| Are you planning to undergo an MRI scan? If so, your | | | | referred to as Nephrogenic fibrosing Dermopathy. |
| doctor may be planning on using gadolinium as a | | | | Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis can lead to the |
| contrasting agent in order to create a clearer image of | | | | hardening of the skin, joints and internal organs. When |
| the scan. Although the chemical helps to create a | | | | the joints become hardened, the person suffering from |
| sharper image, which makes it possible for your doctor | | | | the disease may lose mobility and can potentially |
| to more accurately diagnose your illness, there are | | | | become bound to a wheelchair. In some cases, the |
| also many potential gadolinium side effects that you | | | | hardening of the joints, skin and internal organs can |
| may experience. Unfortunately, some of these | | | | also lead to death. |
| gadolinium side effects can be quite serious and | | | | Preventing Gadolinium Side Effects |
| possibly even lethal. | | | | In an effort to prevent severe gadolinium side effects |
| The Less Serious Gadolinium Side Effects | | | | from occurring in patients with kidney problems, the |
| There are several gadolinium side effects that can | | | | FDA has made recommendations for the safe usage |
| potentially affect anyone using this contrasting agent. | | | | of the chemical. These include: |
| These include: | | | | - Contrasting agents containing gadolinium should not |
| - Lightheadedness | | | | be used in patients that require dialysis or those with a |
| - Local Pain | | | | Glomerular Filtration rate of 15 cc/min or less |
| - Low Blood Pressure | | | | - It is advised to provided patients with advanced |
| - Mild Headaches | | | | kidney problems who receive a contrasting agent |
| - Nausea | | | | containing gadolinium with a prompt dialysis after the |
| Some people may also be allergic to gadolinium. For | | | | MRI is complete |
| those that are allergic to the chemical, other side | | | | There are currently five different contrasting agents on |
| effects may occur. These include itchy eyes, hives | | | | the market that contain gadolinium. These include |
| and possibly even shortness of breath. | | | | Magnevist, MultiHance, Omniscan, OptimMARK and |
| The More Serious Gadolinium Side Effects | | | | ProHance. Therefore, if you suffer from kidney |
| People with a weakened kidney may experience | | | | problems and are scheduled to receive an MRI, be |
| some far more severe gadolinium side effects. This is | | | | sure to find out whether or not one of these products |
| because exposure to gadolinium can lead to a disease | | | | will be used and to determine if it is in your best |
| known as Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, which is also | | | | interest to risk using this contrasting agent. |