Elmiron, a prescription drug used to treat side effects of interstitial cystitis (IC), may cause severe and permanent vision damage. If you or your loved one took Elmiron and experienced vision changes or blindness, you may qualify for compensation. Continue reading to learn more about the potential dangers of Elmiron and how Loncar Lyon Jenkins can assist you.
Elmiron May Cause Serious Eye Conditions
Since 1996, healthcare providers have prescribed Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium or PPS) to women to treat pain and discomfort caused by IC. However, the Canadian Urological Association Journal reports that studies conducted in 2018 connected PPS and pigmentary maculopathy – a vision-deteriorating eye condition.
Pigmentary maculopathy causes potentially irreversible changes to the retina, leading to vision problems and blindness. The condition is often confused with macular degeneration and has many of the same signs and symptoms, including:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty adjusting from light to dark
- Difficulty reading
- Defined blurry spots or blind spots in your field of vision
- Visual distortion
- Loss of vision
How Does Elmiron Work?
Hundreds of thousands of people (mostly women) have used Elmiron since it came on the market. But, according to Drugwatch, researchers do not understand precisely how it works to treat IC, though they believe the blood thinner protects the bladder from irritants in urine. It is also unclear why PPS causes maculopathy.
Despite the current lack of understanding about the side effects of the drug, victims are incurring real-time expenses and suffering quality-of-life changes. A dangerous drug lawyer can help offset these negative consequences by pursuing compensation for anyone who has suffered harm from Elmiron.
What Should You Do If You Experience Vision Changes Caused by Elmiron?
If you take Elmiron and notice any changes in your vision, you should see a doctor right away. Likewise, you should notify your health care provider if you take Elmiron and have a history of eye or blood vessel disorders (such as aneurysm or hemophilia) or liver or gastrointestinal problems.
You should also contact your doctor if you find blood in your stool or have severe or persistent side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Rash
- Headache
- Upset stomach/diarrhea
- Bruising
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Abnormal liver function tests
Treatments
According to the Mayo Clinic, there currently is no treatment for macular degeneration. For now, all those suffering from the condition can do is slow the progression with a healthy lifestyle (e.g., not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight). Additionally, research has shown that those with intermediate to advanced macular degeneration may benefit from taking high doses of specific antioxidant vitamins and minerals.
You should consult your doctor before discontinuing or beginning any new medications or treatments.
Has There Been an Elmiron Recall?
No. Elmiron is still available by prescription and remains one of only two FDA-approved treatments for IC. However, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) updated Elmiron’s label in 2020 to include a new warning regarding retinal pigmentary changes. The new label states that Elmiron “may be associated with pigment changes in the retina of the eye that may continue even after stopping treatment…”
The label also advises those taking Elmiron to receive regular eye and retinal examinations.
Consumers Can Take Legal Action Against the Makers of Elmiron
If you or your loved one suffer from vision problems or have experienced other severe or life-altering side effects from taking Elmiron, you may qualify to seek compensation with an Elmiron lawsuit. Damages you may recover include:
- Medical expenses. You may pursue compensation for past, current, and future medical bills related to your eye condition, including the cost of doctor and specialist visits, diagnostic testing, medications, surgeries, nursing services, and other necessary treatment for health or vision problems caused by Elmiron.
- Lost income. We can recover wages, benefits, bonuses, tips, and other earnings lost due to the side effects of Elmiron. In addition, if you have severe and permanent vision changes or blindness that prevent you from working, we can also pursue compensation for reductions to your earning capacity.
- Non-economic compensation. Also referred to as pain and suffering damages, noneconomic compensation offers monetary awards for physical, mental, and emotional reductions to your quality of life. For example, you may qualify for financial awards for depression, anxiety, mental anguish, and loss of life enjoyment.
- Various losses. We will review your out-of-pocket expenses and help you recover any other damages resulting from Elmiron’s side effects, including medical travel costs and the value of your lost household services, such as cooking, cleaning, or home maintenance.
Loncar Lyon Jenkins Can Represent You in an Elmiron Lawsuit
Lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, are currently working their way through the courts. Our firm may be able to help you pursue your claims as part of a mass tort or multidistrict lawsuit (MDL). Our attorneys can:
- Review your case during a free consultation
- Identify your Elmiron-related damages
- Collect evidence proving you have pigmentary maculopathy or another health condition caused by Elmiron
- Prepare and file your case
- Communicate with involved parties on your behalf
- Negotiate for fair financial recovery
- Provide you with regular and timely case updates
- Represent you at trial if necessary
Consider contacting our firm to learn more about your legal options before time runs out. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.012, you generally have two years to pursue personal injury compensation based on a product liability claim. The clock starts at the time your drug-related injury occurred or was discovered. Some circumstances could alter the deadline. Our lawyers can help you get started before it is too late.
Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today
Loncar Lyon Jenkins has stood for the rights of the injured since 1988. We have a history of taking on wealthy and powerful defendants, including pharmaceutical companies. We believe that no one is above the law, and when companies harm others with dangerous drugs and products, they should pay to make it right.
Every year, we help thousands of clients across Texas seek the justice they deserve. We have eight offices conveniently located throughout the state in Dallas, Houston, El Paso, Lubbock, McAllen, Wichita Falls, Odessa, and Tyler. Additionally, we take many cases on contingency, meaning we charge nothing upfront or out-of-pocket for our legal services. Contact us today to learn more with a risk-free, no-cost case evaluation.
