Gadolinium Causes Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy
Gadolinium Information Gadolinium, or gadodiamide, is used to show contrast between normal tissue and abnormal tissue in the brain and body during the administration of an MRI. It is used in contrast mediums including Omniscan, Magnevist, MultiHance, OptiMARK, and ProHance. Gadolinium looks clear like water and is non-radioactive. After it is injected into a vein, Gadolinium accumulates in the abnormal tissue that may be affecting the body or head causing these abnormal areas to become enhanced on the MRI.
Gadolinium is manufactured by GE Healthcare and used in its Omniscan contrast agent
On June 6, 2006, GE Healthcare issued a safety advisory for Omniscan, warning physicians that the use of the gadolinium-based Omniscan contrast medium on patients with pre-existing renal (kidney) complications may lead to that patient developing a very serious medical condition involving the skin called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), which is also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD).
After accumulating numerous reports of NSF and NFD in patients, the FDA issued public health advisories in June and December of 2006. Based on the reports the FDA has received thus far, patients typically experienced symptoms of NSF/NFD from 2 days to 18 months after exposure to the gadolinium based contrast agent such as Onmiscan.
If you or a loved one has undergone MRI or MRA testing with a galodinium based contrast medium contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you have experienced NSF or NFD, please contact The Levensten Law Firm for a free consultation and case evaluation.
