 1 in 10,000 (0.01%). Use the lowest necessary dose of VISIPAQUE in patients with congestive heart failure and always have emergency resuscitation equipment and trained personnel available. Monitor all patients for severe cardiovascular reactions. 5.5 Thromboembolic Events Angiocardiography Serious, rarely fatal, thromboembolic events causing myocardial infarction and stroke can occur during angiocardiography procedures with both ionic and nonionic contrast media. During these procedures, increased thrombosis and activation of the complement system occurs. Risk factors for thromboembolic events include: length of procedure, catheter and syringe material, underlying disease state, and concomitant medications. To minimize thromboembolic events, use meticulous angiographic techniques, and minimize the length of the procedure. Avoid blood remaining in contact with syringes containing iodinated contrast agents, which increases the risk of clotting. Avoid angiocardiography in patients with homocystinuria because of the risk of inducing thrombosis and embolism. 5.6 Extravasation and Injection Site Reactions Extravasation of VISIPAQUE Injection may cause tissue necrosis and/or compartment syndrome, particularly in patients with severe arterial or venous disease. Ensure intravascular placement of catheters prior to injection. Monitor patients for extravasation and advise patients to seek medical care for progression of symptoms. 5.7 Thyroid Storm in Patients with Hyperthyroidism Thyroid storm has occurred after the intravascular use of iodinated contrast agents in patients with hyperthyroidism, or with an autonomously functioning thyroid nodule. Evaluate the risk in such patients before use of VISIPAQUE. 5.8 Thyroid Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients 0 to 3 Years of Age Thyroid dysfunction characterized by hypothyroidism or transient thyroid suppression has been reported after both single exposure and multiple exposures to iodinated contrast media (ICM) in pediatric patients 0 to 3 years of age. Younger age, very low birth weight, prematurity, underlying medical conditions affecting thyroid function, admission to neonatal or pediatric intensive care units, and congenital cardiac conditions are associated with an increased risk of hypothyroidism after ICM exposure. Pediatric patients with congenital cardiac conditions may be at the greatest risk given that they often require high doses of contrast during invasive cardiac procedures. An underactive thyroid during early life may be harmful for cognitive and neurological development and may require thyroid hormone replacement therapy. After exposure to ICM, individualize thyroid function monitoring based on underlying risk factors, especially in term and preterm neonates. 5.9 Hypertensive Crisis in Patients with Pheochromocytoma Hypertensive crisis has occurred after the use of iodinated contrast agents in patient with pheochromocytoma. Monitor patients when administering VISIPAQUE if pheochromocytoma or catecholamine-secreting paragangliomas are suspected. Inject the minimum amount of contrast necessary, assess the blood pressure throughout the procedure, and have measures for treatment of a hypertensive crisis readily available. 5.10 Sickle Cell Crisis in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease Iodinated contrast agents when administered intravascularly may promote sickling in individuals who are homozygous for sickle cell disease. Hydrate patients prior to and following VISIPAQUE administration and use VISIPAQUE only if the necessary imaging information cannot be obtained with alternative imaging modalities. 5.11 Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) may develop from 1 hour to several weeks after intravascular contrast agent administration. These reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Reaction severity may increase and time to onset may decrease with repeat administration of contrast agents; prophylactic medications may not prevent or mitigate severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Avoid administering VISIPAQUE to patients with a history of a severe cutaneous adverse reaction to VISIPAQUE.