Gadolinium

Gadolinium Side Effects

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked the manufacturers of gadolinium-based contrast agents to include a new boxed warning that alerts consumers of the potential development of NFS / NFD (Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis / Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy). On September 28, 2007, Manufacturers of Gadolinium-based contrast agents issued a Dear Healthcare Professional letter to inform healthcare professionals of the addition of a BOXED WARNING and revisions to the WARNING section of the prescribing information for Gadolinium-based contrast agents used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Those facing a significant risk of developing NSF / NFD include those suffering from kidney malfunction or advanced renal failure, liver transplantation patients (preoperative & postoperative), and people suffering from chronic liver disease. Any such “at-risk” people are strongly advised to avoid gadolinium-based products to prevent NSF / NFD development. Symptoms of NSF / NFD may begin to develop shortly after injection of a gadolinium contrast agent, but may also take up to 18 months to fully develop.

What is NSF / NFD?

NSF / NFD is a disease of the skin and connective tissue. NSF / NFD sufferers may experience significant thickening of the skin to the extent that joint mobility becomes limited. Fibrotic scarring may also spread from its common areas to other parts of the body including the diaphragm, lungs, lower abdomen and muscles of the thigh. Although NSF / NFD was not described in medical literature until 2000, the first case of the skin disease was documented in 1997.

Gadolinium Contrast Agent Injuries

Gadolinium contrast agents are used to enhance the quality of an MRI scan. Although gadolinium-based agents have proven to be extremely useful when used in conjunction with MRI’s, they are also capable of eliciting some serious and potentially fatal side effects. According to recent FDA reports, a single injection of gadolinium could potentially result in the development of NSF / NFD.

The most commonly used gadolinium contrast agent is OmniScan (gadodiamide); however, there are five different types that have been approved for use by the FDA:

• OmniScan (gadodiamide)
• OptiMark (gadoversetamide)
• Prohance (gadoteridol)
• Magnevist (gadopentate dimeglumine)
• MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine)
• Gadolinium Side Effect Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a gadolinium-based product injury, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Drug manufacturers are required to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products before marketing them. Failure to adequately measure drug safety is considered to be negligent and grounds for personal injury litigation.

If you have been diagnosed with NSF/NFD, contact our Gadolinium Attorneys for a free legal consultation. You may be entitled to compensation for an injury which could have been prevented.