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Omniscan (MRI Dye)

Omniscan (gadodiamide) is a gadolinium containing contrast agent (MRI dye) commonly used by physicians in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). During an MRI or MRA, galodinium based contrast agents such as Omniscan are injected into veins of the patient so that the physician can view a clear and detailed picture of a patient’s internal organs, tissues, bones and/or vessels. In order to understand it's function, although it is not actually a dye, gadolinium can be analogized to a dye, and will be referred to from time to time in this article as a dye or an MRI dye. Other gadolinium based contrast agents (MRI dyes) are Magnevist, MultiHance, OptiMARK and ProHance. GMRIs and MRAs are typically ordered by physicians in order to detect abnormalities such as tumors, clots, bleeds, and the like.

Manufactured by GE Healthcare, the Omniscan gadolinium based contrast agent (MRI dye) was launched in the U.S. in 1993. However, on June 6, 2006, GE Healthcare issued a safety advisory for Omniscan, warning certain physicians that the use of the Omniscan contrast medium (dye) in an MRI or MRA on a patient with pre-existing renal (kidney) issues may lead to that patient developing a very serious medical condition involving the skin called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), which is also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD) (hereinafter referred to as NSF and NFD).

NSF/ NFD has thus far been observed almost exclusively in patients with kidney disease or renal dysfunction. NSF/NFD leads to thickened, rough and/or hard skin, which can sometimes lead to limbs becoming difficult or even impossible to move. In some instances, NSF/NFD is a progressive disease that can also lead to death. Other signs of NSF/NFD also include:

• Burning
• Itching
• Swelling
• Hardening and tightening of the skin
• Red or dark patches on the skin
• Yellow spots on the whites of the eyes
• Stiffness in joints and trouble moving or straightening the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Pain deep in the hip bones or ribs
• Muscle weakness

After accumulating numerous reports of NSF/NFD in patients, the United States Food & Drug Administrations (FDA) issued public health advisories in June and December of 2006. Based on the reports the FDA has received thus far, patients typically experienced symptoms of NSF/NFD from 2 days to 18 months after exposure to the gadolinium based contrast agent (MRI dye) such as Onmiscan.

If you or a loved one has experienced any of the abovementioned symptoms after undergoing an MRI or MRA with a galodinium based contrast medium (MRI dye), whether it was Omniscan, Magnevist, MultiHance, OptiMARK or ProHance, you should visit your healthcare provider immediately. If a visit to your healthcare provider is warranted, you also owe it to yourself to speak to an experienced pharmaceutical and medical product liability attorney to see if you have a case and to discuss the possibility of bringing a lawsuit to recover for your damages and injuries. The attorney will be able to ascertain if you have a claim for which a lawsuit can be pursued and whether the case and lawsuit can be brought to a successful settlement, verdict, award or other recovery. The experienced lawyer will also be able to advise you on any deadlines for bringing your legal claim for damages.

If you need legal assistance, please contact the law firm of Younce & Vtipil to discuss your claim at 1-800-811-9495.