In 1988 the FDA approved the use of Gadolinium for use as a contrast agent in MRI's.  Contrast agents help in enhancing the clarity of MRI images.  Gadolinium bonds with damaged or diseased tissues giving doctors a much clearer picture of organs that they would without. 

On June 8, 2006 the FDA issued a warning that Gadolinium may be linked to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD).   NSF & NFD patients may have one or more of the follow conditions:

• Redded skin patches or rashes
• Calcification (tightening) of muscle, skin and tendons
• Muscle weakness
• Thickening of skin epically around joints
• Pain in the hips and ribs
• Yellowness in eyes
• Burning, itching pain in affected areas

The above conditions generally develop within 2 - 12 weeks follows exposure to Gadolinium.  Gadolinium is used in the following contract agents: Omniscan, Magnevist, MultiHance, OptiMARK and ProHance.  On May 23, 2007 the FDA issued issued an additional warning on the use of Gadolinium.

At this time it is unclear if drug manufacturers were aware of potential complications with Gadolinium.  If you have been diagnosed with NSF, NFD or have experienced any of the above conditions contact my office today to discuss your legal rights.

Here is an FDA warning regarding Gadolinium.