Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is a prescription drug used for treating bladder conditions such as interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is a chronic bladder condition that causes pressure, pain, and frequent urge to urinate, as well as painful or uncomfortable intercourse. Elmiron has been linked to an eye disease that can cause vision loss and other eye issues. If you took the drug and were diagnosed with eye problems like macular degeneration or pigmentary maculopathy, you may qualify for an Elmiron lawsuit.
Medical experts have documented cases of pigmentary maculopathy or retinal injury in those who took the drug for long periods. Documentation of Elmiron causing pigmentary maculopathy was first made in 2018; however, the drug has been prescribed for decades without any warning about eye damage. In 2020, the labeling of the drug was updated to reflect the risk of pigmentary maculopathy from the long-term use of Elmiron. Those who have filed lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer claim that the company failed to warn consumers of the risks of eye damage and seek compensation for their injuries.
Signs of Elmiron Eye Injuries
The use of the drug may cause irreparable damage in the macula, resulting in vision loss and blindness. Users of Elmiron may experience other symptoms such as vision impairment, halo vision, scotomas, unilateral or bilateral blindness, blurred vision, and metamorphopsia. Also, taking the drug may lead to difficulty reading, blurred vision, straight lines that appear curved, dark spots in the center of vision, and other symptoms. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that the unique damage that the drug causes masks itself as age-related macular degeneration or pattern dystrophy. This leads to misdiagnosis for a lot of patients. The link between Elmiron and its danger to the retina was only made recently.
How to Qualify for an Elmiron Lawsuit
In general, a patient is eligible for an Elmiron lawsuit if they have taken the drug for at least two years or been diagnosed with vision issues like maculopathy. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit your ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Your doctor will carry out a retinal exam with imaging tests as part of a comprehensive diagnosis. Your official diagnosis will be used by your attorney to evaluate your case and determine the amount of compensation you deserve to get. The best attorney has been fighting for victims of some of the most powerful corporations in the world including Elmiron’s manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
