acute renal insufficiency of any severity due to the hepato-renal syndrome or in the perioperative liver transplantation period.
In these patients, avoid use of gadolinium-based contrast agents unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). NSF may result in fatal or debilitating systemic fibrosis affecting the skin, muscle, and internal organs. Screen all patients for renal dysfunction by obtaining a history and/or laboratory tests. When administering a gadolinium-based contrast agent, do not exceed the recommended dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the agent from the body prior to any readministration [(See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Omniscan is a gadolinium-based contrast agent indicated for intravenous use in MRI to visualize lesions with abnormal vascularity (or those thought to cause abnormalities in the blood-brain barrier) in the brain (intracranial lesions), spine, and associated tissues [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Omniscan is a gadolinium-based contrast agent indicated for intravenous use to facilitate the visualization of lesions with abnormal vascularity within the thoracic (noncardiac), abdominal, pelvic cavities, and the retroperitoneal space [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Adults: The recommended dose of Omniscan is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection. An additional 0.4 mL/kg (0.2 mmol/kg) can be given within 20 minutes of the first dose [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Pediatric Patients (2-16 years): The recommended dose of Omniscan is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) administered as a bolus intravenous injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Adult and Pediatric Patients (2-16 years of age): For imaging the kidney, the recommended dose of Omniscan is 0.1 mL/kg (0.05 mmol/kg). For imaging the intrathoracic (noncardiac), intra-abdominal, and pelvic cavities, the recommended dose of Omniscan is 0.2 mL/kg (0.1 mmol/kg) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
The heaviest patient in clinical studies weighed 136 kg.
Inspect Omniscan visually for particulate matter and discoloration before administration, whenever solution and container permit.
Do not use the solution if it is discolored or particulate matter is present.
Draw Omniscan into the syringe and use immediately. Discard any unused portion of Omniscan Injection.
To ensure complete delivery of the desired volume of contrast medium, follow the injection of Omniscan with a 5 mL flush of 0.9% sodium chloride. Complete the imaging procedure within 1 hour of administration of Omniscan.
A physician with the prerequisite training and knowledge of the procedure to be performed should supervise diagnostic procedures involving the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents.
Use only a suitable work area, such as a laminar flow hood, to withdraw Omniscan Injection doses from the Pharmacy Bulk Package.
Penetrate the Pharmacy Bulk Package container closure only once using a suitable transfer device and aseptic technique.
Once the closure is penetrated, withdraw the container contents without delay. If delay is unavoidable, complete the fluid transfer as soon as possible within a maximum time of 8 hours.
Once the closure is penetrated, keep the Pharmacy Bulk Package container in the aseptic area and at room temperature (do not exceed 30°C).
Following withdrawal of any dose from the Pharmacy Bulk Package, immediately label the dose with the supplied peel-off label that identifies the dose contents as Omniscan and that Omniscan is not for intrathecal use.
Use each individual dose of Omniscan Injection immediately following withdrawal from the Pharmacy Bulk Package container; discard any unused portion of the Omniscan Injection dose not used immediately.
Discard any unused Omniscan doses remaining in the Pharmacy Bulk Package 8 hours after the penetration of the container closure.
Sequential use during the same diagnostic session has been studied in adult CNS use only. If the physician determines repeat dosing is required in non-CNS imaging in adults or pediatric patients, renal function should be normal and the time interval between repeat doses should be at least 7 hours to allow for clearance of the drug from the body [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Sterile aqueous solution for intravenous injection; 287 mg/mL.
Anaphylactoid and anaphylactic reactions, with cardiovascular, respiratory and/or cutaneous manifestations, resulting in death have occurred. If such a reaction occurs, stop Omniscan Injection and immediately begin appropriate therapy. Observe patients closely, particularly those with a history of drug reactions, asthma, allergy or other hypersensitivity disorders, during and up to several hours after Omniscan Injection.
