Elmiron

If you have been diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy (or loss of vision) after taking Elmiron, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

What Is Elmiron?

Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is a medication used to treat a bladder disorder called interstitial cystitis. Elmiron is often used for urinary tract infections and, in some cases, Elmiron is also prescribed as a treatment for osteoarthritis.

Elmiron is the only FDA-approved medication to treat interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis, also known as bladder pain syndrome, is associated with pain and pressure in the bladder area with no clear infection or cause. Doctors are unsure of why interstitial cystitis occurs, but they believe Elmiron works by protecting the bladder from irritants in urine. It has been theorized that the medication works by forming a layer on the wall of the bladder which protects the organ from harm and irritation.

Elmiron doesn’t work like other pain relievers like Tylenol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, and it doesn’t work by stopping inflammation.

Can Elmiron Cause Retinal Vision Problems?

On June 15, 2020, the FDA approved and issued an official letter requesting Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, the makers of Elmiron, to add “Retinal Pigmentary Changes” to their Warning label.

The updated label, which can be found in the package insert, acknowledges that pigmentary maculopathy has been identified with long-term use of the drug and discloses that “although most of these cases occurred after 3 years of use or longer, cases have been seen with a shorter duration of use. ”

A study released in November 2018 by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found a connection between long-term use of Elmiron and vision problems.

What Is Pigmentary Maculopathy?

Pigmentary maculopathy is a disorder that affects the macula, or the central portion of the retina, which is the light-sensitive portion of the eye. Maculopathy itself can take a number of different forms, depending on the cause.  Among those causes is the side effects of a certain prescription medication used to treat a rare condition known as interstitial cystitis. Maculopathy is also known as macular degeneration. The symptoms are a gradual loss of central vision (lateral, or side vision is usually not affected until the condition has reached its final stages).  The condition is painless. It normally affects both eyes, but can be present in one eye only. If this is the case, the victim may not notice significant vision loss for some time, as the unaffected eye usually compensates.  Progression may be fast or slow, taking several years.

Who Can File A Elmiron Lawsuit?

Any patient who has taken Elmiron and/or a generic version of the drug as prescribed by their physician and has been diagnosed with Maculopathy may be eligible for legal action against manufacturers.

What Compensation Is Available From A Elmiron Lawsuit?

Both economic damages (such as medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses), as well as non-economic damages (for conditions like physical and mental pain and suffering), could be available to Zantac plaintiffs. The actual compensation a plaintiff is eligible to receive depends on the facts surrounding their case.

Why Do I Need A Lawyer?

Pharmaceutical companies are among the wealthiest and most powerful organizations in the world. Taking on a drug manufacturer without legal representation is an extremely difficult path. To have the best chance at being fairly compensated, you should work with a law firm that has the experience and resources needed to stand up to Big Pharma.

I’ve Been Prescribed Elmiron. Am I at Risk?

The risk of pigmentary maculopathy appears to increase with the length of time that someone takes Elmiron. Patients who were diagnosed had been taking Elmiron at dosages of between 200 and 400 milligrams per day for an average of 15 years.

While macular degeneration is usually associated with advanced age, one of the patients at the Emory Eye Center was only 23 when first diagnosed. Those who believe that their vision loss (pigmentary maculopathy) was caused by this medication, may qualify to file an Elmiron lawsuit.

If you were diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy after taking Elmiron, consider speaking with an attorney who can evaluate your case and help assess your legal options. As we continue our investigation into Elmiron and Maculopathy, we invite you to contact us for a free legal consultation. If we file a lawsuit on your behalf, you pay no out-of-pocket legal fees and no costs at all unless we recover money for you.