Spy Agent Green

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 6/20/2023

Drug Summary

What Is Spy Agent Green?

Spy Agent Green (indocyanine green for injection) is an optical imaging agent indicated for use with a fluorescence imaging device for visualization of vessels (micro and macro vasculature), blood flow and tissue perfusion before, during, and after vascular, gastrointestinal, organ transplant, and plastic, micro-and reconstructive surgeries including general minimally invasive surgical procedures in adults and pediatric patients one month of age and older; visualization of extrahepatic biliary ducts in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years; and visualization of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels during lymphatic mapping in women with cervical and uterine tumors.

What Are Side Effects of Spy Agent Green?

Spy Agent Green may cause serious side effects including:

  • hives,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
  • cough,
  • difficulty swallowing,
  • dizziness,
  • fast heartbeat,
  • welts,
  • skin rash,
  • itching,
  • redness of the skin,
  • tightness in the chest,
  • tiredness, and
  • weakness

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Common side effects of Spy Agent Green include:

Spy Agent Green may cause serious side effects including:

  • hives,
  • difficulty breathing,
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat,
  • cough,
  • difficulty swallowing,
  • dizziness,
  • fast heartbeat,
  • welts,
  • skin rash,
  • itching,
  • redness of the skin,
  • tightness in the chest,
  • tiredness, and
  • weakness

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out;
  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Spy Agent Green

The recommended single intravenous dose of Spy Agent Green in adults and pediatric patients one month and older for a surgical procedure is 1.25 mg to 5 mg. The recommended single intravenous dose of Spy Agent Green in adults for visualization of perfusion in extremities through the skin for plastic, micro, and reconstructive surgeries is 3.75 mg to 10 mg.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Spy Agent Green?

Spy Agent Green may interact with radioactive iodine uptake studies. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Spy Agent Green During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Spy Agent Green; it is unknown how it would affect a fetus. It is unknown how Spy Agent Green would affect a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Additional Information

Our Spy Agent Green (indocyanine green for injection), for Intravenous or Interstitial Use Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Drug Description

DESCRIPTION

SPY AGENT GREEN (indocyanine green for injection, USP) is a water soluble, optical imaging agent which is reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, USP, for intravenous or interstitial use. Each vial contains a sterile, lyophilized green powder containing 25 mg of indocyanine green with not more than 5% sodium iodide.

The chemical name for Indocyanine Green is 1 HBenz[e]indolium, 2-[7-[1,3-dihydro-1,1dimethyl-3-(4-sulfobutyl)-2H-benz[e] indol-2-ylidene]-1,3,5-heptatrienyl]-1,1-dimethyl-3-(4sulfobutyl)-, hydroxide, inner salt, sodium salt.

Molecular Formula: C43H47N2NaO6S2; Molecular Mass: 774.96 g/mol, with the following structural formula:

SPY AGENT™ GREEN (indocyanine green) Structural Formula Illustration

Indocyanine green has a peak spectral absorption at 800 nm. SPY AGENT GREEN has a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 when reconstituted with Sterile Water for Injection, USP.

Indications

INDICATIONS

Visualization Of Vessels, Blood Flow And Tissue Perfusion

SPY AGENT™ GREEN is indicated in adults and pediatric patients one month of age and older for:

  • fluorescence imaging of micro- and macro-vasculature, blood flow and tissue perfusion before, during and after vascular, gastrointestinal, organ transplant, and plastic, micro- and reconstructive surgeries, including general minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Visualization Of Extra hepatic Biliary Ducts

SPY AGENT™ GREEN is indicated in adults and pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years for:

  • fluorescence imaging of extra hepatic biliary ducts.

Visualization Of Lymph Nodes And Lymphatic Vessels During Lymphatic Mapping For Cervical And Uterine Tumors

SPY AGENT™ GREEN is indicated in women for:

  • fluorescence imaging of lymph nodes and delineation of lymphatic vessels in the cervix and uterus during lymphatic mapping in patients with solid tumors for which this procedure is a component of intra operative management.
Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Recommended Dose And Administration For Visualization Of Vessels, Blood Flow And Tissue Perfusion

Dosing

Adults

The recommended dose of SPY AGENT GREEN for a single image sequence is 1.25 mg to 5 mg of a 2.5 mg/mL solution.