Gadolinium-based contrast agents increase the risk for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with acute or chronic severe renal insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73m2) and in patients with acute renal insufficiency of any severity due to the hepato-renal syndrome or in the perioperative liver transplantation period. In these patients, avoid use of gadolinium-based contrast agents unless the diagnostic information is essential and not available with non-contrast enhanced MRI. For patients receiving hemodialysis, physicians may consider the prompt initiation of hemodialysis following the administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent in order to enhance the contrast agent's elimination. The usefulness of hemodialysis in the prevention of NSF is unknown.
Among the factors that may increase the risk for NSF are repeated or higher than recommended doses of a gadolinium-based contrast agent and the degree of renal function impairment at the time of exposure.
Post-marketing reports have identified the development of NSF following single and multiple administrations of gadolinium-based contrast agents. These reports have not always identified a specific agent. Where a specific agent was identified, the most commonly reported agent was gadodiamide (Omniscan™), followed by gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist®) and gadoversetamide (OptiMARK®). NSF has also developed following sequential administrations of gadodiamide with gadobenate dimeglumine (MultiHance®) or gadoteridol (ProHance®). The number of post-marketing reports is subject to change over time and may not reflect the true proportion of cases associated with any specific gadolinium-based contrast agent.
The extent of risk for NSF following exposure to any specific gadolinium-based contrast agent is unknown and may vary among the agents. Published reports are limited and predominantly estimate NSF risks with gadodiamide. In one retrospective study of 370 patients with severe renal insufficiency who received gadodiamide, the estimated risk for development of NSF was 4% (J Am Soc Nephrol 2006;17:2359). The risk, if any, for the development of NSF among patients with mild to moderate renal insufficiency or normal renal function is unknown.
Screen all patients for renal dysfunction by obtaining a history and/or laboratory tests. When administering a gadolinium-based contrast agent, do not exceed the recommended dose and allow a sufficient period of time for elimination of the agent prior to any readministration. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) and Dosage and Administration (2)].
In patients with renal insufficiency, acute renal failure requiring dialysis or worsening renal function have occurred, mostly within 48 hours of Omniscan Injection. The risk of renal failure may increase with increasing dose of gadolinium contrast. Use the lowest necessary dose of contrast and evaluate renal function in patients with renal insufficiency. Acute renal failure was observed in <1% of patients in Omniscan clinical studies [see Adverse Reactions (6.0)].
Omniscan is cleared by glomerular filtration. Hemodialysis also enhances Omniscan clearance [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5), (8.6)].
Inadvertent intrathecal use of Omniscan has occurred and caused convulsions, coma, sensory and motor neurologic deficits.
Paramagnetic contrast agents such as Omniscan might impair the visualization of lesions which are seen on the noncontrast MRI. This may be due to effects of the paramagnetic contrast agent, or imaging parameters. Exercise caution when Omniscan MRI scans are interpreted in the absence of a companion noncontrast MRI.
Asymptomatic, transitory changes in serum iron have been observed. The clinical significance is unknown.
Omniscan interferes with serum calcium measurements with some colorimetric (complexometric) methods commonly used in hospitals, resulting in serum calcium concentrations lower than the true values. In patients with normal renal function, this effect lasts for 12-24 hours. In patients with decreased renal function, the interference with calcium measurements is expected to last during the prolonged elimination of Omniscan. After patients receive Omniscan, careful attention should be used in selecting the type of method used to measure calcium.
In clinical studies 1160 patients were exposed to Omniscan. The most frequent adverse reactions were nausea, headache, and dizziness that occurred in 3% or less of the patients. The majority of these adverse reactions were of mild to moderate intensity.
Body as a Whole-General Disorders: Anaphylactoid reactions (characterized by cardiovascular, respiratory, and cutaneous symptoms), fever, hot flushes, rigors, fatigue, malaise, pain, syncope.
