Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents to Carry New Warnings

Image via WikipediaIt's not uncommon for arthritis patients to have their doctor order an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) from time to time. Sometimes GBCAs (gadolinium-based contrast agents) are used as part of an MRI procedure. It's very likely that you have had your doctor order an MRI with contrast. And even more likely you went for the test without giving it a second thought.
But here's what you need to know now. On September 9, 2010, the FDA issued a directive that warnings will be required on the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents. The new warnings on the label refer to the risk of a rare and potentially fatal condition, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), if the contrast is given to patients with kidney disease. Three of the GBCAs (Magnevist, Omniscan, and Optimark) will be flagged as being inappropriate for patients with acute kidney injury or chronic severe kidney disease.
The updated label will emphasize the need to screen patients for these types of kidney problems before administering the agent and give health care professionals other guidance regarding its use.