Gadolinium Exposure and Side Effects
 Gadolinium |
Gadolinium Side Effects |
NSF / NFD |
Gadolinium Lawsuits |
 Larry Gornick has been appointed by U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster to the national Gadolinium litigation plaintiff's steering committee >> read more LegalNewsline.com Suit against Bayer, GE claims chemical compound is toxic >> read article The Recorder Patient Sues Over Dyes From Imaging >> read article Daily Journal One Plaintiff Suit at a Time >> read article |
Gadolinium is a chemical element used in image contrast agents during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) procedures. Once injected, gadolinium-based contrast agents accumulate in abnormal tissues of the brain and body. This accumulation provides a greater contrast between normal and abnormal tissues, allowing doctors to better locate uncommon cell growths and tumors. Recently this drug has come under scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration due to gadolinium side effects such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis / nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NSF/NFD).
FDA Black Box Warning for Gadolinium
In May, 2007 the Food and Drug Administration demanded that manufacturers of gadolinium-based contrast agents include “black box warnings” and extensive warning information in the drugs’ literature and packaging. These warnings were a result of well-documented cases linking nephrogenic systemic fibrosis / nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NSF/NFD) to gadolinium exposure patients who suffer from severe kidney disorders and have been exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis / Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NFD)
Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) and nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD) is a disease-causing fibrosis of the skin and connective tissues. Sufferers may experience thickening of the skin, and fibrosis may develop in the diaphragm, thigh muscles, lower abdomen and lung vessels. Over time the debilitating effects of the disease worsen and sometimes cause death. Currently there is no known, consistent treatment for NSF/NFD.
FDA reports have shown that people can develop these gadolinium side effects after a single injection of a gadolinium-based contrast agent. There are five gadolinium-based contrast agents currently available, and their respective manufacturers may not have fully informed doctors and patients about the risk of NSF/NFD. This negligence may result in the drug manufacturers being required to compensate individuals who have become afflicted with NSF/NFD due to the use these agents.
If you or someone you know suffers from NSF/NFD and has been given a gadolinium-based contrast agent prior to an MRI or MRA, contact the law offices of Levin, Simes, Kaiser & Gornick at (800) 901-4001 to learn more about your legal rights and the possibility of compensation.
Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Currently in Use
Since 1988, the FDA has approved the use of five gadolinium-based contrast agents during MRI and MRA procedures:
- Magnevist (gadopentetate dimeglumine), manufactured by Bayer Healthcare.
- MultiHance (gadobenate dimeglumine), manufactured by Bracco.
- Omniscan (gadodiamide), manufactured by GE Healthcare.
- OptiMARK (gadoversetamide), manufactured by Mallinckrodt.
- ProHance (gadoteridol), manufactured by Bracco.
Although Omniscan is the most widely used of these agents, there have been no specific studies or reports stating that one gadolinium-based contrast agent poses a greater risk than the others.
Causes and Symptoms of NSF/NFD
These side effects of gadolinium were discovered in 1997. Doctors have been unable to determine its exact cause, but the condition only occurs in certain patients. The patients at highest risk suffer from an acute or chronic renal condition that causes the kidneys to insufficiently filter waste from the bloodstream. Other associated conditions that can cause NSF/NFD include kidney dysfunction due to hepatorenal syndrome or complications surrounding a liver transplant.
There are several symptoms associated with NSF/NFD, including:
- Swelling, hardening and tightening of the skin.
- Reddened or darkened patches on the skin.
- Raised yellow spots on the whites of the eyes.
- Joint stiffness.
- Deep pains in the hip bones or ribs.
Gadolinium Lawsuits
The failure of drug manufacturers to properly inform doctors and patients about the harmful side effects of these drugs illustrates their disregard for the well-being of consumers. Many gadolinium lawsuits have been brought against these companies due to the fact they may be liable for any illness or death caused by their gadolinium-based image contrasting agents. People who have been exposed to these drugs and are suffering from NSF/NFD symptoms should contact the gadolinium attorneys of Levin, Simes, Kaiser & Gornick at (800) 901-4001 to better understand their rights and explore any opportunities for compensation.
Levin Simes Kaiser & Gornick, LLP
44 Montgomery Street, 36th floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
Ph: 1.800.901.4001
Fax: 415.981.1270
