Approved for use in MRI imaging in 1993, Omniscan is typically used for obtaining detailed images of the nervous system of the body. Using Omniscan as a contrast agent for the images, doctors will be able to see any lesions that are forming or tumors that have appeared along the central nervous system much faster and while the affected areas are still small and simple to treat. The medication has been approved for use in both children and adults and has been found to be an effective imaging agent for the diagnosis of many different conditions.
Omniscan contains Gadolinium, a paramagnetic ion that tends to collect in areas of the body that have abnormal growths or collections of fluids and illuminates the areas that need to be examined further by the doctor. All of the contrast solutions that have been approved for use in MRI imaging procedures contain Gadolinium as the contrasting agent that illuminate different areas of the scan. These solutions are considered to be some of the safest in the world for use because of the low percentage of people that experience adverse effects after having the medication injected and those side effects generally being very mild.
Different types of imaging procedures require different amounts of the solution to be used. The manufacturers of Omniscan make this very simple by packaging the different dosages in different packaging so that it is easy to tell the sizes of the dose and whether it is intended for an adult or a child. This cuts down on instances of confusion where a person may be given the wrong dose through inattention or mistaken belief. The solution is quickly eliminated from the body via the kidneys and the Gadolinium is shielded from entering the blood stream by the chelating elements in the solution.
There are a number of different side effects that can be experienced after receiving an injection of a solution containing Gadolinium, such as Omniscan. Some people experience a headache, nausea, or dizziness, while some others may have an allergic reaction to the solution and find that their skin has broken out in hives, swelling at the injection site, or a rash appearing on the skin in the general area of the injection. Some of the more serious side effects associated with Omniscan are chest pains, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and flushing.
Omniscan has been linked to the development of a life threatening condition known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis, as has other contrasting solutions containing Gadolinium. It is believed that the condition only affects people that were given an injection of a Gadolinium based solution who were experiencing renal failure or advanced kidney disease. This condition is debilitating and progressive, affecting the skin, muscles, and organs of the people that develop the condition. Over time, the patient is robbed of their mobility as their muscles begin to stiffen and their skin starts to tighten over their joints. There is no cure for the condition and there is no treatment method available that can halt or reverse the progression of the condition.
DO I HAVE A LAWSUIT?
If you or somebody you know has recently undergone an MRI or MRA procedure that used a Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent, you should contact us immediately. You have rights and may be entitled to compensation for your Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis injuries.
Please use the form below to contact an Injury Help Network attorney / lawyer directly for a free confidential case review. You may also call toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 879-3040.
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