Bayer Healthcare’s dye, Magnevist, which is used during MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging )and MRAs (magnetic resonance angiography), may cause a condition known as NSF/NFD (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy).

The controversy

Although not discovered until 1997, NSF/NFD has been causing increased controversy over the last few months – especially for those who have kidney disease. When having an MRI or MRA, a contrast agent, or dye, called gadolinium (marketed by Bayer as Magnevist) is used to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues in the body. After the tests are done, the gadolinium is excreted from the body for the majority of people. However, it tends to stay in the bodies of those patients with kidney disease causing NSF/NFD.

What NSF/NFD does to the body

NSF/NFD that remains in the body can cause extensive damage, including hardening of the skin, immobility, increased risk for broken bones and possibly death. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are currently over 200 cases of NSF/NFD worldwide and no known cure. The Administration is continuing to research the issue and has issued a warning for Magnevist and these four other gadolinium-based products:

• Optimark
• Omniscan
• Multihance
• Prohance

The warning advises doctors to carefully weigh the benefits and risks when using gadolinium, to choose an alternative dye when available and to consider prompt dialysis for patients with moderate to end-stage renal disease (a gradual and progressive loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes).

For additional information on the warning, go to www.fda.org/.

Symptoms of NSF/NFD

There are many symptoms that are attributed to NSF/NFD, including:

• Burning or itching, reddened or darkened patches, hardening and/or tightening of the skin or swelling of the skin
• Yellow raised spots on the whites of the eyes
• Joint stiffness; limited range of motion in the arms, hands, legs, or feet; pain deep in the hip bone or ribs; and/or muscle weakness

If you have any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have NSF/NFD, consider contacting an attorney as soon as possible to learn whether or not you may have a case against the manufacturer. To contact an attorney, click here.