Patients suffering from side effects potentially linked to gadolinium may be entitled to much-needed compensation. Contact our Oklahoma City-based law firm today.
People in the United States and around the world should consider themselves fortunate because of the incredible advances that the fields of medicine and science accomplish every year. So many of these advances not only make the jobs of medical professionals easier, but they also literally save patients’ lives. Conditions that were never considered treatable, or even easily diagnosed, before can now be identified and treated quickly and effectively. One of the advances that is particularly beneficial is that of the MRI, a deep scan of internal tissue and organs that allows doctors to see a much deeper picture of potential problems inside a patient’s body. On the heels of the advent of the MRI was the introduction of contrast agents that made the analysis of the MRI even more straightforward. Unfortunately, these contrast agents often contain the element gadolinium, which has been found to be dangerous for those who suffer from kidney problems.
Side Effects Potentially Linked to Gadolinium
The specific problem associated with a gadolinium-based contrast agent being injected into a patient with kidney problems is the tendency for those patients to be unable to expel the substance from their bodies, which is the function of normal kidneys. When gadolinium remains in the system for too long, a serious side effect known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) may occur. NSF is a rare and relatively ‘new’ disease that leads to extreme thickening of the skin and joints, attacks the internal organs and can lead to death in affected patients. Symptoms of NSF include thick skin, tenderness of the joints, swelling of the skin, the appearance of red or dark patches on the skin and other symptoms that by themselves may not signal danger. However, if you have kidney problems and have received a contrast agent injection prior to an MRI, you should contact a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
Contact an Experienced Attorney Today
After you’ve obtained your medical evaluation, you owe it to yourself and those you love to explore your legal rights and options. Here at Oklahoma Legal Center, our skilled attorneys have experience protecting the legal rights of individuals adversely affected by gadolinium and other potentially dangerous medications. Contact our experienced lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center immediately to schedule an initial consultation, and during that consultation, you and your attorney can make an educated decision regarding whether or not to pursue a claim. Drug claims are reviewed on a contingency basis at our law firm, which means you pay no money up front. If you think gadolinium has caused you or a loved one harm, call our Oklahoma City-based law firm today for a confidential consultation.