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Chicago Gadolinium Claims (Part A)

If you have been diagnosed with Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) related to gadolinium, you should immediately consult a Chicago injury lawyer. An injury lawyer in Chicago can help you determine whether you have a valid gadolinium claim.

An experienced Chicago injury lawyer can also help you determine whether your injuries are the result of a defective/dangerous medical product or a healthcare provider's medical negligence in administering the product. This will depend on the circumstances surrounding your case and may result in either a Chicago product liability claim or a Chicago medical malpractice claim.

Overview of Gadolinium

Gadolinium based agents are found in MRI contrast dye. Gadolinium's magnetic properties have helped healthcare providers distinguish between healthy and abnormal tissue through MRIs. Unfortunately, gadolinium is toxic to individuals with kidney problems.

Before gadolinium is administered, a baseline MRI is done. Then gadolinium MRI contrast dyes are injected into a patient's bloodstream, followed by a second MRI. Individuals who have normal functioning kidneys will quickly expel the substance from their bodies. This is not true for patients who have kidney problems. Gadolinium becomes toxic to these patients.

Gadolinium and the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered in 2006 that gadolinium was linked to several cases of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, a serious medical condition.

In 2007 the FDA required that manufacturers of the 5 gadolinium based contrast agents used in MRIs include a boxed warning on their product labels. The warning was to inform patients with kidney problems of the potential risks.

The 5 gadolinium based contrast agents on the market include:

• MultiHance by Bracco Diagnostics;
• Omniscan by GE Healthcare;
• ProHance by Bracco Diagnostics;
• OptiMARK by Mallinckrodt/Tyco Healthcare; and
• Magnevist by Bayer/Schering AG/Berlex.

If you have sustained medical injury after undergoing an MRI, you'll want to seek immediate medical attention to diagnose the problem. If it is linked to gadolinium, you should speak with a Chicago injury lawyer about your legal options.

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