Europe along with other countries decided they would ban 13 linear gadolinium contrast agents used for MRIs and MRAs. The ban comes after many European agencies became concerned about gadolinium retaining in the brain. However, the United States hasn’t made any efforts to remove these dangerous contrast dyes from the market.
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.
Before undergoing an MRI or MRA, a gadolinium contrast agent is injected into the bloodstream and is stored in the blood vessels and abnormal tissue. This is so doctors can easily detect and trace any problems found within the body. Previously, researchers said this chemical element was safe for use in MRIs and MRAs. In fact, the element is very toxic.
The kidney expels the chemical after receiving the injection. However, regardless of kidney health patients can develop complications from the element spreading in the body. Now, researchers think they know how.
Banned Gadolinium Agents
In 2018, the European Commission suspended the sales of some linear gadolinium contrast agents. The commission cited potential accumulation in the brain as the reason. The suspended products are 13 linear gadolinium contrast agents containing gadoversetamide, gadodiamide, and gadopentetic acid. Gadoversetamide-using drugs are Imaging Solution Korea’s Optimark Plastic Syringe Injection and Optimark Injection. Gadodiamide agents are GE Healthcare’s Omniscan PFS Injection, Omniscan Injection, and Dai Han Pharm’s BONO-A Injection.
Gadopentetic acid agents include Dai Han Pharm’s BONO-I Prefilled Injection, BONO-I Injection, and Dongkook Pharm’s Megaray Injection, Megaray Prefilled Syringe Injection, Bayer Korea’s Magnevist Injection, Taejoon Pharm’s MR Bester Prefilled Syringe Injection, MR Bester Injection, and Dasol Life Science’s MR-lux Injection.
The United States has made no efforts to ban these dangerous dyes. The FDA only suggested imaging centers to provide a pamphlet warning of gadolinium dangers. However, many places do not distribute these.
Free Case Evaluation
A gadolinium lawsuit may be an option for patients suffering from gadolinium retention and related complications. Gadolinium in MRI and MRA scans can create chemical element retention in the body. Therefore, this increases the risk of gadolinium deposition disease. These conditions are accompanied by 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 also over 20 years of experience helping consumers injured by unsafe products manufactured by large companies.