Credible studies prove that exposure to gadolinium-based contrast dye considerably increases the risk of developing NSF/NFD (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy), a fatal disease. One such study, spearheaded by Dr. Aneet J Deo, revealed that patients suffering from End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are at a higher risk of gadolinium side effects. NSF traces were found in ESRD patients after gadolinium exposure.

Gadolinium: Warning and Lawsuits

First introduced in the 1980s, gadolinium (or gadolinium-DPTA, gadodiamide) an FDA approved contrast agent used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other magnetic resonance tests. This contrast agent is a dye that, after being injecting into your body, enhances the image quality of a test. The FDA issued a black box warning in September 2007, requiring all gadolinium contrast dyes to categorically mention the link with NSF in their product labels.

Currently, there are five such dyes in the market:

• Omniscan by GE Healthcare
• OptiMARK by Mallinckrodt/Tyco Healthcare
• Magnevist by Bayer/Schering AG/Berlex
• ProHance by Bracco Diagnostics
• MultiHance by Bracco Diagnostics

About 400 lawsuits have been filed in different state and federal courts against the makers of gadolinium based contrast agents by individuals who have alleged problems like NSF after an enhanced MRI test. You should immediately get your case evaluated by a Montana medical malpractice attorney if you or a loved one is suffering from NSF.

Gadolinium: Known Side Effects

Gadolinium poses grave dangers especially for people with kidney related diseases. NSF, a relatively new disease, is debilitating and can even be fatal. Currently, there is no treatment for NSF. People suffering from NSF may experience symptoms like burning, itching, swelling, hardening of skin, pain in the hip bones or ribs and even muscle weaknesses. NSF can also cause sever stiffness in the joints.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid gadolinium. People using gadolinium may experience:

• Lightheadedness
• Pain or burning at injection site
• Shortness of breath
• Yellow plaques near eyes
• Sweating
• Mild headache
• Low blood pressure
• Nausea

Gadolinium injections can also cause irritation to the vein, resulting in skin problems and blood clots. If you have experienced any of these, you should contact a Billings, MT lawyer, who will be able to protect your rights and get to fair compensation.

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