Risks associated with gadolinium-containing MRI contrast agents

Information about the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) associated with use of some IV gadolinium-containing MRI contrast agents in patients with severe renal impairment has been released by the Chairman of the Commission on Human Medicines.

Omniscan (gadodiamide) should not be used in patients with severe renal impairment or in patients who have had, or who are awaiting, liver transplantation. Gadodiamide should be used in neonates and infants up to 1 year of age only after careful consideration. Careful consideration should be given to the use of other gadolinium-containing MRI contrast agents in patients with severe renal impairment.

Eight gadolinium-containing contrast agents are authorised in the UK: gadodiamide (Omniscan®), gadopentetic acid (Magnevist®), gadobenic acid (MultiHance®), gadobutrol (Gadovist®), gadofosveset (Vasovist®), gadoteric acid (Dotarem®), gadoteridol (ProHance®) and gadoxetic acid (Primovist®).