A recent FDA warning implicated gadolinium in causing a rare and debilitating disease known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in those with advanced kidney disease. Gadolinium is used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scans as a contrast agent. Although its unique properties have benefited many patients, those patients with kidney disease are at a high risk of developing NSF. Because this disease has only recently been discovered, gadolinium’s complete side effects and their implications are still uncertain. A lawyer from Phillips Law Group with extensive experience in dangerous drug cases can help you or a loved one attain the compensation you deserve if you have suffered because of exposure to gadolinium. Every attorney at our office is skilled and knowledgeable and will represent you with integrity and intelligence.
Gadolinium Exposure
Harmful exposure to gadolinium typically occurs during either an MRI or MRA, detailed scans that take three-dimensional images of the body’s internal structures. Gadolinium compounds are used to highlight tissue abnormalities when injected into a patient’s bloodstream, these compounds circulate and collect in abnormal tissue and show up brightly in the scans. Between 1988 and 2004, the FDA approved five different gadolinium composites: ProHance, MultiHance, Magnevist, Omniscan, and OptiMARK. Each contains gadolinium, though the chemical is combined with a different agent in each one. The recent FDA warning encompasses all of them, and each gadolinium compound is thought to produce similar side effects.
NSF – Symptoms and Progression
The most common symptom of the condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), originally named nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD), is a tightening and hardening of the skin. The disease usually affects the extremities, especially flex points such as the knees and elbows, but it can also manifest on the trunk as well. Yellow spots sometimes appear on the whites of the eyes, and sometimes deep bone pain occurs in the hips and ribs. NSF also causes scarring on the internal organs. Symptoms may appear days after exposure to gadolinium, or the disease may lie dormant for months before showing any signs. Depending on the patient, the disease may progress quickly or very slowly; some people notice changes daily or weekly, while others may not notice additional symptoms for months. Doctors have determined that NSF alone is not deadly. However, it often contributes to death by inhibiting respiration and movement.
What Do I Do Now?
Prompt medical attention should be your highest priority if you notice any of the symptoms of NSF. Keeping accurate records and receipts of your medical care will help you if you decide to seek compensation after being exposed to gadolinium. A lawyer can help you bring legal action against those responsible and achieve compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Though pursuing legal action in gadolinium cases is a fairly recent development, each attorney from Phillips Law Group has had experience with dangerous drug cases and will represent you aggressively and intelligently.
Contact Phillips Law Group
If you’ve been diagnosed with NSF after exposure to gadolinium and need an experienced lawyer, a Phillips Law Group attorney can help you attain compensation for your medical expenses and other difficulties. The entire range of gadolinium side effects is still being discovered, and Phillips Law Group is staying up-to-date on the latest developments. Contact our office for more information or to set up a consultation.
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