[mrsD]

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsro.../ucm225286.htm

For Immediate Release: September 9, 2010
Media Inquiries: Karen Riley, 301-796-4674; karen.riley@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

FDA: New warnings required on use of gadolinium-based contrast agents
Enhanced screening recommended to detect kidney dysfunction

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requiring that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) carry new warnings on their labels about the risk of a rare and potentially fatal condition known as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), if the drug is administered to certain patients with kidney disease.

Three of the GBCAs – Magnevist, Omniscan, and Optimark – will be described as inappropriate for use among patients with acute kidney injury or chronic severe kidney disease. All GBCA labels will emphasize the need to screen patients to detect these types of kidney dysfunction before administration.

[just_me_77]

An MRI is used to show "soft-tissue" damage that doesn't show on an X-ray, plus you are not exposed to the radiation. Why would anyone want to risk putting a foreign substance into their veins just to possibly 'contrast' what the MRI will show at one degree image without risking possible side effects?

Please do not allow anyone to put any type of "DYE" into your veins. You very well could "DIE" as a result from the dye.

[Leesa]

Well, there IS good reason to do this. Spinal patients have been doing this for years, to detect serious spinal defects. X-rays do NOT show soft tissue such as the discs. If you have a herniated disc it does NOT show up in an X-ray. Thus the reason for the MRI, and the dye makes it show up much better. Plus the dye makes other things show up that might be missed without the dye such as scar tissue and small tumors.

Being a spinal patient and a chronic pain patient for almost 25 years, I've found it to be a life saver. You might too at some point in your life.

Best of luck and God bless. Peace, Lee

[dahlek]

I reported my reaction to a gadolinium dye after getting semi-severe hives during an unsuccessful MRI! I do not know which one, but I DO know it was reported, because I and my prescribing physician for the test reported it.
Hives and many medical issues do not get along well.
Now for my issues? I get PET scans, more expensive, yes. More thorough, ABSOLUTELY!
I've got a love/hate relationship with the PET scans. It's easy to do? YES. The 'radiated contrast'? Well..... the results? SUPER! The side effects of having these tests after several years? Not bad at all. [So Far] The quality of the results offsets [so-far] any possible detriments to me overall. The scans have been able to pick up potential problems before they become problems!
Overall? They are not for many? But, diagnostically for one who keeps having things pile up on things? It is great! And IT is seeming to pick up/out problems before they become problems. Only thing is the cost of such tests compared to other testing.
Start with the simple testing [IF you can tolerate it] then go on to the more extensive tests, such as PETS.
No reaction to a 'contrast agent'? IS GOOD! I just wish I'd not developed this 'reaction' as other screenings have value as well.
Good luck to all! But? IF you start itching like crazy? And get bumps? Get thee to your doc or a dermatologist ASAP! [Or both!] There are lotions and cremes that help keep you from going raw w/the scratching. And scratch you can! But, don't forget, on the other hand? That 95%+/- of folks do well with the mentioned contrasts. I just happened to fall into the other 5% by accident!
's to all - j