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Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents Lawsuit

If you or someone you know has had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and experienced complications or even death afterward, negative side effects could be linked to the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). GBCAs are used during some MRI procedures to highlight tissues on an image scan. In December 2017, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a class warning about GBCAs, which may remain in a patient’s body and lead to gadolinium deposition disease (GDD). The journal Applied Radiology reports that recent cases of toxicities related to GBCAs have included gadolinium-induced encephalopathy, renal failure, acute pancreatitis and severe necrotizing pancreatitis.

Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents Lawsuit


Other complications may occur, and in the most serious of cases, death may be caused by the use of GBCAs. Please contact the defective medical device lawyers and defective product attorneys right away if you or a loved one has experienced adverse side effects after an MRI. You may be entitled to compensation. Our law firm provides free consultations.

Latest Known Facts:

There are at least half a dozen GBCAs currently in use; 

  • A Gadolinium Retention Evaluation Consortium has been created to monitor negative effects of gadolinium
  • GBCAs may lead to gadolinium storage condition, where the body has excess amounts of gadolinium

Why Are Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents in use?

Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Lawsuit Gadolinium, the key component in GBCAs, is a heavy metal that helps improve visualization of tissues, organs and blood vessels during an MRI. MRI scans are typically used for problems such as bleeding, cancer and infections. Some of the brands of GBCAs that may be used in an MRI scan include Gadavist, Magnevist, MultiHance, Omniscan, OptiMARK and ProHance.

For many, GBCAs are eliminated through the body’s kidneys after the MRI scan. For patients with kidney problems, though, this metal may be retained in the body, which contributes to an increased chance of problems like GDD.


Problems with Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents


In November 2017, actor Chuck Norris became just one of many people who has seen the harmful side effects of GBCAs and has filed a lawsuit against medical device manufacturers of GBCAs. After his wife Gena Norris was injected with gadolinium, she experienced side effects like weakness, lethargy, burning and extreme pain. The lawsuit alleges that gadolinium manufacturers have known about associated risks with gadolinium use but have failed to warn consumers.

Other lawsuits against gadolinium manufacturers have stated that there has been inadequate testing for severe side effects. While GBCAs have been used in millions of MRI scans, those with high risks may face death without proper warning and testing.

Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents Lawsuit Who Is at Risk for GBCA Problems?


The FDA recommends that the following people should alert their healthcare providers about medical issues before having MRI scans using GBCAs:

  • Those who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant

  • Those who have received MRI scans in the past

  • Those who have kidney problems

Physicians should be discussing issues like these with those receiving MRI scans in any case. Risk factors such as these may be enough to discourage using an MRI scan with gadolinium. If you underwent an MRI scan and had any of these risk factors, be vigilant of the following warning signs. Discuss any concerns you have with your physician.

Warning Signs of Harmful GBCA Effects


GDD and other toxicities that may occur because of gadolinium include renal failure, pancreatitis and encephalopathy. For those who have recently received an MRI scan that used gadolinium, it’s vital to be aware of the following warning signs and risk factors that may indicate a problem.

  • Bone and rib pain

  • Skin burning or itching

  • Brain fog

  • Thickening and discoloration of skin

  • Swelling, tightening and hardening of skin

  • Yellow raised spots on whites of eyes

  • Muscle weakness

  • Mobility limitations

Even if you are not experiencing issues like these at the moment, remember that these symptoms may show up months after an MRI scan with gadolinium. Pay attention to any symptoms, and consult with a physician immediately if you are in pain.

Get Help from a Medical Device Attorney
Your health is literally your livelihood. It should never be put in danger because of a medical procedure you receive. Inadequate testing and warning from gadolinium manufacturers may be to blame for serious complications someone experiences after an MRI scan. The worst possibility is death.

At defective drug attorneys, we have extensive experience fighting for patients who deserve compensation for negligence by medical providers and manufacturers. We can help you. Please contact us online or at (866) 515-8880 for a free consultation if you believe an MRI scan using GBCAs has caused you or a loved one pain and suffering.
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