Elmiron

Elmiron is the brand name for prescription medication with the active ingredient pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS). It is primarily used to treat interstitial cystitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, IC is a chronic bladder condition characterized by pelvic pain, urinary urgency, and increased frequency of urination.

Elmiron forms a protective coating on the bladder wall, which may help alleviate pain and discomfort. Elmiron is usually taken orally in capsules. The dosage and duration of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual patient’s response to the medication. The FDA approved Elmiron as a treatment for IC in 1996.

Elmiron and Retina Damage

Extended use of Elmiron has been linked to an increased risk of developing retinal pigmentary changes, resulting in visual disturbances and potentially irreversible vision loss. These changes may lead to pigmentary maculopathy. Symptoms of pigmentary maculopathy include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading, and changes in color perception. Patients with retina damage are also more likely to develop macular degeneration. Macular degeneration creates significant central vision loss and is irreversible.

Two significant research studies support a connection between Elmiron and retina damage.

A 2018 report published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) indicated that patients who took Elmiron for several years seemed more likely to develop pigmentary maculopathy. It is believed that Elmiron may accumulate in the retina over time, leading to cellular damage, which could potentially result in vision changes.

A similar report from AAO summarized by Science Daily in 2019 supported the initial findings that long-term use of Elmiron could lead to “vision-threatening” eye conditions, including macular degeneration characterized by blurred or distorted vision.

Patients who take Elmiron may experience the following symptoms associated with retina damage including:

Elmiron may lead to other harmful side effects in addition to retina damage.

Other Harmful Side Effects from Elmiron

According to a medical research study published in the National Library of Medicine, regular use of Elmiron has been linked to the following conditions:

Elmiron lawsuits allege that Janssen Pharmaceuticals failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about potential retina damage and other side effects.

If you believe that you have been harmed by Elmiron, it’s essential to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney who is familiar with pharmaceutical litigation. An Elmiron attorney can provide information about your legal rights, options, and potential compensation, based on your specific circumstances.

An El Paso injury attorney may help you pursue the compensation you deserve for Elmiron damages. The term “damages” refers to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial harm you suffered due to the company’s failure to warn you about the risks to your eye health, vision, and general health.

Who Is Eligible to File an Elmiron Lawsuit?

If you experienced adverse changes to your vision after taking Elmiron for an extended time, you might qualify to file an Elmiron lawsuit if you meet the following requirements:

You used Elmiron as prescribed by a healthcare provider for at least two years

• You experienced complications or symptoms of retina damage
• You sought medical treatment for vision issues or vision loss and were diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy, retinal maculopathy, or macular degeneration while taking Elmiron or within one year of discontinuing use

An Elmiron attorney can determine if you can file an Elmiron lawsuit.

You must take many steps in a mass tort lawsuit to pursue your right to compensation. Janssen Pharmaceuticals has a legal team that aims to discredit injury victims and prevent them from obtaining full and fair compensation. An Elmiron lawsuit attorney with the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC can help you in many ways, including: