Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), also known as nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD) is a progressive condition which causes thickening of the skin and connective tissues and can lead to loss of mobility and death.
On May 23, 2007 the FDA announced that it was asking manufacturers of all gadolinium based contrast agents used to enhance images during MRA and MRI procedures to include a new “black box” warning on their labels. The warning would state that patients with severe kidney insufficiency who receive gadolinium based agents are at risk for developing a this debilitating and potentially fatal disease. The warning would also state that liver transplant patients or those with chronic liver disease are also at risk if they are suffering severe kidney insufficiency. Neonates and infants up to 1 year of age may also be at risk.
Gadolinium is contained in five injectable dye contrast agents approved for use in the United States: Magnevist, Ominiscan, OptiMARK, MultiHance, and Prohance. Those most commonly associated with the disease have been Ominscan, Magnivist, and OptiMARK.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with NSF/NFD, or have had an MRI or MRA using a gadolinium based contrast agent, and have developed any of the symptoms listed below you may have the right to compensation:
- 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 sraightening the arms, hands, legs, or feet
- pain deep in the hip bones or ribs
- muscle weakness
For more information contact your heath care provider and see FDA Public Health Advisory: Update on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Contrast Agents Containing Gadolinium and Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy or Medscape Alerts: Use of Gadolinium in MRI and MRA Linked to NSF/NFD in Patients With Renal Failure.
If you or a loved one has been affected by this recall, call the lawyers of Hill Boren today. We are here to help and we know how.
