Bracco Diagnostics Inc. Introduces Innovative "Mini" Packaging for VARIBAR® (barium sulfate), Catering to Diverse Customer Needs

New packaging solution enhances sustainability, workflow efficiency, and patient throughput

PRINCETON, N.J., Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bracco Diagnostics Inc. (BDI), a U.S. subsidiary of Bracco Imaging S.p.A., one of the world's leading companies in the diagnostic imaging business, and a pioneer in healthcare innovation, proudly unveils its latest breakthrough in barium solutions: the "Mini" Packaging for VARIBAR^® (barium sulfate) oral suspension. Designed to meet the diverse needs of healthcare providers, this packaging option offers smaller volumes of VARIBAR products, the gold standard in Modified Barium Swallow Studies (MBSS).

Mini packaging will be available for VARIBAR^® NECTAR (barium sulfate) oral suspension, VARIBAR^® THIN HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension, VARIBAR^® HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension, and VARIBAR^® PUDDING (barium sulfate) oral paste.

Time-tested, trusted, and FDA-approved, the legacy of standardized viscosities of the VARIBAR product line helps eliminate the unpredictability of varied barium preparations.^1-4 The "Mini" Packaging is a significant milestone as it enhances procedural efficiency and patient care.

"The VARIBAR line of products, with standardized viscosities, consistently addresses the most important needs in Modified Barium Swallow Studies," said Cosimo De Pinto, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BDI. "Now, with this new additional packaging solution, VARIBAR products are available to clinicians in sustainable, smaller volume options."

The key features of this innovative packaging include:

• Tailored Solutions: Healthcare providers can now access VARIBAR products in smaller quantities, optimizing resource utilization and reducing waste.
• Sustainability: BDI prioritizes using recyclable and biodegradable materials in manufacturing the "Mini" packaging, as it promotes a circular economy thereby reducing reliance on single-use plastics. 
• Streamlined Workflow: The "Mini" Packaging facilitates smoother administration of VARIBAR contrast, enhancing workflow efficiency and patient throughput.

"This new packaging minimizes product waste, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of healthcare procedures," said Amy King, Director of Sustainability at BDI. "Compact packaging optimizes storage space and transportation efficiency, further reducing consumption and emissions."

By offering VARIBAR products in a more versatile and accessible format, BDI continues to invest in the future of abdominal radiology.  The "Mini" Packaging for VARIBAR products is now available for order from all BDI wholesalers and distributors.  For more information, please visit http://imaging.bracco.com/us-en.  

Please see Important Safety Information below.

VARIBAR^® (barium sulfate)

INDICATIONS
VARIBAR^® THIN HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension, VARIBAR^® NECTAR (barium sulfate) oral suspension, and VARIBAR^® THIN LIQUID (barium sulfate) oral suspension are radiographic contrast agents indicated for use in modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients.

VARIBAR^® HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension and VARIBAR^® PUDDING (barium sulfate) oral paste are radiographic contrast agents indicated for use in modified barium swallow examinations to evaluate the oral and pharyngeal function and morphology in adult and pediatric patients 6 months of age and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

CONTRAINDICATIONS
These products should not be used in patients with known or suspected perforation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract; known obstruction of the GI tract; high risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent GI perforation, acute GI hemorrhage or ischemia, toxic megacolon, severe ileus, post GI surgery or biopsy, acute GI injury or burn, or recent radiotherapy to the pelvis; high risk of aspiration such as those with known or suspected tracheo-esophageal fistula or obtundation; known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of the product used.

WARNINGS AND 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, and dermal reactions including rashes, urticaria, and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy, food allergies, 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 VARIBAR PRODUCTS is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract. Administration of VARIBAR 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, constipation, pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease, and the elderly. To reduce the risk of delayed GI transit and obstruction, patients should maintain adequate hydration after the barium sulfate procedure. When administering VARIBAR PUDDING, consider the administration of laxatives.

Aspiration Pneumonitis
The use of VARIBAR PRODUCTS is contraindicated in patients with trachea-esophageal fistula. 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 VARIBAR PRODUCTS. Monitor the patient closely for aspiration, discontinue administration of VARIBAR PRODUCTS if aspiration is suspected, and monitor for development of aspiration pneumonitis.

Systemic Embolization
Barium sulfate products may occasionally intravasate into the venous drainage of the GI tract 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 a barium sulfate suspension, monitor patients for potential intravasation when administering barium sulfate.

ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common adverse reactions are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Serious adverse reactions and fatalities include aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, intestinal perforation with consequent peritonitis and granuloma formation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® THIN LIQUID (barium sulfate) oral suspension.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® THIN HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® NECTAR (barium sulfate) oral suspension.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® HONEY (barium sulfate) oral suspension.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information for VARIBAR^® PUDDING (barium sulfate) oral paste.

VARIBAR is manufactured by E-Z-EM Canada Inc., for E-Z-EM, Inc., a subsidiary of Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540.

VARIBAR is a registered trademark of E-Z-EM, Inc.

For additional information about Bracco's products, and for full prescribing information, please visit http://imaging.bracco.com/us-en. 

About Bracco Imaging
Bracco Imaging S.p.A. ("Bracco Imaging"), part of the Bracco Group, is an innovative world leader delivering end-to-end products and solutions through its comprehensive portfolio across diagnostic imaging modalities. Headquartered in Milan, Italy, Bracco Imaging's purpose is to improve people's lives by shaping the future of prevention and precision diagnostic imaging. The Bracco Imaging portfolio includes products and solutions for all key diagnostic imaging modalities: X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS), and Nuclear Medicine through radioactive tracers and novel PET imaging agents. Bracco Imaging has 3,800 employees and operates in more than 100 markets globally. Bracco Imaging has a well-skilled and innovative Research and Development (R&D) organization with an efficient process-oriented approach and track record in the diagnostic imaging industry. Discover Bracco at www.bracco.com

Bracco Diagnostics Inc. Media Relations (USA)
Kimberly Gerweck
Senior Compliance & Communications Manager
[email protected]
D: +1 609-524-2777

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2. Hind J, Divyak E, Zielinski J, et al. Comparison of standardized bariums with varying rheological parameters on swallowing kinematics in males. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(9):1399-1404. doi: 10.1682/jrrd.2011.09.0180.
3. Robbins J, Nicosia M, Hind JA, et al. Defining physical properties of fluids for dysphagia evaluation and treatment. Perspectives on Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (dysphagia). 2002 Jun;11(2):16-19.
4. Martin-Harris, B., Humphries, K., Garand, K.L. The Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP™^©) – Innovation, Dissemination and Implementation. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. 2017 Dec;2(4):129-138.

SOURCE Bracco Group