The dye, Prohance, manufactured by Bracco Diagnostics, has been linked to a disease called NSF/NFD (nephrogenic systemic fibrosis / nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy). The disease can be debilitating, painful and even result in death.

What is Prohance?

Prohance is used in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) testing. While Prohance is the name the dye is marketed under, the primary ingredient in Prohance is called gadolinium, which is a contrast agent, or dye, used in performing MRIs and MRAs.

Gadolinium differentiates a person’s normal tissue from their abnormal tissue. It is harmless to most people who have these tests as the dye is naturally excreted from the body. Unfortunately, it is not excreted from the bodies of people who have renal disease – a gradual and progressive loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes.

How can you tell if you have NSF/NFD?

According to the FDA, victims of NSF/NFD can show any of the following symptoms, which may take days, weeks or even months to appear:

• Weakness in muscles, limited range of motion
• Thickening, hardening or swelling of the skin
• Deep pain in the hip bone or ribs
• Skin lesions
• Burning, itching and sharp pains in the affected areas
• Yellow raised spots on the white parts of the eyes

There is little known about the cause of the disease as it was only discovered in 1997. Unfortunately, there is no known cure to date. The FDA, in a warning letter sent out to medical staff, has recommend that alternative products and possibly dialysis be used for those with advanced renal disease. In addition, medical experts report that exercises such as swimming and streching, along with deep tissue massages, may temporarily relieve pain. Several topical treatments may be also be available through your doctor, but may cause additional side effects.

Other products being investigated

Prohance is only one of five dyes currently being investigated by the FDA. Four others are also being investigated for possibly causing NSF/NFD. They are:

• Omniscan, manufactured by GE Healthcare, a division of General Electric
• Optimark, manufactured by Mallinckrodt, a division of Tyco Healthcare
• Magnevist, manufactured by Berlex Imaging, a division of Bayer Healthcare
• Multihance, also manufactured by Bracco Diagnostics

All of the above products continue to be marketed and used in the United States despite the FDA’s investigation and warnings.

If you have been diagnosed with NSF/NFD or are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical treatment immediately and consider contacting an attorney to see whether or not you may have a case against one of the manufacturers of these products. To contact an attorney, click here.