Cardiovascular Disorders: Cardiac failure, rare arrhythmia and myocardial infarction resulting in death in patients with ischemic heart disease, flushing, chest pain, deep thrombophlebitis.
Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: Convulsions including grand mal, ataxia, abnormal coordination, parethesia, tremor, aggravated multiple sclerosis (characterized by sensory and motor disturbances), aggravated migraine.
Gastrointestinal System Disorders: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, eructation, dry mouth/vomiting, melena.
Skin and Appendage Disorders: Pruritus, rash, erythematous rash, sweating increased, urticaria.
In the 97 pediatric patients in CNS studies with Omniscan [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] and the 144 pediatric patients in published literature, the adverse reactions were similar to those reported in adults.
Nervous System Disorders: Inadvertent intrathecal use causes seizures, coma, paresthesia, paresis.
Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted.
Omniscan has been shown to have an adverse effect on embryo-fetal development in rabbits at dosages as low as 0.5 mmol/kg/day for 13 days during gestation (approximately 0.6 times the human dose based on a body surface area comparison). These adverse effects are observed as an increased incidence of flexed appendages and skeletal malformations which may be due to maternal toxicity since the body weight of the dams was reduced in response to Omniscan administration during pregnancy. In rat studies, fetal abnormalities were not observed at doses up to 2.5 mmol/kg/day for 10 days during gestation (1.3 times the maximum human dose based on a body surface area comparison); however, maternal toxicity was not achieved in these studies and a definitive conclusion about teratogenicity in rats at doses above 2.5 mmol/kg/day cannot be made. Adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women have not been conducted. Omniscan should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, exercise caution when administering Omniscan to a nursing woman.
The safety and efficacy of Omniscan at a single dose of 0.05 to 0.1 mmol/kg have been established in pediatric patients over 2 years of age based on adequate and well controlled studies of Omniscan in adults, a pediatric CNS imaging study, and safety data in the scientific literature. However, the safety and efficacy of doses greater than 0.1 mmol/kg and of repeated doses have not been studied in pediatric patients.
Pharmacokinetics of Omniscan have not been studied in pediatrics. The glomerular filtration rate of neonates and infants is much lower than that of adults. The pharmacokinetics volume of distribution is also different. Therefore, the optimal dosing regimen and imaging times in patients under 2 years of age have not been established.
In clinical studies of Omniscan, 243 patients were between 65 and 80 years of age while 15 were over 80. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in response between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Omniscan is substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of toxic reactions to Omniscan may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to assess renal function before Omniscan use.
Dose adjustments in renal or hepatic impairment have not been studied. Caution should be exercised in patients with impaired renal insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2,5.3)].
Clinical consequences of overdose with Omniscan have not been reported. The minimum lethal dose of intravenously administered Omniscan in rats and mice is greater than 20 mmol/kg (200 times the recommended human dose of 0.1 mmol/kg; 67 times the cumulative 0.3 mmol/kg dose). Omniscan is dialyzable.
Omniscan (gadodiamide) Injection is the formulation of the gadolinium complex of diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid bismethylamide, and is an injectable, nonionic extracellular enhancing agent for magnetic resonance imaging. Omniscan is administered by intravenous injection.
Omniscan has an osmolality approximately 2.8 times that of plasma at 37°C and is hypertonic under conditions of use.
In magnetic resonance imaging, visualization of normal and pathologic tissue depends in part on variations in the radiofrequency signal intensity. These variations occur due to: changes in proton density; alteration of the spin-lattice or longitudinal relaxation time (T1); and variation of the spin-spin or transverse relaxation time (T2). Omniscan is a paramagnetic agent with unpaired electron spins which generate a local magnetic field. As water protons move through this local magnetic field, the changes in magnetic field experienced by the protons reorient them with the main magnetic field more quickly than in the absence of a paramagnetic agent.
