Omniscan & Gadolinium Injections & Injuries
Omniscan is one of five gadolinium-based injections which have been approved by the FDA for use during an MRI with contrast. It is also known to be used during MRA with contrast, even though it has not been approved for this purpose.
The FDA recently released a Public Health Advisory regarding contrast agents containing gadolinium, linking it to a disease known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD). Gadolinium is a heavy metal which is highly toxic. MRI and MRA contrasting agents that contain gadolinium are supposed secrete out of the body quickly. The danger seems to lie in people with impaired kidney function who may not be able to secrete the toxic substance as quickly as necessary.
Other manufacturers of gadolinium-based contrast agents include:
- Magnevist: Bayer Schering Pharma, Berlin, Germany
- Omniscan: GE Healthcare, Chalfont St. Giles, U.K.
- OptiMARK: Mallinckrodt, Inc., Hazelwood, Mo.
- ProHance and Multihance: Bracco Diagnostics Inc., Princeton, N.J.
- Thick skin, often described as "woody" and "shiny"
- Tight skin which contracts around joints, impairing movements
- Swelling, redness and burning sensations
- Deep pain in the hip or ribs
- General muscle weakness
There are no known consistently successful Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis treatment options currently available. In many cases individuals become dependent on a wheelchair within weeks of the disease onset, as tightening and contracture of skin over the joints leads to limited mobility. The disorder has also been associated with fibrosis (or scarring) developing in the diaphragm, thigh muscles, lower abdomen and lung vessels. The rare progressive disease can also lead to death in severe cases.
Side effects of gadolinium after an MRI or MRA contrast dye could include:
If you or a loved one has been or may have been harmed or injured by gadolinium injections, contact an experienced product liability lawyer to review your case. The Rasansky Law Firm is actively pursuing these cases, and strive to ensure your legal rights and remedies are protected.
We demand strict professional standards. Our Dallas-based attorneys are among the finest drug injury and product liability lawyers and have resolved many multi-million dollar personal injury cases. We are passionate about our role as advocates and treat our clients with complete respect and compassion. We are committed to utilizing all available legal advantages and tactics to successfully resolve your personal injury claim.
