The present invention relates to novel methods of treating or reducing the likelihood of developing gadolinium toxicity by administering to a patient a metal chelator before, concurrently with, or after exposure to gadolinium. The novel methods comprise, inter alia, the use of iron chelators to aid patients at increased risk of developing a gadolinium-induced condition, such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, acute kidney injury, cardiovascular disease and accelerated senescence.