The gadolinium lawyers at Morgan & Morgan warn consumers of serious risks associated with the MRI/MRA contrast dye Gadolinium. Gadolinium is a chemical element that is often used in MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram), X-Ray, and other imaging technology as a contrast agent.
Contrast dyes are injected into the body of a patient being imaged, in order to enhance the quality of the image. However, Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), a serious and potentially fatal disease has been linked to the use of Gadolinium.
Gadolinium Exposure Dangers
- FDA Approved Use: MRI Contrast Agent
- Generic Name: Gadodiamide
- Warnings:
- FDA Public Health Advisory, June 2006
- FDA Public Health Advisory, December 2006
- FDA Black Box Warning, May 2007
- Side Effects: Linked to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) and Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD)
- Risk Factors: Pre-existing kidney or renal conditions
In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its strongest warning, the Black Box Warning, for gadolinium based contrast agents used in MRIs and MRAs. The medical product has been associated with a life-threatening illness in patients with existing kidney conditions. MRI or MRA patients with severe kidney (renal) problems who are injected with a Gadolinium containing contrast agent are at risk of contracting Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, also called Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD). There is no consistently effective treatment to combat this condition. Gadolinium lawyers are working to defend the rights of individuals who have been harmed by gadolinium and hold the gadolinium dye manufacturers responsible for their failure to warn consumers about its risks.
Those with advanced kidney failure who are exposed to gadolinium may also experience malnutrition, anemia, nerve damage and weakened bones, while the chance of developing heart and blood vessel disease increases.
Gadolinium has been approved by the FDA as a contrast agent for MRIs only (not MRAs), and is marketed under the following brand names in the United States:
- Magnevist, manufactured by Bayer Schering Pharma
- Ominiscan, manufactured by GE Healthcare
- OptiMARK (gadoversetamide), manufactured by Mallinckrodt, Inc.
- MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine), manufactured by Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
- ProHance (gadoteridol), manufactured by Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
Morgan & Morgan's gadolinium attorneys want consumers to be aware that any of these gadolinium contrast dye products could expose you to the toxic substance and potentially cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis. Symptoms of NSF/NFD include swelling, thickening and hardening skin, in the extremities, and occasionally in the torso/trunk area. Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 12 weeks following the Gadolinium injection. Skin thickening due to NSF or NFD often inhibits joint flexion/extension and causes painful contractures. Other symptoms of excessive gadolinium exposure include:
- Harm to connective tissues of the body
- Difficulty moving and in extreme cases, an inability to walk or extend joints
- Hardening of internal organs
- Muscle weakness
- Reddened/darkened skin patches, papules, or plaque
- Burning or itching of the skin
- Yellow raised spots on the whites of the eyes
- Pain in hip bones or ribs
Unfortunately, Gadolinium is still on the market and is used by doctors. If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, following the injection of a Gadolinium containing contrast agent in the course of an MRI, MRA, or X-Ray, you should speak with your doctor immediately.
Morgan & Morgan product liability attorneys investigated into the possibility of a class action lawsuit on behalf of those affected by gadolinium, but our attorneys are no longer taking cases for Gadolinium.. To read the latest news about dangerous drugs, visit classaction.com.