For visualization of perfusion in extremities through the skin, the recommended dose is 3.75 mg to 10 mg of a 2.5 mg/mL solution.

Immediately flush with a 10 mL bolus of 0.9% Sodium Chloride, USP.

Pediatric patients

The recommended dose for a single image sequence is 1.25 mg to 5 mg SPY AGENT GREEN of a 2.5 mg/mL solution. Lower doses may be administered in younger patients and in those with lower body weight. Adjust the amount and type of flush to avoid volume and/or sodium overload.

Additional doses may be administered to obtain imaging sequences during the procedure. Do not exceed the maximum total dose of 2 mg/kg.

Administration

Prior to the imaging procedure, draw up the desired dosage of SPY AGENT GREEN solution into appropriate syringes and prepare a 10 mL syringe of 0.9% Sodium Chloride, USP.

Administer via a central or peripheral venous line using a three-way stopcock attached to an injection port on the infusion line.

Inject the prepared SPY AGENT GREEN into the line as a tight bolus. Immediately switch the access on the stopcock and inject the prepared flush.

Imaging Instructions For Visualization Of Vessels, Blood Flow And Tissue Perfusion

SPY AGENT GREEN may be used with either the SPY® Elite or PINPOINT® Fluorescence Imaging Systems or with a FDA cleared or approved imaging device that is specifically intended for fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green.

A fluorescence response should be visible in blood vessels within 5 to 15 seconds after injection.

Recommended Dose And Administration For Visualization Of Extra hepatic Biliary Ducts

Dosing And Administration

The recommended single dose of SPY AGENT GREEN for adults and pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years is 2.5 mg of a 2.5 mg/mL solution administered intravenously as a single dose at least 45 minutes prior to surgery. Additional doses may be administered to obtain imaging sequences during the procedure. Do not exceed a total dose of 2 mg/kg.

Imaging Instructions For Visualization Of Extra hepatic Biliary Ducts

SPY AGENT GREEN may be used with the PINPOINT® Fluorescence Imaging System or with a FDA cleared or approved imaging device that is specifically intended for fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green.

Fluorescence is visible in the biliary tree within 45 minutes after injection.

Recommended Dose And Administration For Visualization Of Lymph Nodes And Lymphatic Vessels During Lymphatic Mapping For Cervical And Uterine Tumors

Dosing And Administration

The recommended single dose of SPY AGENT GREEN is 5 mg of a 1.25 mg/mL solution (four 1 mL injections administered interstitially into the cervix, at the three o’ clock and the nine o’clock positions with a superficial (1 mm to 3 mm) and a deep (1 cm to 3 cm) injection at each position).

Imaging Instructions For Visualization Of Lymph Nodes And Lymphatic Vessels During Lymphatic Mapping

SPY AGENT GREEN may be used with the PINPOINT® Fluorescence Imaging System or with a FDA cleared or approved imaging device that is specifically intended for fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green.

Fluorescent lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes should begin to be visible within 1 minute after injection.

Reconstitution Instructions

General
  • Prepare SPY AGENT GREEN under sterile conditions prior to surgery.
  • Inspect the reconstituted solution for particulate matter, the reconstituted solution should be a clear, green solution.
  • Use the prepared solution within 6 hours.
  • Discard any unused product.
Visualization Of Vessels, Blood Flow, And Tissue Perfusion And Visualization Of Extra hepatic Biliary Ducts
  • Dissolve SPY AGENT GREEN with 10 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP to form a concentration of 2.5 mg indocyanine green/mL.
Visualization Of Lymph Nodes And Lymphatic Vessels During Lymphatic Mapping
  • Dissolve SPY AGENT GREEN with 20 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP to form a concentration of 1.25 mg indocyanine green/mL.

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

SPY AGENT GREEN (indocyanine green for injection, USP) is a sterile lyophilized green powder containing 25 mg of indocyanine green with no more than 5% sodium iodide provided in a 20 mL single-patient use vial.

