Tyco Healthcare’s Optimark is one of the five FDA approved gadolinium-based contrast agents. Medical professionals use it for contrast enhancement during MRI scans of the brain, spine, and liver. The drug helps show lesions responsible for abnormal vascularity in patients. Researchers link the agent to fatalities in those with impaired renal function along with build up of the chemical in organs.
OptiMARK Dangers
With Gadolinium Deposition Disease (GDD), people with normal renal function develop serious side effects hours to months after receiving gadolinium-based contrast agents like OptiMark. Most do not have any pre-existing conditions to account for the symptoms of the toxic effect of GDD. However, the disease is progressive and an incurable condition. It also results in excruciating pain and often progresses to the loss of use of the limbs. It only occurs in patients who have been exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents.
OptiMARK Brain Deposits
OptiMARKis a Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). The Radiology magazine article pushed the FDA to review reports of adverse health effects from OptiMARKretained 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 OptiMARK. 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 OptiMARK. A “black-box” warning is the strongest warning. It is to alert physicians to 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 OptiMARK 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.
