Omniscan is a gadolinium based MRI contrast dye manufactured by GE Healthcare. Omniscan is injected into patients undergoing MRIs in order to enhance images of tissue abnormalities, such as tumors. In most patients, the gadolinium contrast dye passes through the body in a relatively short time.

Although Omniscan is safe for use in most patients, it poses a serious risk for patients with renal problems. These patients may be unable to eliminate the gadolinium, which puts them at risk for developing a potentially fatal health condition known as Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF). Omniscan was introduced in 1993, but no warnings were given that Omniscan put kidney patients in danger until June 2006. At this time, GE Healthcare issued a safety advisory for Omniscan warning physicians that the use of the Omniscan contrast agent in an MRI or MRA on a patient with pre-existing renal issues may lead to that patient developing NSF. This condition is also known as  Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD). The FDA has issued its strongest warning (the Black Box warning) for gadolinium MRI injections because of the serious symptoms linked to the drug.

To date, GE Healthcare has been advised of 96 cases of NSF / NFD following use of MRI contrast agents such as Omniscan throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. In addition, several gadolinium lawsuits have been directed at GE Healthcare. In one case, Greta Carolus filed a suit in the U.S. District Court against General Electric Company, GE Healthcare, Inc., and GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences Corporation alleging that she developed NSF just days after being injected with Omniscan contrast agent for an MRI.

If you have been injected with Omniscan for an MRI or MRA, you may be at risk for developing NSF or NFD. Fill out the form on this page for a free legal consultation and information about your legal rights.