Storage And Handling

NDC 66259-146-01

SPY AGENT GREEN (indocyanine green for injection, USP) is supplied as 25 mg of lyophilized powder in a 20 mL or 25 mL single patient use vial in the following configurations:

Spy Elite Kit
NDC 66259-306-13

Kit for use with SPY Elite System For visualization of vessels, blood flow, and tissue perfusion

One 25 mg SPY AGENT GREEN (Indocyanine Green for Injection, USP) vial,
One 10 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP plastic vial,
One ND8000 sterile drape
Spy Elite Pack
NDC 66259-306-23
6 SPY Elite kits:
Six 25 mg SPY AGENT GREEN (Indocyanine Green for Injection, USP) vials,
Six 10 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP plastic vials,
Six ND8000 sterile drapes

SPY-PHI Kit
NDC 66259-903-14

Kit for use with SPY-PHI SystemFor visualization of vessels, blood flow, and tissue perfusion

One 25 mg SPY AGENT GREEN (Indocyanine Green for Injection, USP) vial,
One 10 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP plastic vial,
One SPY-PHI (HH2000) sterile drape
SPY-PHI Pack
NDC 66259-903-24
6 SPY-PHI kits:
Six 25 mg SPY AGENT GREEN (Indocyanine Green for Injection, USP) vials,
Six 10 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP plastic vials,
Six SPY-PHI (HH2000) sterile drapes

SPY Minimally Invasive Surgery(SPY-MIS) Kit
NDC 66259-936-15

Kit for use with Advanced ImagingModality (AIM) and PINPOINTSystems For visualization of vessels, blood flow, and tissue perfusion For visualization of extra hepatic biliary ducts

One 25 mg SPY AGENT GREEN (Indocyanine Green for Injection, USP) vial,
One 10 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP plastic vial,
Two 3 mL syringes (sterile),
Two 10 mL syringes (sterile),
Two 18G, 1 inch needles (sterile),
Labels for syringes
SPY Minimally Invasive Surgery(SPY-MIS) Pack
NDC 66259-936-25
6 SPY-MIS kits:
Six 25 mg SPY AGENT GREEN (Indocyanine Green for Injection, USP) vials,
Six 10 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP plastic vials,
Twelve 3 mL syringes (sterile),
Twelve 10 mL syringes (sterile),
Twelve 18G, 1 inch needles (sterile),
Labels for syringes

SPY Lymphatics Kit
NDC 66259-937-16

Kit for use with Advanced ImagingModality (AIM) L10 and L11 LightSources and 1688 Camera System, and the PINPOINT System For lymphatic mapping

One 25 mg SPY AGENT GREEN (Indocyanine Green for Injection, USP) vial,
Two 10 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP plastic vials,
One 10 mL syringe (sterile),
One luer-lock 10 mL syringe with controlled handle (sterile),
Two spinal needles 22G, 3.5 inch (sterile),
Labels for syringes
SPY Lymphatics Pack
NDC 66259-937-26
6 SPY Lymphatics kits:
Six 25 mg SPY AGENT GREEN (Indocyanine Green for Injection, USP) vials,
Twelve 10 mL Sterile Water for Injection, USP plastic vials,
Six 10 mL syringes (sterile),
Six luer-lock 10 mL syringes with controlled handle (sterile),
Twelve spinal needles 22G, 3.5 inch (sterile),
Labels for syringes

NDC 63323-185-10 (or NDC 0409-4887-10) Sterile Water for Injection, USP, 10 mL fill in 10 mL plastic vials.

Storage

Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Manufactured by: Patheon Italia S.p.A. Ferentino (FR), Italy. Revised: Mar 2022.

Side Effects & Drug Interactions

SIDE EFFECTS

The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label:

  • Hypersensitivity Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of indocyanine green. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Immune System Disorders: Anaphylaxis, urticaria.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Effect On Radioactive Iodine Uptake Studies

Because SPY AGENT GREEN contains iodine, the iodine-binding capacity of thyroid tissue may be reduced for at least one week following administration. Do not perform radioactive iodine uptake studies for at least one week following administration of SPY AGENT GREEN [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Warnings & Precautions

WARNINGS

Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section

PRECAUTIONS

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, urticaria, and deaths due to anaphylaxis have been reported following intravenous administration of indocyanine green. [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Always have cardiopulmonary resuscitation personnel and equipment readily available and monitor all patients for hypersensitivity reactions.

