MRI Drugs May Cause Death, Warns FDA

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) involves three substances that could be the cause for a fatal, albeit rare condition, warned US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA said new warnings for gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) needed to highlight the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) if the drug is given to certain patients with kidney disease.

The labels, said the agency, "will emphasize the need to screen patients to detect these types of kidney dysfunction before administration."

The three intravenous drugs involved in the FDA action are Magnevist, Omniscan, and Optimark, which are used ahead of MRIs to help detect abnormalities of body organs, blood vessels and other tissues.

Source: AFP