Gadolinium Symptoms

Gadolinium is used in dyes and for medical purposes. It is a metal that helps doctors see in an MRI. Though it is commonly used in medical practices, it is potentially dangerous to some patients. According to YourLegalGuide.com, the FDA now requires warnings on products that use gadolinium because it can result in potentially life-threatening problems in patients with kidney disorders. When too much gadolinium is in the body, symptoms of gadolinium toxicity will surface.

Headaches

• Headaches are a common symptom of gadolinium. In any healthy patient, a mild headache is the most likely symptom, and the body will flush out the metal within a short period of time. Headaches are the most mild symptom of gadolinium toxicity.

Allergic Reactions

• Gadolinium is given as an injection before an MRI, and some patients will have allergic reactions to the metal. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include the development of a rash, itching, hives, swelling and difficulty breathing. According to YourLegalGuide.com, allergic reactions are a common side effect of gadolinium.

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy

• Patients with kidney problems can suffer terrible side effects from gadolinium. The most likely side effects are those of systemic fibrosis. Patients experience swelling, tightening and thickening of the skin as well as skin lesions on the skin as a visible sign. Other symptoms include muscle weakness, bone pain, joint pain and sudden hypertension. Due to these potentially life-threatening symptoms, the FDA warns against the use of gadolinium in kidney patients.