Gadolinium / MRI Dye Digitek double dose pills
There is no question that pharmaceutical products save countless lives each year. It's less well-known that many medications also cause serious injury or even death when drug companies make mistakes in the testing or manufacturing phases, or fail to warn patients of life-threatening side effects. Two products that could cause serious injury are the MRI dye Gadolinium and the heart medicine Digitek.
If you or a loved has been harmed by Gadolinium MRI dye or Digitek double dose pills in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Edmonds, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Renton, Lynnwood, Federal Way, Burien, Everett, Auburn, Kent, Issaquah, Tacoma or anywhere in Washington State, and you need legal representation or advice, contact Kenneth Selander, Jr. by calling 1-866-681-0002 or submit an online contact form.
If you have used either of those products, you should be aware of the following health issues.
What is Gadolinium?
Gadolinium is a contrast dye used in MRI tests to differentiate between healthy and abnormal tissue. Gadolinium is typically injected into the patient’s bloodstream prior to an MRI test. It has been used routinely since the FDA approved this type of dye in 1988.
Gadolinium and NSF/NSD
A 2006 study revealed a link between Gadolinium contrast dyes and the development of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis/Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NSF/NSD) in patients with kidney problems. NSF/NSD is a rare disease that begins with high blood pressure and then leads to a hardening of the skin that hinders joint movement. Over time, the diaphragm, lower abdomen and lungs may also be affected and the disease can ultimately prove fatal. There is no treatment for NSF/NSD although the progression of the disease may be slowed or stopped by improving kidney function, often through a transplant.
Current Warnings
In May 2007, the FDA requested that all five manufactures of Gadolinium contrast dyes include boxed warnings about NSF/NSD on their products labels. The FDA also warned medical professionals to avoid using these dyes in any patients with kidney problems, and advised screening patients for kidney disease prior to any use of Gadolinium.
What is Digitek?
Digitek is a medication prescribed for patients with a weak heart or abnormal heart rhythms. The active ingredient in Digitek is Digoxin, which can cause harmful side effects in elevated doses, including Digitalis toxicity. Digitalis toxicity causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability and bradycardia. The condition can be fatal.
Digitek Double Dose Pills
The manufacturer of Digitek, Actavis, recalled the drug after reports surfaced that some pills were manufactured with twice the appropriate dosage. These defective “double-dose” pills can cause digitalis toxicity in patients with kidney problems.
Current Warnings
In November, 2008, The U.S. Attorney's Office, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, filed a lawsuit to close three Actavis plant after these facilities failed FDA inspection. The FDA also found that Actavis didn’t keep complete records of testing data.
What should you do?
If you or a loved one has become ill after exposure to Gadolinium MRI dye or double-dose Digitek pills, you should contact a personal injury attorney for advice regarding your legal options. Patients who have suffered serious medical conditions as a result of these drugs may be able to file claims for damages – and families of those killed as a result of the medications may have the right to file wrongful death claims.
Our Experience
Kenneth Selander, Jr. of Selander O’Brien PLLC has represented injury victims in Washington for more than two decades. Our firm understands that when drug companies make mistakes that cause serious harm, victims deserve the opportunity to take legal action and recover for their injuries.
With more than 20 years of experience in all kinds of injury claims, Kenneth Selander, Jr. has built his reputation aggressively and ethically fighting for the legal rights of victims and their families. In fact, Washington Law & Politics Magazine has named Kenneth Selander, Jr. a SuperLawyer. That award is conferred on only the top 5% of attorneys in Washington State.
Our Commitment
When you contact the law firm of Selander O'Brien PLLC, you ensure that your case receives the full commitment of a skilled legal team. We handle each case on an individual basis, and we treat you and your family with the respect and compassion you deserve.
Here's what a satisfied client said about our successful efforts in his case: "Ken's experience, preparation and knowledgeable insight earned for me all the compensation I had coming. Easy to work with and a great, easy-going sense of humor too. He has my highest recommendation."
If you or a loved has been harmed by Gadolinium MRI dye or Digitek double dose pills in Seattle or anywhere in Washington State, contact Kenneth Selander, Jr. today for a free consultation. Call 1-866-681-0002 toll-free or submit an online contact form. We do not charge attorney fees unless we recover damages for your case.
