Last May, the FDA approved a new patient medication guide. The pamphlet warns patients of potential dangers of the contrast dye. However, many facilities are not distributing the gadolinium warning pamphlet. How will patients know the dangers of gadolinium if doctors won’t distribute the warnings?
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.
Gadolinium Retention Pamphlets Undistributed
The FDA’s approval of the gadolinium retention pamphlets is part of a set of actions to inform patients about the potential risks associated with gadolinium dye. In December 2017, the FDA announced a new class warning regarding the risk of gadolinium retention after an MRI. In this update, the agency advised clinicians to consider the retention characteristics of an agent before choosing a gadolinium dye for a patient. However, patients cannot be warned if medical professionals are not distributing the guides.
Patients at risk for retention may include pregnant women, those requiring multiple lifetime doses, children, and patients with inflammatory conditions. While repeated imaging studies should be kept to a minimum (particularly closely spaced MRIs), the FDA cautions against avoiding or delaying necessary gadolinium MRI scans. Many patients are unaware of this fact since medical professionals aren’t warning them. Then, they end up with horrendous lifetime complications.
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. 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.
