Month: August 2020

Indocyanine Green (ICG, tradenames such as Indocyanine Green for Injection, USP and Verdye) has a well-documented high safety and tolerability profile[i] . Combined with its unique pharmacokinetic and photo physical properties Indocyanine Green, ICG enjoys wide acceptance and is used routinely in fluorescence guided procedures around the world.

There have been questions relating to iodine/iodide allergies, which require clarification. The ICG molecule itself does not contain the ion iodide. However, sodium iodide is added as part of the manufacturing process to lyophilize the ICG, which makes the product more stable and easier to dissolve.

Because your body does not produce iodine, it needs to be supplied in the diet.  When iodine intake is poor, the body cannot produce enough thyroid hormones which can lead to hypothyroidism and goitre. Sodium iodide is found in iodized nutrients e.g. in fish. In fact, salt iodization is recommended in iodine-deficient regions.[ii]

The connection between an iodine/iodide allergy and ICG has been previously raised, however such a reaction is not considered plausible as the human body needs to absorb iodide and so allergic reactions based on sodium iodide, as contained in ICG powder, are not possible.

Allergies are reactions by the body to antigens. Antigens must fulfil certain criteria to induce antibody production and a subsequent allergy and one such criteria is the molecular size. Sodium iodide is a very small molecule which cannot be identified by the body as an antigen. Patients with an “allergy to iodine” react to macro molecules containing iodine/iodide, such as contrast media for x-ray, iodine-containing disinfectants and iodine-containing drugs like amiodarone. Unlike ICG, in these examples, iodide is bound within larger molecules.

A patient with a known allergy to macromolecular iodide/iodine containing compounds will not be at risk of an allergic reaction to ICG where the salt sodium iodide is incorporated.

A diagnostic application of Indocyanine Green, ICG means a total dose of up to 840μg of iodide can be administered. This may pose a risk for patients suffering from hyperthyroidism. In these patients ICG should only be used with caution or not administered at all.

Expert opinion of Prof. Dr. Med. R. Hehrmann, Department of Endocrinology, Medical Director,

Diakonie Krankenhaus, Stuttgart, Germany

[i] Alander JT, Kaartinen I, Laakso A, Pätilä T, Spillmann T, Tuchin VV, Venermo M, Välisuo P (2012) A review of indocyanine green fluorescent imaging in surgery. Int J Biomed Imaging 2012:940585

[ii] Elizabeth N Pearce, John H Lazarus, Rodrigo Moreno-Reyes, Michael B Zimmermann, Consequences of iodine deficiency and excess in pregnant women: an overview of current knowns and unknowns, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 104, Issue suppl_3, September 2016, Pages 918S–923S, https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.110429

ICG now approved in Mexico – Vistamerica announced the approval of VistaVerde ICG in Mexico: Available on market in October 2020

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora.  August 20, 2020.  Vistamerica S de RL is proud to announce that VistaVerde ICG has been approved by the Federal Committee for Protection from Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS) in Mexico. Vistamerica has exclusive distribution rights for Indocyanine Green (ICG) for the entire territory of Mexico, with plans set to enter the market in October 2020.

ICG, produced by Michigan based Diagnostic Green LLC, the leading provider of trusted high-quality fluorescence pharmaceutical products, is well known and accepted by physicians worldwide. Indicated for use in determining cardiac output, hepatic function and liver blood flow, and for ophthalmic angiography, ICG is well tolerated and has an excellent safety profile.  It is routinely used by physicians during fluorescent guided surgery. 

“We are delighted to engage with such a dedicated and enthusiastic company that will ensure ICG will be available to physicians throughout Mexico”, stated Ron Clarke, VP Business Development at Diagnostic Green. 

Vistamerica cofounder and owner Catalina Markham similarly expressed, “We are excited to offer ICG in Mexico. It is quickly becoming the standard of care during fluorescent guided surgery and we are anxious to continue providing excellent service with cutting-edge products to benefit physicians and patients alike.”

For full prescribing details, contact Vistamerica. 

Vistamerica S de RL Sinaloa Avenue No. 183-3, South Center, 83550, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico.

Office: + 52-638-38-88668, Info@vistamerica.net.

VistaVerde

Verde de Indocianina

ICG ahora aprobado en México – Vistamerica anunció la aprobación de VistaVerde ICG en México: Disponible en el mercado en octubre del 2020

Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, 20 de agosto, 2020. Vistamerica S de RL (Vistamerica) se enorgullece de anunciar que VistaVerde ICG ha sido aprobado por la Comision Federal de Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios (COFEPRIS) en México. Vistamerica tiene los derechos exclusivos de distribución de Indocyanine Green (ICG) para todo el territorio de México, con planes para ingresar al mercado en octubre del 2020.

ICG, es producido por Diagnostic Green LLC, con sede en Michigan, proveedor líder de productos farmacéuticos de fluorescencia de alta calidad de confianza, es bien conocido y aceptado por médicos de todo el mundo. Indicado para su uso en la determinación del gasto cardíaco, la función hepática y el flujo sanguíneo hepático, y para la angiografía oftálmica, el ICG se tolera bien y tiene un excelente perfil de seguridad. Los médicos lo utilizan habitualmente durante la cirugía guiada por fluorescencia.

“Estamos encantados de colaborar con una empresa tan dedicada y entusiasta que garantizará que ICG esté disponible para los médicos en todo México”, afirmó Ron Clarke, vicepresidente de desarrollo comercial de Diagnostic Green.

La cofundadora y propietaria de Vistamerica, Catalina Markham, expresó de manera similar: “Estamos muy contentos de ofrecer ICG en México. ICG se está convirtiendo rápidamente en el estándar de atención durante la cirugía guiada por fluorescencia y estamos ansiosos por continuar brindando un servicio excelente con productos de vanguardia para beneficiar a médicos y pacientes por igual”.

Para obtener detalles completos, comuníquese a Vistamerica.

Vistamerica S de RL Avenida Sinaloa No. 183-3, Centro Sur, 83550, Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, México.

Oficina: + 52-638-38-88668, Info@vistamerica.net.