Interference With Radioactive Iodine Uptake Studies

Because SPY AGENT GREEN contains iodine, the iodine-binding capacity of thyroid tissue may be reduced for at least one week following administration. Do not perform radioactive iodine uptake studies for at least a week following administration of SPY AGENT GREEN [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of SPY AGENT GREEN in pregnant women. Available data from a very small number of scientific literature studies with indocyanine green use in pregnant women over several decades have not reported any drug associated risks for major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Data from one small study in which indocyanine green was administered intravenously to pregnant women during labor suggest there is no placental transfer of the drug. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with indocyanine green.

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defects, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.

Lactation

Risk Summary

Seventeen cases of indocyanine green use in lactating women have been reported in the scientific literature with no adverse events observed in the breast fed infant.

However, there are no data on the presence of indocyanine green in human milk or the effects on milk production. Therefore, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for SPY AGENT GREEN and any potential adverse effects on the breast fed infant from SPY AGENT GREEN or from the underlying maternal condition.

Pediatric Use

Use of indocyanine green for visualization of vessels, blood flow and tissue perfusion has been established in pediatric patients one month and older. Pediatric use is supported by published data in 49 pediatric patients who received indocyanine green for assessment of blood flow and tissue perfusion in cardiovascular, vascular and plastic, micro and reconstructive procedures, and by clinical trials in adults. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between pediatric patients and adults. The dose range was similar to the effective dose range in adults [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The use of indocyanine green for visualization of vessels, blood flow and tissue perfusion has not been established in pediatric patients less than one month of age.

Use of indocyanine green for visualization of extra hepatic biliary ducts has been established in pediatric patients aged 12 to 17 years. Pediatric use is supported by clinical trials in adults in addition to clinical use in pediatric patients. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between pediatric patients and adults. The dose range was similar to the effective dose range in adults [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. The use of indocyanine green for visualization of extra hepatic biliary ducts has not been established in pediatric patients less 12 years of age.

The safety and efficacy of indocyanine green for visualization of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels during lymphatic mapping for cervical and uterine tumors has not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

Of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of SPY AGENT GREEN in visualization of vessels, blood flow, and tissue perfusion, 7 percent were 65 and over, while 1 percent were 75 and over and of the total number of subjects in clinical studies of SPY AGENT GREEN in visualization of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels during lymphatic mapping, 9 percent were 65 and over, while 2 percent were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Clinical studies of SPY AGENT GREEN in visualization of extra hepatic biliary ducts did 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.

Overdose & Contraindications

OVERDOSE

No Information Provided

CONTRAINDICATIONS

SPY AGENT GREEN is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to indocyanine green. Reactions have included anaphylaxis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Clinical Pharmacology

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism Of Action

When bound to proteins in plasma or in lymph fluid, indocyanine green absorbs light in the near-infrared region at 805 nm, and emits fluorescence (light) at a slightly longer wavelength, with peak emission at 830 nm. Fluorescence imaging devices provide external energy as near infrared light for ICG to absorb, resulting in excitation of the ICG and the emitted light (fluorescence) is transferred from the field of view to an image on a monitor. These optical properties of indocyanine green are utilized in fluorescence imaging of the micro and macro vasculature, blood flow and tissue perfusion, the extra hepatic biliary ducts, and for lymphatic mapping of lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels.

Pharmacodynamics

There is no relevant pharmacodynamic data.

Pharmacokinetics

Distribution

Following intravenous injection, indocyanine green binds to plasma proteins (98%) and is largely confined to the intra vascular compartment. Indocyanine green undergoes no significant extra hepatic or enterohepatic circulation; simultaneous arterial and venous blood estimations have shown negligible renal, peripheral, lung or cerebro-spinal uptake of the dye. After biliary obstruction, the dye appears in the hepatic lymph, independently of the bile, suggesting that the biliary mucosa is sufficiently intact to prevent diffusion of the dye, though allowing diffusion of bilirubin.

Following interstitial injection, indocyanine green is taken up by the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes.

Elimination

Indocyanine green is taken up from the plasma almost exclusively by the hepatic parenchymal cells and is secreted entirely into the bile.

