Manufactured by GE Healthcare, Omniscan contains the gadolinium substance, gadodiamide. It was the second gadolinium type contrast agent to be approved, however by 2006, Danish medical experts had already begun to sound the alarm about Omniscan and similar contrast agents. First, experts linked the agent with a potentially fatal condition, known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). Now, medical professionals link the dye to brain deposits.
Omniscan Dangers
Recently, the safety of the MRI contrast agent, Omniscan has come under additional scrutiny. The medical journal, Radiology published three studies showing that gadolinium-containing radiopaque medications like Omniscan may leave toxic gadolinium residue in the brains of MRI patients. Also, some patients have reported a significant decline in cognition or thought processes.
GE has denied liability for these potential injury cases, stating that no evidence of “brain injury” has been proven. However, this is not the first time that the company has faced potential liability due to injuries caused by Omniscan. Many patients filed lawsuits against GE for NSF injury claims against Omniscan. One case resulted in a jury award of $5 million for damages caused by Omniscan. GE has also settled other NSF lawsuits out-of-court but terms of the settlements have not been disclosed.
Omniscan Brain Deposits
Omniscan is a Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). The Radiology magazine article pushed the FDA to review reports of adverse health effects from Omniscan retained in the brain. The agency examined human and animal studies from contrast dye use over periods longer than a year. These publications and reports show the organs such as the brain, bones, and skin retain gadolinium like Omniscan. Symptoms of this are bone pain, burning skin pain, chemo brain, skin changes, skin thickening or discoloration.
Then, the FDA ordered “black-box” warnings for all gadolinium-based contrast agents like Omniscan. A “black-box” warning is the strongest warning. It is to alert physicians of possible severe kidney damage in at-risk patients. In addition to kidney patients, the warning also extends to patients with chronic liver disease, including those just before or after liver transplantation. The FDA recommends that doctors screen patients for kidney problems prior to receiving a gadolinium-based imaging agent.
Also, the signs of Omniscan side effects after an MRI or MRA with contrast could include:
- Thick skin with a woody or shiny appearance
- Tight skin contracting around joints
- Swelling, redness and burning sensations
- Deep pain in the hip or ribs
- General muscle weakness
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 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.
Therefore, 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.
