ProHance (gadoteridol) is a gadolinium based contrast dye manufactured by Bracco Diagnostics. ProHance was approved by the FDA in 1999 and is used in performing MRIs and MRAs. ProHance is injected into the bloodstream of patients and helps to highlight abnormalities in tissue so that doctors can diagnose any medical problems that are present.

The primary ingredient in Prohance is gadolinium, which has been linked to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD) in patients with kidney problems. While healthy kidneys are able to expel the gadolinium quickly following the MRI procedure, patients with compromised kidneys are unable to do so, leaving them at risk for this serious condition. NSF is an incurable disease, which can lead to permanent disability and death in severe cases. It  is characterized by a tightening of the skin, which can occur within days of a ProHance injection for patients with kidney problems.

On May 23, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked manufacturers of all gadolinium based contrast agents used in MRIs to include a black-box warning on the products’ labeling. The warning came after reports of patients developing NSF. New black-boxed warnings state that patients with severe renal problems who receive a gadolinium contrast agent are at risk for developing NSF. As of September 2007, the FDA had received reports of more than 250 cases of NSF in patients who were given gadolinium based contrast agents, such as Prohance.

Lawsuits have been filed against gadolinium contrast agent manufacturers by individuals who have developed NSF. If you feel that you may be eligible to participate in a gadolinium lawsuit, fill out the form on this page for a free case evaluation.