Gadolinium Home About Gadolinium Injuries and Warnings Who's to Blame Your Legal Rights FAQs Free Case Evaluation
Last updated March 26, 2008

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

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What is gadolinium?

Gadolinium (Gd) is a silvery white metallic element that is strongly attracted to magnets. It is used intravenously in contrast dyes to enhance images in patients undergoing MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and MRA (magnetic resonance angiography). Gadolinium is also used to make CD disks, computer memory, and television tubes.

What are GBCAs?

"GBCA" stands for "gadolinium-based contrast agent." A contrast agent is a dye that is used with MRI and MRA procedures to enhance the image. The dye is injected into the bloodstream in a shot or through an IV. The dye then spreads through the circulatory system creating contrast that makes it easier to evaluate the MRI image. GBCAs are dyes that contain gadolinium.

What is nephrogenic systemic fibrosis?

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a debilitating, potentially fatal disease which causes a thickening of the skin, connective tissues, muscles and internal organs throughout the body. There is no known cure for NSF, it becomes worse over time and can lead to death.

NSF symptoms include swelling, tightening, or thickening of the skin; skin lesions (patches, bumps or blisters); burning, itching or severe sharp pain in affected areas; changes in skin texture (feeling "woody" or like orange peel); difficulty extending arms or legs; muscle weakness; deep bone pain in hips or ribs; and swelling of the hands and feet. For more information, see the nephrogenic systemic fibrosis page.

If you or someone you know has developed NSF or NSF symptoms after having an MRI or MRA, contact our offices for a free case review by one of our pharmaceutical attorneys.

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What is nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy?

Nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD) is just another name for nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). When the condition first appeared in 1997, it was given the name “nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy” because they thought it only affected the skin. “Dermopathy” means disease of the skin. As more cases appeared over time, they realized that this condition also affects the internal organs. So they changed the name to nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. “Systemic” means that it affects the entire body.

What is an MRI?

"MRI" stands for "magnetic resonance imaging." It is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of organs and structures inside the body.

An MRI is used to look for tumors, bleeding, injuries, blood vessel problems, or infection. A contrast dye is often injected into the patient to enhance the MRI image.

What is an MRA?

"MRA" stands for "magnetic resonance angiography." It is a type of MRI scan that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. An MRA image reveals both the blood flow and the condition of the blood vessel walls. It is used to look for problems of the arteries and veins, such as an aneurysm, a blocked blood vessel, or a torn lining of a blood vessel. An MRA is taken with the MRI machine. A contrast dye is sometimes used to make the blood vessels show up more clearly. The dye is usually given through an IV during the exam. The exam usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, but may take up to 2 hours.

What are the gadolinium lawsuits about?

The drug companies that produce gadolinium dyes did not adequately test the dyes and did not warn the public about its life-threatening risks. As a result, many people are now needlessly suffering from nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, a severe potentially fatal disease, associated with exposure to gadolinium. See "Who's to Blame" for more information.

Patients and their families are suing the drug companies seeking compensation for their injuries and resulting losses.

The Law Firm of Howard L. Nations represents people who have been injured by gadolinium. If you or someone you know has developed NSF after exposure to a gadolinium dye, contact our offices for a free case consultation with one of our pharmaceutical attorneys.

Is gadolinium safe?

Recent studies have shown that certain people who were administered gadolinium-based contrast agents as part of an MRI or MRA procedure were at increased risk of developing a rare disease called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. People who are in the high-risk group, i.e., those with severe kidney insufficiency, are being warned to avoid gadolinium-based dyes. For more information, see Research & Warnings.

If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of gadolinium, you should talk to your doctor.

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Is it safe to get an MRI or MRA?

The risk of developing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is associated with exposure to gadolinium, which is in the contrast dye. It is not associated with the MRI or MRA procedure itself. The reported NSF injuries have been among certain patients who received injections of gadolinium-based contrast agents as part of their MRI or MRA procedure. MRIs are often done without using any contrast agents or dyes. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of MRIs or MRAs, you should talk to your doctor.

Are there any contrast dyes that don’t contain gadolinium?

Yes, Feridex I.V. and Teslascan are MRI contrast dyes that do not contain gadolinium. However, these are only FDA-approved to evaluate lesions of the liver.

Do I have a gadolinium case?

If you have developed NSF or NSF symptoms after being exposed to gadolinium, then you may have a valid claim against the pharmaceutical company.

You should have your case evaluated by an attorney with experience in the field of pharmaceutical litigation. The Law Offices of Howard L. Nations is a national pharmaceutical litigation firm with the experience, knowledge, and resources to handle your case.

Contact our firm for a free case evaluation with one of our pharmaceutical attorneys.

Have gadolinium dyes been recalled?

No, gadolinium dyes have not been recalled. In May of 2007, the FDA notified the public about the risk of life-threatening injuries and ordered the drug manufacturers to notify physicians and add a black box warning to the labels. Gadolinium dyes are still being produced and used as before, just with the new prominent warnings added to labels.

How do I know if I've been exposed to gadolinium?

If you have had an MRI and/or an MRA and they injected a contrast dye into your bloodstream right before or during the procedure, then it is likely that you have been exposed to gadolinium. If you are not sure, you can contact the doctor who ordered the MRI or MRA and ask for the information. It should be in your medical records.

If you or someone you know has been exposed and has since developed NSF or NSF symptoms, contact our offices for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

What are my legal rights?

If you have been injured by a gadolinium dye, you may have the right to be compensated for your losses. To receive compensation, you would need to file a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company. The Law Firm of Howard L. Nations represents people who have been injured by gadolinium dyes.

We are a national pharmaceutical litigation firm with experience in this highly specialized area of law. If you or someone you know has been injured by gadolinium, contact our offices for a free consultation with one of our pharmaceutical attorneys.

For more information, see Your Legal Rights.

NSF Support Groups

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