The plasma fractional disappearance rate at a 0.5 mg/kg dose has been reported to be significantly greater in women than in men, although there was no significant difference in the calculated value for clearance.

Clinical Studies

Visualization Of Lymph Nodes And Lymphatic Vessels During Lymphatic Mapping Of Cervical And Uterine Tumors

FILM Study (NCT 02209532)

FILM was a randomized, prospective, multi-center, open-label study in patients with early stage uterine or cervical cancers and no known regional nodal or metastatic disease by standard clinical evaluation. SPY AGENT GREEN and a blue dye comparator were injected into the cervix of patients at the beginning of the operative procedure. A total of 176 patients were randomized to receive either SPY AGENT GREEN followed by blue dye or blue dye followed by SPY AGENT GREEN. A total of four 1 mL injections of a 1.25 mg/mL solution of SPY AGENT GREEN were administered into the cervix at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions with a superficial (1 to 3 mm) and a deep (1 to 3 cm) injection at each position for a total dose of 5 mg per patient. Lymphatic mapping was performed intra operatively using the PINPOINT® Fluorescence Imaging System and standard light, followed by excision of tissues identified by SPY AGENT GREEN, blue dye, or the surgeon’s visual and palpation examination. The resected tissues were evaluated by histopathology to confirm presence of lymph nodes. The efficacy of SPY AGENT GREEN and the PINPOINT® Fluorescence Imaging System in the detection of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes during lymphatic mapping procedures was determined by the number of histology-confirmed lymph nodes detected by SPY AGENT GREEN and/or the blue dye comparator.

Table 1 shows the distribution of resected, confirmed lymph nodes by the presence or absence of SPY AGENT GREEN or blue dye in the modified intent-to-treat population (mITT). Among the confirmed lymph nodes identified, 93% were identified using SPY AGENT GREEN, and 43% were identified using blue dye, a difference of 50% [95% confidence interval 39% to 60%].

Table 1: Distribution of Resected Confirmed Lymph Nodes Detected by SPY AGENT GREEN or Blue Dye(BD)

Analysis population Nodes (n) All Lymph Nodes Detected with SPY AGENT GREEN All Lymph Nodes Detected with BD Lymph Nodes Detected with SPY AGENT GREEN Only Lymph Nodes Detected with BD Only Lymph Nodes Detected with Neither
mITT 513 (476/513)
93%
(220/513)
43%
(262/513)
51%
(6/513)
1%
(31/513)
6%

Table 2 shows the number of patients with at least one resected, confirmed lymph node and the number of patients with at least one bilateral lymph node pair detected by SPY AGENT GREEN or blue dye. With SPY AGENT GREEN, approximately 97% of patients had at least one resected, confirmed lymph node detected and 73% had at least one bilateral lymph node pair detected, compared with 68% and 28%, respectively, with blue dye [p-values for each analysis <0.0001].

Table 2: Distribution of Patients with at Least One Confirmed Unilateral Lymph Node / Bilateral PairDetected by SPY AGENT GREEN or Blue Dye (BD)

Analysis population Patients (n) Patients with All Lymph Nodes Detected with SPY AGENT GREEN Patients with All Lymph Nodes Detected with BD Patients with Lymph Nodes Detected with SPY AGENT GREEN Only Patients with Lymph Nodes Detected with BD Only Patients with Lymph Nodes Detected with Neither
mITT
Unilateral*
172 (167/172)
97%
(118/172)
68%
(51/172)
30%
(2/172)
1%
(3/172)
3%
mITT
Bilateral**
(126/172)
73%
(49/172)
28%
(79/172)
46%
(2/172)
1%
(44/172)
26%
*:patients with at least one resected confirmed lymph node detected unilaterally
**: patients with at least one resected confirmed lymph node detected bilaterally

Medication Guide

PATIENT INFORMATION

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Advise patients to seek medical attention for reactions following injection of SPY AGENT GREEN such as difficulty breathing, swollen tongue or throat, skin reactions including hives, itching and flushed or pale skin, low blood pressure, a weak and rapid pulse and other symptoms or signs of an anaphylactic reaction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

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