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Definity and Optison
Definity and Optison Ultrasound Contrast Agents
Definity and Optison Have Been Associated With Severe Cardiac Reactions and DeathsIn October 2007, the makers of Definity and Optison, contrast agents used in ultrasounds of the heart, agreed to include a new black box warning on their package inserts after the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) received hundreds of reports of serious cardiac reactions and deaths associated with the administration of these drugs.
Definity, marketed by Bristol Myers Squibb, and Optison, distributed by General Electric, are known as micro-bubble contrast agents. Definity and Optison contrast agents are used in ultrasounds of the heart to enhance images during a procedure called echocardiography. During an echocardiography, the contrast agents are injected into a patient’s veins. The drugs consist of microscopic gas-filled spheres that sharpen the resulting ultrasound picture. The use of Definity or Optison contrast agents allow doctors to better diagnose heart defects and malfunctions.
According to the FDA, there have been more than 200 reports of serious cardiac reactions involving the use of Definity and Optison. In October 2007, the FDA said that it knew of at least 11 deaths associated with the administration of either Definity or Optison. Four of those fatalities occurred either during infusion or within 30 minutes following the administration of the contrast agent. The FDA said that most of the serious but non-fatal reactions also occurred in the same time frame.
Definity and Optison Black Box Warning
As a result of these reports, the FDA requested that the labeling on Definity and Optison be modified to include a black box warning about the cardiac problems associated with these agents. A black box warning is the FDA’s strictest type of warning. The Definity and Optison package inserts now warn that patients could experience cardiac events during, and within 30 minutes of infusion. The FDA also warned that these contrast agents should not be administered to patients with: right-to-left, bi-directional, or transient right-to-left cardiac shunts; clinically unstable or recent worsening congestive heart failure; acute myocardial infarction; serious ventricular arrhythmias or at high risk for arrhythmias due to QT prolongation; respiratory failure; and severe emphysema, pulmonary emboli or other conditions that compromise pulmonary arterial vasculature.
The new black box also warned physicians to monitor all patients receiving micro-bubble contrast agents for serious cardiopulmonary reactions during the infusion and for 30 minutes following completion of administration. Healthcare providers were also advised to keep resuscitation equipment be on hand for half an hour after injecting the drug.
Definity and Optison Lawsuit Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured by Definity or Optison administered during an ultrasound, you may have valuable legal rights. Please fill out the form at the right for a free case review by a qualified attorney.
Definity and OptisonRSS Feed
Definity, Optison Black Box Warning Revised
May 14, 2008 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is watering down its warning about the possible risks of Definity and Optison, micro-bubble contrast agents used during ultrasounds of the heart to enhance images during a procedure called echocardiography. Though the labels of the contrast agents will continue to bear a black box warning about the risk of serious, and sometimes fatal cardiopulmonary reactions, the FDA has dropped a ban on giving the agents to acutely ill patients, such as those...
Doctor Disputes FDA Black Box Warning on Ultrasound Contrast Agents
Apr 3, 2008 | Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
A controversy has erupted over the safety of ultrasound contrast agents used to diagnose heart defects and malfunctions. Last year, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) required the makers of ultrasound contrast agents - also known as micro-bubble contrast agents - to include a black box warning on the products' labels about their association with serious cardiac injuries and deaths. But one scientist who has researched the ultrasound contrast agents says they are safe,...
Defective Drugs
Quick Facts
Definity and Optison Reference Guide
Ultrasound Contrast Makers
Definity - Bristol Myers Squibb
Optison - General Electric
Approved Uses
Ultrasound Contrast Agent
Definity & Optison Side Effects
Serious Cardiac Reaction
Death
FDA Status
Black Box Warning
FDA Consumer Information
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