Elmiron Vision Loss Lawsuit
Elmiron is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of the healthcare giant, Johnson & Johnson. Researchers have determined that long-term use of urinary drug, Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium), may cause a degenerative eye disorder, pigmentary maculopathy which may lead to vision loss or blindness.
Elmiron was first approved in 1985 for the treatment of interstitial cystitis which cause bladder and pelvic pain that may be severe or debilitating. Interstitial cystitis is now thought to affect as many as 1 million people in the U.S., mainly women and treatment for the condition is considered to be long-term or chronic.
Up to 25% of long-term Elmiron users may have developed eye damage which can lead to vision loss or blindness. Some of these patients may have initially been diagnosed with another vision disorder such as macular degeneration or pattern dystrophy, however closer examination may show their vision problems are linked to chronic Elmiron use.
People who took brand-name Elmiron for longer than 6 months and who developed eye problems, vision loss or ocular damage, may be eligible for compensation in an Elmiron vision loss lawsuit investigation.
Elmiron Ocular Damage Studies
In 2018, studies began documenting visual problems in users of Elmiron and in 2019, scientific data presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology showed that Elmiron use may be associated with an increased occurrence of macular damage which can lead to slow vision loss and ultimately, blindness.
Researchers who studied the problem, examined medical claims between 2002 and 2016 and found that up to one-quarter or 25% of patients taking long-term Elmiron may show signs of ocular toxicity and eye damage, indicating that thousands of people may have been harmed by the medication.
Patients who have taken Elmiron for a long period of time may experience pigmentary retinal maculopathy, a type of degenerative visual disorder with symptoms including:
- Blurry Vison
- Night blindness
- Difficulty reading
- Dark spots
- Loss of close vision
- Visual dimming
- Blindness
Diagnosis of macular disorders such as pigmentary maculopathy caused by Elmiron may require imaging studies or consultation with a retina specialist to diagnose.
Researchers have suggested that people taking Elmiron who notice vision changes should undergo an ophthalmic examination with retinal imaging, under consultation with their doctor. Some evidence may suggest that even when the drug is discontinued, vision may continue to get worse.
Contact Scovern Law
People who have taken brand-name Elmiron for at least 6 months for urinary or pelvic pain associated with interstitial cystitis may be eligible for compensation for visual disorder, vision loss or blindness. Contact Scovern Law for a free case evaluation at 1.888.725.1890.