Gadolinium contrast dye is a substance used during an MRI scan to help enhance imaging, which allows for easier diagnosis of a variety of gadolinium contrast side effects, from cancer and infection and other serious conditions.

While gadolinium contrast dye is meant to leave the body after use, a growing number of patients are coming forward with claims that the dye has remained in their bodies for months or even years, and cite a number of serious or permanent gadolinium contrast side effects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about gadolinium contrast side effects. If you or someone you love has suffered from gadolinium contrast side effects after an MRI using the dye, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Gadolinium Contrast Side Effects

The FDA issued its gadolinium contrast side effects warning in late 2017. While the federal agency believes that the benefits of gadolinium contrast dye continue to outweigh the risks, it has also required the patient medication guide be updated in order to provide more information about potential gadolinium contrast side effects. The FDA has also required that manufacturers of gadolinium contrast dye conduct further studies into the safety of these contrast agents.

One of the gadolinium contrast side effects is nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a condition 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, the agency has received reports of “adverse events involving multiple organ systems in patients with normal kidney function.” Other side effects reported to the FDA 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.

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 gadolinium contrast 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 Lawsuit Over Gadolinium Contrast Side Effects

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

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