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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.
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