WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Hypersensitivity Reactions
Barium sulfate preparations contain a number of
excipients, including natural and artificial flavors and may induce serious
hypersensitivity reactions. The manifestations include hypotension,
bronchospasm and other respiratory impairments, dermal reactions including
rashes, urticaria, and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, or a
previous reaction to a contrast agent may increase the risk for
hypersensitivity reactions. Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be
immediately available for treatment of a hypersensitivity reaction.
Intra-abdominal Barium Leakage
The use of READI-CAT 2 products is contraindicated in
patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Administration of READI-CAT 2 products may result in leakage of barium from the
GI tract in the presence of conditions such as carcinomas, GI fistula,
inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, or
diverticulitis, and in patients with a severe stenosis at any level of the GI
tract, especially if it is distal to the stomach. The barium leakage has been
associated with peritonitis and granuloma formation.
Delayed Gastrointestinal Transit And Obstruction
Orally administered barium sulfate may accumulate
proximal to a constricting lesion of the colon, causing obstruction or
impaction with development of baroliths (inspissated barium associated with
feces) and may lead to abdominal pain, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or
rarely perforation. Patients with the following conditions are at higher risk
for developing obstruction or baroliths: severe stenosis at any level of the GI
tract, impaired GI motility, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, on a low
residue diet, taking medications that delay GI motility, and constipation,
pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease, and the
elderly [see Use in Specific Populations]. To reduce the risk of delayed
GI transit and obstruction, patients should maintain adequate hydration
following a barium sulfate procedure.
Aspiration Pneumonitis
The use of READI-CAT 2 products is contraindicated in
patients at high risk of aspiration [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Oral
administration of barium is associated with aspiration pneumonitis, especially
in patients with a history of food aspiration or with compromised swallowing
mechanism. Vomiting following oral administration of barium sulfate may lead to
aspiration pneumonitis. In patients at risk for aspiration, begin the procedure
with a small ingested volume of READI-CAT 2 products. Discontinue
administration of READI-CAT 2 products immediately if aspiration is suspected.
Systemic Embolization
Barium sulfate products may occasionally intravasate into
the venous drainage of the large bowel and enter the circulation as a
“barium embolus” leading to potentially fatal complications which
include systemic and pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular
coagulation, septicemia and prolonged severe hypotension. Although this complication
is exceedingly uncommon after oral administration of barium sulfate suspension,
monitor patients for potential intravasation when administering barium sulfate.
Risk Of Hereditary Fructose Intolerance
READI-CAT 2 contains sorbitol which may cause severe
reactions if ingested by patients with hereditary fructose intolerance, such
as: vomiting, hypoglycemia, jaundice, hemorrhage, hepatomegaly, hyperuricemia,
and kidney failure. Before administration of READI-CAT 2 assess patients for a
history of hereditary fructose intolerance and avoid use in these patients.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
No animal studies have been performed to evaluate the
carcinogenic potential of barium sulfate or potential effects on fertility.
Uses In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Risk Summary READI-CAT 2 products are not absorbed
systemically following oral administration, and maternal use is not expected to
result in fetal exposure to the drug.
Lactation
Risk Summary READI-CAT 2 products are not absorbed
systemically by the mother following oral administration, and breastfeeding is
not expected to result in exposure of the infant to READI-CAT 2.
Pediatric Use
The efficacy of READI-CAT 2 in pediatric patients of all
groups is based on successful opacification of the GI tract during radiographic
procedures [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
READI-CAT 2 is contraindicated in pediatric patients with
tracheo-esophageal fistula [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Pediatric patients
with a history of asthma or food allergies may be at increased risk for
development of hypersensitivity reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Pediatric
patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease should be monitored for
bowel obstruction after use [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies of READI-CAT 2 products do not include
sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they
respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience
has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger
patients. 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.