The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning about the risks of gadolinium contrast dye, commonly used during an MRI scan to help diagnose a variety of conditions.

What is Gadolinium Contrast Dye?

During an MRI, many patients are given a gadolinium contrast dye (or agent) to help enhance the imaging provided by the MRI scan, which can help to diagnose cancer, infections, and other serious conditions.

However, a growing number of patients are coming forward with allegations that they have suffered from serious or even permanent side effects caused by the gadolinium dye remaining in their bodies and even their brain for months or years after use.

Risks of Gadolinium Contrast Dye

The FDA issued a warning in late 2017 about potential risks that had been associated with gadolinium contrast dye. While the drug safety communication noted that the FDA believes that the benefits of gadolinium contrast dye continue to outweigh the risks, the agency has also required an updated patient medication guide to provide more information about the dye and its risks. The FDA has also required that manufacturers of gadolinium contrast dye conduct further studies into the safety of these contrast agents.

The FDA has noted that the condition nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) associated with the use of gadolinium contrast dye in patients with pre-existing kidney failure. NSF is a serious disease that can affect the skin as well as internal organs. Unfortunately, there is no cure for NSF, and patients are left with these symptoms for life.

On top of the risk of NSF, though, the agency has received reports of “adverse events involving multiple organ systems in patients with normal kidney function.” Other side effects reported by patients after the use of a gadolinium contrast dye include pain and burning in the limbs and torso, cognitive difficulties, memory impairment, headaches, bone and joint pain, spongy or rubbery skin, and more.

Unfortunately, there is no simple method of detoxification for patients who suffer from retention of gadolinium contrast dye. In some cases, gadolinium can be retained in a patient’s body for months or even years after the MRI, which can cause serious and lasting side effects. While a method of gadolinium detoxification has yet to be discovered, patients may be able to seek compensation by filing a lawsuit.

Filing a Gadolinium Contrast Dye Lawsuit

According to lawsuits, manufacturers of gadolinium contrast dye have actually been aware of the risk of gadolinium toxicity and retention in patients, yet failed to warn the public and the medical community about these risks or in the product’s labeling.

One high-profile plaintiff recently filed a gadolinium contrast dye lawsuit: Chuck Norris, who filed a joint lawsuit with his wife, Gena Norris, alleging that Gena was poisoned by the MRI contrast dye, developing serious and lasting side effects including cognitive impairment, pain, mobility loss, difficulty breathing, and more.

If you have suffered from side effects of gadolinium contrast dye after undergoing an MRI with a gadolinium contrast, though a method of gadolinium detoxification has not been found, you may be able to file a lawsuit. While filing a lawsuit cannot undo the permanent harm that may have been incurred, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.