Gadolinium Side Effects Lawsuit

Gadolinium is a contrast agent used in preparation for MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). In patients with kidney problems or kidney failure, gadolinium may cause a rare but serious medical condition called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). NSF is a serious condition with no recognized cure, and no genetic basis. It is linked with exposure to gadolinium in patients with kidney failure or impaired renal function. Gadolinium is injected before an MRI by an intravenous line, and is used as a contrast agent to make certain tissues easier to see during a MRI scan. If you have been diagnosed with NSF after being injected with a gadolinium based MRI contrast agent, you may be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit.

About Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF)

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis is a recently discovered disease; the first case was diagnosed only in 1997. It was originally only considered a skin condition (Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy), but it was later learned to damage internal organs, such as the lungs, diaphragm and abdominal muscles. NSF was formally recognized in 2000 as a systemic disorder that affects the skin as well as internal organs. About 5% of all cases of NSF are fatal.

Gadolinium-Based MRI Contrast Agents and NSF

Most patients that receive an injection of a gadolinium based MRI contrast agent will not develop NSF or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSD). The condition is linked to patients with renal failure or impaired renal function. Patients undergoing dialysis are at the highest risk. Symptoms of NSF and NSD can develop within two days to 18 months after an injection of a gadolinium based contrast agent.

Symptoms of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

NSF is a progressive fibrosis of the skin. It causes skin to become so tight that the patient slowly loses their movement ability. Skin may become so thick and tight that eventually movement could result in bone fracture. Some of the recognized symptoms of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis and Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy include:

• Burning or itching sensations
• Darkening patches of skin
• Dry scaly skin
• Itchy skin
• Kidney/renal problems
• Muscle weakness
• Pain in ribs or hip area
• Problems moving or straightening arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Reddened skin patches
• Skin hardening or tightening
• Stiff joints/difficulty in movement
• Yellow raised spots on the whites of the eyes.

Types of Gadolinium Contrast Agents

The following gadolinium contrast agents may contribute to NSF, NFD, and other skin problems, joint problems, kidney failure and renal failure:

• Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine)
• Ominiscan (gadodiamide)
• OptiMARK (gadoversetamide)
• MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine)
• Prohance (gadoteridol).

In the United States, guidelines that are dialysis patients should only receive gadolinium contrast agents when absolutely necessary, and dialysis should be performed immediately after the MRI scan is complete. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required the manufacturers of the five named gadolinium contrast agents include a boxed warning – the strongest possible warning – alerting physicians and patients of the risk gadolinium poses to those with kidney problems. Use of gadolinium for MRAs (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram) is considered an off-label use and is not approved by the FDA.

Gadolinium Compensation Information: NSF Lawsuits and Settlements

If your doctor has diagnosed you with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy, or if you have kidney disease and have had any MRIs or MRAs since 1988, contact the law firm of Anastopoulo and Clore LLC. You may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer of a gadolinium contrast agent and possibly other defendants. By law, you have a limited time to file a claim. Contact us at (800) 313-2546 or request a consultation. Our seasoned trial attorneys have represented thousands of victims of dangerous and defective drugs.

For a Free Gadolinium Case Evaluation Call 1-800-313-2546