According to a safety alert released in December 2017 by the FDA, a gadolinium-based contrast dye frequently injected into patients undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging scan, or MRI, can linger in the body for months or even years, leading to debilitating side effects and health problems.

While it is known that gadolinium toxicity in patients with pre-existing kidney problems can result in a rare condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), there have also been multiple reports of patients with normal kidney function suffering multi-system organ failure after being exposed to gadolinium.

While gadolinium has been thought to be a safe chemical compound used in routine medical procedures, new research suggests that gadolinium deposits can remain in the bones and brain for years after injection, possibly causing painful side effects.

Gadolinium contrast side effects reported by patients have included an intense burning sensation in the torso and limbs, painful ligaments, or skin changes including tightness of hands and feet, or spongy and rubbery skin. Often these skin changes are accompanied by discoloration of the tissue.

Another common side effect is severe bone and joint pain, including pain localized to the ribs. Additionally, cognitive difficulties, sometimes known as “brain fog,” or “chemo brain,” have been reported, as well as headaches and memory impairment.

What is Gadolinium?

Gadolinium is a heavy metal chemical element found in many contrast dyes. These gadolinium-based contrast dyes are often intravenously injected into patients who need an MRI in order to enhance the resulting images. The magnetic qualities of gadolinium improve the visualization of the internal organs, blood vessels, and any inflammation or tumors.

While gadolinium-based contrast dyes can be instrumental in aiding doctors in their ability to make diagnoses, patients allege that the side effects of the dye are painful and long lasting.

Litigation Relating to Gadolinium Contrast Side Effects

Actor Chuck Norris and his wife, Gena Norris, announced in November 2017 that they have filed a lawsuit against several drug companies associated with the production or sale of gadolinium contrast dyes.

The Norrises claim that they have spent millions of dollars on treatment for Gena after she experienced gadolinium contrast complications from being injected with contrast dye for an MRI. Her side effects have allegedly included body pain and burning sensations, cognitive impairment, loss of energy, loss of mobility, difficulty breathing, and kidney damage.

She says she has sought treatment for these side effects, but because the treatment for gadolinium contrast side effects, chelation therapy, has not been approved by the FDA, she has turned to stem cell therapies.

“Unfortunately, litigation is the only course of action we can take to hold the drug companies accountable for threatening the lives of so many innocent people who undergo MRIs,” Gena said in a statement. The Norrises are suing for $10 million, and say they want to raise awareness about gadolinium contrast side effects.

“We are trying to give a voice to the thousands of other victims who have been ignored.” Gena Norris said in a statement through her attorney.