Gadolinium

Gadolinium is a chemical element used in MRI imaging contrast agents. Contrast agents help radiologists better identify abnormal tissue, such as cancer cells, in the body and brain during the MRI imaging procedure. The FDA has asked manufacturers of gadolinium-based contrast agents to include a box warning alerting doctors and patients about the side effects of these defective drugs. Studies have shown gadolinium-based contrast agents can cause Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NSD) in patients who suffer from severe kidney or liver deficiencies. Patients who are transplant patients for kidneys or a liver are at greater risk, as are individuals suffering from chronic liver disease. NSF/NSD is a disease that thickens the skin and connective tissue. FDA reports have shown that individuals can develop NSF/NSD shortly after a single injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent. Other reports show it can take up to 18 months for this disease to develop.

The risk of these serious and possibly fatal side effects has resulted in gadolinium-based contrast agents being labeled as defective drugs. Often drug companies who manufacture these defective drugs are negligent and do not fully inform doctors and patients about these side effects. Drug companies may be required to compensate individuals who have become afflicted with NSF/NSD due to gadolinium-based contrast agents. If you have experienced any of these conditions, you should contact Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at (888) 255-2956 to learn about your legal rights and the possibly of compensation.

NSF/NSD

NSF/NSD is a debilitating disease that thickens the skin and connective tissue. Some patients afflicted with NSF/NSD suffer from limited mobility and broken bones. NSF/NSD can also lead to significant scarring of vital organs, such as the lungs, abdomen and diaphragm which may lead to death. Symptoms of the condition include high blood pressure, burning, itching, swelling and hardening of the skin. Sufferers may also notice red or dark patches on the skin, pain deep in the hip bones and muscle weakness. The exact cause of the disease is unknown and there is no consistently effective treatment.

Types of Gadolinium-based Contrast Agents

There are five widely used gadolinium-based contrast agents. FDA reports have not specified if any one agent poses a greater risk of causing NSF/NSD. Studies have shown NSF/NSD can occur after the administration of only one dose of a gadolinium-based contrast agent.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents have been approved by the FDA since 1988. Currently, five brands are being used, with Omniscan being the most popular:

• Omniscan (gadodiamide) manufactured by GE Healthcare
• Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine) manufactured by Bayer Healthcare
• MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine) manufactured by Bracco
• ProHance (gadoteridol) manufactured by Bracco
• OptiMARK (gadoversetamide) manufactured by Mallinckrodt

Often drug companies are negligent and do not fully inform doctors and patients about the harmful side effects of their drugs. This disregard for their consumers’ well-being has made these manufacturers potentially liable for any illness or death caused by a gadolinium-based contrast agent. The Law Offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz boast some of the most experienced personal injury attorneys in the United States. Contact the attorneys of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz today at (877) 810-4808 to learn more about your rights as a victim of gadolinium based contrast agents.