Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat interstitial cystitis, a chronic inflammatory bladder condition.
Elmiron works by forming a protective layer on the lining of the bladder, reducing irritation and inflammation. It has been on the market for over 25 years and is considered a first-line treatment option for inflammatory bladder. Researchers have recently linked the medication to vision damage, including macular degeneration.
Recent reports link Elmiron to macular degeneration and other vision disturbance
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals alleging that long-term use of Elmiron can cause vision damage.
Elmiron users claim they experienced serious eye problems such as blurred vision, difficulty reading and seeing objects up close, light sensitivity, and other vision impairments after taking the drug for several months or years. These conditions are collectively known as “Elmiron Vision Syndrome.”
Elmiron Eye Damage
The Elmiron eye damage lawsuits claim that the drug caused:
- Maculopathy is a serious medical condition caused by damage to the macula – a structure in the eye responsible for sharp central vision. Maculopathy can lead to permanent vision damage and even blindness.
- Pigmentary maculopathy is damage to the macula that can cause discoloration of the retina.
- Retinopathy is damage to the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye.
- Scotoma is a dark spot in the central field of vision.
In a recent study on the effects of Elmiron and retinal damage, researchers found that in nearly one-quarter of the patients studied, Elmiron was linked to eye damage or vision loss.
Does Elmiron cause macular degeneration?
Yes, according to researchers.
Macular degeneration refers to the thinning of the macula, which is part of the retina and retinal tissue that we use to see. It is often considered a side effect of aging.
However, clinicians and researchers have found that retinal damage directly resulting from the use of Elmiron may present itself as macular degeneration initially.
For example, clinical investigators found the following in a recent investigation:
Another study stated that “Of the 140 exposed patients, 91 agreed to an examination and of those, 22 patients showed clear evidence of this specific maculopathy, which authors believe was associated with PPS exposure.”
This means that even if you have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration if you have taken Elmiron, your retinal damage could be linked to Elmiron instead.
What should I do if I believe my macular degeneration was caused by Elmiron?
If you believe your eye condition was caused by taking Elmiron, you may be eligible to pursue an Elmiron lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Contact an experienced attorney who specializes in defective drug cases for more information about how to file a claim. Your lawyer will assess your case and advise you on how best to proceed. You could receive compensation for medical
The Elmiron litigation is currently in the discovery phase of the litigation process, and numerous depositions have been conducted by both sides. Elmiron users filing suit against Janssen may be eligible to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages related to their vision loss.
How long do you need to be on Elmiron before it can damage your eye?
There is no definitive answer to this question.
Studies have shown that long-term use of Elmiron can cause eye damage, but the amount of time required for this to happen varies from person to person. It is important to note that even short-term use can still lead to vision loss and other complications.
FAQS
What are the Elmiron Lawsuits about?
Unfortunately, many Elmiron users have reported severe adverse side effects after taking Elmiron, especially related to retina damage, including, macular degeneration, pigmentary maculopathy, damage to the back of the eye or retina (retinopathy), blindspots in the center of vision (scotoma)
What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a condition where the macula, a part of the retina that helps you see detail, thins and causes vision loss. It can be caused by aging or it may be linked to long-term use of certain medications such as Elmiron.
Macular degeneration is a common eye disease, often developed in people over 50. Damage to the macula causes trouble seeing things that are in your clear line of sight.
While macular degeneration is often considered an age-related disease, researchers have found that macula dam damage caused by Elmiron can mimic the appearance of age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
What is the difference between age-related macular degeneration and Elimron-related macular degeneration?
There is no difference. The condition is the same. The only difference between age-related macular degeneration and Elmiron-related macular degeneration is that the former is caused by aging while the latter is caused by direct exposure to Elmiron.
However, although they may present with similar symptoms, researchers have found that those with retinal damage from taking Elmiron respond differently to treatment than those with age-related macular degeneration.
What are the treatments for macular degeneration?
Treatments for macular degeneration vary from person to person. Options include lifestyle changes, medications, laser surgery, and nutritional supplements. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best treatment plan for you depending on your specific condition and needs.
It is important to note that if you have taken Elmiron and are experiencing vision loss or eye damage, the damage caused by Elmiron may not respond as well to certain treatments as age-related macular degeneration would. Therefore it is important to discuss any treatments with your doctor before beginning them.
What is Elmiron used for?
Elmiron is used to treat interstitial cystitis.
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes pain, pressure, and bladder discomfort. It affects both men and women of all ages and can last for years with varying degrees of severity.
Treatment of interstitial cystitis includes medications like Elmiron, lifestyle changes (such as diet modifications), physical therapy, interventional procedures, and natural remedies.
Where are the Elmiron lawsuits pending?
The Elmiron lawsuits are currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey before Hon. Brian R. Martinotti, U.S.D.J.
The suits are currently consolidated as an MDL or multidistrict litigation, specifically MDL No. 2973. There are also state court cases pending in New Jersey, California, and Illinois.
What is multidistrict litigation (MDL)?
An MDL is a legal process that consolidates multiple similar lawsuits from across the country into one court with one judge for pre-trial purposes. Some MDLs will have Bellwether trials on common issues to see if the individual cases should be sent back (remanded) to their home jurisdictions, settled, or dismissed.
What is maculopathy?
Macular pathology (maculopathy) is a general term that describes changes to the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. Maculopathy may involve damage to retinal layers and/or associated retinal pigment epithelium.
Maculopathy can lead to loss of central vision or distort it. Symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty reading, and difficulty adapting to low light levels.
Treatment of maculopathy depends on the cause of maculopathy and can range from medication, laser therapy, or surgery.
How do I know if I have Elmiron-induced maculopathy?
If you are taking Elmiron and noticing any changes in your vision such as blurriness, difficulty reading small print or seeing objects at a distance, or difficulty adapting to low light levels, you should visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam.
Your doctor will be able to determine if your maculopathy was related to the use of Elmiron.
Additionally, you may want to speak with an experienced attorney about filing a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals as those who have suffered vision loss from taking Elmiron may be eligible for compensation for their damages.
What is retinopathy?
Retinopathy is a general term used to describe any damage or abnormalities to the retina of the eye. Retinopathy can range from mild retinal changes to severe vision loss and blindness.
Causes of retinopathy include diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or medications like Elmiron.
Treatment depends on the cause of the retinopathy and can range from medication and lifestyle modifications to laser therapy or surgery.
How do I know if my retinopathy was caused by Elmiron?
If you developed damage to your retina and have taken Elmiron then you may have Elmiron-induced retinopathy.
What is scotoma?
Scotoma is an area of decreased vision within the field of vision. It can be caused by damage to any part of the visual pathway, including the retina and optic nerve. Symptoms can include blind spots, distorted or blurred vision, flashes of light or dark areas in your vision.
How do I know if my scotoma was caused by Elmiron?
If you experienced scotomas after taking Elmiron then it may have been caused by Elmiron-induced retinopathy.
You should contact an experienced attorney if you believe that your scotoma was caused by taking Elmiron as they can help you file a claim against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for compensation. Your attorney will need to review your medical records and other evidence to determine the cause of your vision loss and whether it is related to the use of Elmiron.
What damages am I eligible for in an Elmiron lawsuit?
Individuals who have suffered vision loss due to Elmiron may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering, medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
What should I do if I believe my vision loss or eye damage was caused by Elmiron?
If you believe your vision loss or eye damage was caused by the use of Elmiron, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals. To do so, it is important to seek out experienced legal counsel
If you suffered vision problems while on Elmiron, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for damages related to your condition.
An experienced attorney like Sadaka Law can help you determine if you are eligible to file a claim and assist you in navigating the legal process.