The FDA still has not officially admitted gadolinium dye retains in the body. However, the agency will continue to evaluate the risks. In fact, it has been examining these dyes for years and has issued several warnings about their potential side effects. In the most recent update, the FDA approved new patient medication guides that include update warnings about the potential for the dyes to remain in the body for long periods of time.
About Gadolinium
Gadolinium is a chemical element carrying the atomic number 64 and the atomic symbol Gd. Belonging to a group of elements in the periodic table called Lanthanides, the chemical is a rare earth element typically used in microwave applications, color TV tubes, synthetic gemstones, compact discs, and computer memory. The medical community uses this chemical element as an injectable contrast agent when patients undergo magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) scans.
Gadolinium Risks
Last May, the FDA released an updated safety communication regarding gadolinium. This isn’t the first warning about the dye. In fact, the agency has been warning against the chemical for years. In 2010, the FDA changed warnings on all gadolinium dye. The new warnings said that injecting could increase the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). NSF is a serious condition that causes muscle weakness, swelling and tightening of the skin, bone pain, reduced organ function, and other side effects. Patients at risk for kidney disease developed NSF after injected with gadolinium.
Another issue with gadolinium besides NSF is retention in the body. Manufacturers still say that the kidneys and urine flush gadolinium out of the body within a few days. However, in 2015, the FDA announced that they were evaluating the risk of brain deposits in patients receiving repeated injections. Some studies indicate retention for years after receiving gadolinium.
More Studies
The FDA says it will continue to monitor gadolinium retention and promised to update the public if necessary. However, it will not officially say there is a link between gadolinium and deposits in the body. The agency did warn doctors to be cautious in choosing dyes for patients who may be at a higher risk for gadolinium retention. These include those receiving multiple doses over the course of a lifetime, pregnant women, patients with inflammatory conditions, and children.
Free Case Evaluation
A gadolinium lawsuit may be an option for patients suffering from gadolinium retention and related complications. Gadolinium, used in dyes to increase the clarity of MRI and MRA scans, can create chemical element retention in the body, Therefore, this increases the risk of gadolinium deposition disease and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. These conditions are accompanied with symptoms that include severe physical pain and cognitive difficulties. Affected patients and their loved ones may be able to file a lawsuit and recover damages.
For more information, contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We have over 20 years experience helping consumers injured by unsafe products manufactured by large companies.