By increasing the relaxation rate, Omniscan decreases both the T1 and T2 relaxation times in tissues where it is distributed. At clinical doses, the effect is primarily on the T1 relaxation time, and produces an increase in signal intensity. Omniscan does not cross the intact blood-brain barrier and, therefore, does not accumulate in normal brain or in lesions that do not have an abnormal blood-brain barrier (e.g., cysts, mature postoperative scars, etc). However, disruption of the blood-brain barrier or abnormal vascularity allows accumulation of Omniscan in lesions such as neoplasms, abscesses, and subacute infarcts. The pharmacokinetic parameters of Omniscan in various lesions are not known.
The pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered gadodiamide in normal subjects conforms to an open, two-compartment model with mean distribution and elimination half-lives (reported as mean ± SD) of 3.7 ± 2.7 minutes and 77.8 ± 16 minutes, respectively.
Gadodiamide is eliminated primarily in the urine with 95.4 ± 5.5% (mean ± SD) of the administered dose eliminated by 24 hours. The renal and plasma clearance rates of gadodiamide are nearly identical (1.7 and 1.8 mL/min/kg, respectively), and are similar to that of substances excreted primarily by glomerular filtration. The volume of distribution of gadodiamide (200 ± 61 mL/kg) is equivalent to that of extracellular water. Gadodiamide does not bind to human serum proteins in vitro.
There is no detectable biotransformation or decomposition of gadodiamide.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies have not been systematically conducted to determine the optimal dose and imaging time in patients with abnormal renal function or renal failure, in the elderly, or in pediatric patients with immature renal function.
Long term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of gadodiamide. The results of the following genotoxicity assays were negative: in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay, in vitro CHO/HGPRT forward mutation assay, in vitro Chinese Hamster Ovary chromosome aberration assay, and the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay at intravenous doses of 27 mmol/kg (approximately 7 times the maximum human dose based on a body surface area comparison). Impairment of male or female fertility was not observed in rats after intravenous administration three times per week at the maximum dose tested of 1.0 mmol/kg (approximately 0.5 times the maximum human dose based on a body surface area comparison).
Omniscan (0.1 mmol/kg) contrast enhancement in CNS MRI was evident in a study of 439 adults. In a study of sequential dosing, 57 adults received Omniscan 0.1 mmol/kg followed by 0.2 mmol/kg within 20 minutes (for cumulative dose of 0.3 mmol/kg). The MRIs were compared blindly. In 54/56 (96%) patients, Omniscan contrast enhancement was evident with both the 0.1 mmol/kg and cumulative 0.3 mmol/kg Omniscan doses relative to noncontrast MRI.
In comparison to the noncontrast MRI, increased numbers of brain and spine lesions were noted in 42% of patients who received Omniscan at any dose. In comparisons of 0.1 mmol/kg versus 0.3 mmol/kg, the results were comparable in 25/56 (45%); in 1/56 (2%) Omniscan 0.1 mmol/kg dose provided more diagnostic value and in 30/56 (54%) the cumulative Omniscan 0.3 mmol/kg dose provided more diagnostic value.
The usefulness of a single 0.3 mmol/kg bolus in comparison to the cumulative 0.3 mmol/kg (0.1 mmol/kg followed by 0.2 mmol/kg) has not been established.
Omniscan as a single 0.1 mmol/kg dose was evaluated in 97 pediatric patients with a mean age of 8.9 (2-18) years referred for CNS MRI. Postcontrast MRI provided added diagnostic information, diagnostic confidence, and new patient management information in 76%, 67%, and 52%, respectively, of pediatrics.
Omniscan was evaluated in a controlled trial of 276 patients referred for body MRI. These patients had a mean age of 57 (9-88) years. Patients received 0.1 mmol/kg Omniscan for imaging the thorax (noncardiac), abdomen, and pelvic organs, or a dose of 0.05 mmol/kg for imaging the kidney. Pre- and post-Omniscan images were evaluated blindly for the degree of diagnostic value rated on a scale of "remarkably improved, improved, no change, worse, and cannot be determined." The postcontrast results showed "remarkably improved" or "improved" diagnostic value in 90% of the thorax, liver, and pelvis patients, and in 95% of the kidney patients.
