Magnevist by Bayer/Schering AG/Berlex
Magnevist is the brand name of a contrasting agent manufactured by Bayer-Schering, and its subsidiary Berlex Laboratories. Like many contrasting agents, Magnevist is designed to help doctors see abnormalities in tissue during imaging scans. The product uses an agent called Gadolinium in order to have this effect. Unfortunately, Gadolinium has been linked to Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), or nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy (NFD) in kidney patients. Several patients who have received Gadolinium-based injections as part of medical tests have developed NSF, which begins with a tightening or hardening of the skin and can progress to disfigurement, disability and even fatality. There is no known cure for NSF.
As the FDA has requested, Bayer-Schering now lists possible NSF risks on packages of Magnevist. Despite this, lawsuits have been launched against the company. In 2008, an ongoing lawsuit against Magnevist manufacturers was continued by a Minnesota woman who claims she developed NSF after an imaging scan using Magnevist. Bayer-Schering are represented by Parker Waichman Alonso LLP in the suit.
In addition to NSF, there are other adverse reactions possible with Magnevist, even in patients with no kidney disease or other pre-existing conditions. Some of the observed side effects of the product include seizure, convulsions, trouble urinating, dizziness, fainting, skin changes at the injection site, uneven heart rate, fast heart beat, headache, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, thirst, chills, numbness, pain at the injection site, stuffy nose, and sore throat. Some of these symptoms may develop 24 hours or more after an injection of Magnevist is given.
Bayer-Schering is a large pharmaceutical company that was created when Schering merged with Bayer in 2006. Schering was founded by Ernst Schering in 1851. Bayer-Schering has 140 subsidiaries employing more than 26 000 people. The company focuses on research as well as product manufacturing and is headquartered in Berlin-Wedding, Germany.
