The element gadolinium is used as a contrast dye when a patient undergoes tests such as MRIs or CT scans. However, gadolinium drugs can be very dangerous for patients in Texas and across the nation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has required that a “black box warning” be made a part of the drug label. However, the drug is still used and continues to harm patients due to serious side effects. Two of the most serious side effects are gadolinium deposition disease and nephrogenic system fibrosis.
Gadolinium deposition disease occurs when gadolinium builds up in a specific area of the patient’s body, such as the brain, the liver, or the bones. The symptoms of gadolinium deposition disease can manifest themselves within a few days after the use of gadolinium. There is no standard treatment for gadolinium deposition disease, although anti-inflammatory medications can be used to help people with this condition.
Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis occurs when people with kidney disease are administered gadolinium. Nephrogenic Systemic Fibroses leads to thickened, discolored skin on a person’s appendages. This can make it difficult for people to use their arms and legs. Other tissues, such as tissues surrounding the heart, lungs, and brains can also be affected by gadolinium. This condition is often fatal.
For these reasons, individuals harmed after undergoing tests using gadolinium are pursuing legal action against the pharmaceutical companies that produce the drug. About a decade ago, a multidistrict litigation case was filed against subsidiaries of General Electric. One notable lawsuit was filed by the wife of actor Chuck Norris, Gena Norris, who suffered fatigue, weakness, and severe pain after being administered gadolinium drugs.
Patients who are administered gadolinium drugs can suffer many debilitating side effects. It is important to hold drug companies responsible when their products cause undisclosed harm to patients. Through dangerous drug litigation, people harmed by dangerous drugs may be able to pursue compensation for medical care related to the side effects of the drug, the inability to work, and loss of companionship. However, each case is different, so it is important that those considering dangerous drug litigation seek legal guidance, which is not contained in this post, before proceeding.