In a dose ranging study 258 patients referred for body MRI received Omniscan 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 mmol/kg. The lowest effective dose of Omniscan for the kidney was 0.05 mmol/kg.
SPECIAL HANDLING AND STORAGE FOR POLYMER BOTTLES.
Protect polymer bottles of Omniscan from strong daylight and direct exposure to sunlight. Do not freeze. Do not use if the product is inadvertently frozen.
Store Omniscan at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F); excursions permitted to 15°-30°C (59°-86°F) [see USP].
have a history of renal disease, convulsions, asthma or allergic respiratory disorders, or recent administration of gadolinium-based contrast.
Patients with impaired renal function who receive repetitive administrations of a gadolinium-containing contrast agent may have an increased risk for the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis if the time interval between the administrations precludes clearance of the contrast agent from the body. In these situations, patients should contact their physician if they develop burning, itching, swelling, scaling, hardening and tightening of the skin; red or dark patches on the skin; stiffness in joints with trouble moving, bending or straightening the arms, hands, legs or feet; pain deep in the hip bones or ribs; or muscle weakness.
Omniscan is a trademark of GE Healthcare.
OptiMARK® is a registered trademark of Mallinckrodt Inc.
Magnevist® is a registered trademark of Verlex Laboratories, Inc.
MultiHance® is a registered trademark of Bracco International B.V.
ProHance® is a registered trademark of Bracco Diagnostics Inc.


text:
California Disaster Insurance bill passes key committee vote
By Michael MartinezApril 2, 2019Blog
In response to increasing costs of natural catastrophes in California, such as those associated with wildfires, earthquakes, and floods, the California Disaster Insurance bill (SB 290) was recently passed by key committee vote.
The bill aims to function like home insurance, except the state will pay for the premiums using existing emergency funds in event of a catastrophe. It has been said, that due to California's climate changes, devastating wildfires have been and will continue to rise.
Senator Bill Dodd, who introduced the legislation, said:
"Climate change has led to devastating wildfires, and we need a strategy to reduce the strain that puts on the state's coffers. Unpredictable disaster costs require large budget reserves and threaten cuts to critical programs. Allowing the state to invest in an insurance policy will provide predictability and limit taxpayers' risk of increasing disasters costs."
With a rise in associated costs, the Insurance Journal explains:
"California has seen the cost of fighting wildfires grow to record levels over the past decade. California spent $947 million in 2017-18 through the emergency fund for firefighting – nearly $450 million more than budgeted, according to Cal Fire. The costs of fighting wildfires have overrun Cal Fire's emergency budget in seven of the last 10 years. Since 2007, California has experienced 11 of the top 20 most destructive fires in its history."
Without an insurance policy in place, large budget reserves and threatened cuts to critical programs are at risk to help pay for these costs. With insurance, however, the risk of passing costs to tax papers will decrease.
The bill now moves to the Senate Committee on Appropriations. If the law actually passes, California would be able to officially engage with the insurance industry and figure out how to pay California's high firefighting costs. It would provide an alternative solution for protecting our communities and our budget in a disaster. It would offer us the flexibility to invest in prevention. It would further keep insurance affordable, despite rising natural threats, like climate change.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Author Michael Martinez
More posts by Michael Martinez
Helping People Prepare for Tomorrow
We provide comprehensive protection plans that are strategically tailored to fit the business or individual. We do this through product knowledge, years of experience and value-added services.
• Business Insurance
• Property Insurance
• Workers Compensation Insurance
• Homeowners Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Group Health Insurance
• Manufacturing Insurance
• Restaurant Insurance
• Home Owners Association Insurance
Oak Insurance Solutions
2220 E. Route 66 Suite 108
CA. License #: 0L85388
© 2020 Oak Insurance Solutions.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl