Generic CT contrast supplier pledges ‘immediate relief’ from shortage
A global tech and pharma vendor headquartered in Germany is set to inject U.S. healthcare with a set of generic contrast agents, the first of which will be an FDA-approved substitute for GE Healthcare’s Visipaque.
In an announcement sent to the press July 18, Fresenius Kabi says its formulation of injectable iodixanol is currently available in six presentations for intra-arterial and intravenous procedures such as head and body CT, peripheral venography and coronary CT angiography.
Poor availability of Visipaque (iodixanol) and Omnipaque (iohexol), also from GE, has accounted for most of the pain dealt by the intravenous CT contrast shortage that began in early May.
The CEO of Fresenius Kabi USA, which is based in Lake Zurich Illinois, says the ready availability of the company’s generic iodixanol will deliver “immediate relief” to healthcare provider organizations set back by the protracted contrast shortage.
The company has posted the full announcement, which summarizes safety and dosage information, contraindications and other important fine print.
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.