What is the Elmiron Lawsuit About?
The interstitial cystitis medication Elmiron® (pentosan polysulfate sodium, or PPS) has been linked to a unique progressive eye disease. This disease causes progressive worsening of eyesight. This life-altering side effect is known as pigmented retinal maculopathy. It is a retinal-related condition and is usually diagnosed by a retinal specialist. Ophthalmologists can also diagnose this condition. A drug that is used to treat pain and discomfort should not be the cause of your worsening vision, but sadly, studies show that there is a clear connection.
Call us today at 1-800-718-4658 for a free consultation if you or a loved one was diagnosed with a progressive eye disease after taking Elmiron. You may be eligible for financial recovery for the medical expenses and other damages suffered. Our Elmiron claim lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis. This means that you will never owe us any money until we obtain a recovery for you.
The Elmiron lawsuit is against plaintiff Janssen Pharmaceuticals for the failure to properly warn the public about the vision loss risks associated with drug use. At this time, there is no mention of a recall though the American Academy of Ophthalmology revealed in 2019 that patients taking this drug showed signs of toxicity resulting in vision loss.
Vision Loss from this Progressive Eye Disease
The Emory Eye Center in Atlanta, GA discovered a new progressive eye disease in six patients from 2015 to 2018. They reviewed the patients’ medical histories and found that all six individuals had taken Elmiron. They published their findings in the Journal of Ophthalmology.
This progressive eye disease can involve the following symptoms:
- Trouble reading
- Trouble seeing in dim lighting
- Blurry vision, often in the center of the vision field
- Dark spots in the center of the vision field
- Straight lines can appear curved
- Less saturated colors
- Blindness
Other researchers have since confirmed the disease and its link to Elmiron®, including the IC Network, Harvard Medical School, and doctors at Kaiser Oakland. Harvard Medical School even found that the disease could progress in patients long after they stop taking Elmiron; having treated a patient whose disease was still progressing six years after she suspended taking the drug.
The FDA has since announced labeling changes for Elmiron which warn of pigmentary changes in the retina as a side effect. For some, however, the damage has already been done. If you are suffering from pigmented retinal maculopathy and have taken Elmiron, call us today. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a elmiron lawyer serving California, call (800) 718-4658
How Our Elmiron Attorneys Can Help You
Our battle-tested, aggressive attorneys have represented victims of drug-induced vision loss for decades. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for victims; including a $15,000,000 settlement of drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a syndrome which can cause vision loss. Our Elmiron legal team currently has over 50 cases.
Call us today at 1-800-718-4658 or text us for a free consultation if you or a loved one was diagnosed with pigmented retinal maculopathy or another progressive eye disease after taking Elmiron. You can also fill out the free consultation form on this page, or use the text feature.
California Elmiron Lawyer Near Me (800) 718-4658
Frequently Asked Questions on Elmiron’s Link to Eye Disease
What are the changes in vision reportedly caused by Elmiron?
Maculopathy is a disease related to the macula, which is the central portion of the retina. It is a painless disease that involves the degeneration of the macular. At the start, the patient may not even notice any vision problems. Over time however, objects may begin to appear deformed or smaller in size. Where the macula is focused, the patient may lose their ability to see. For instance, they may be able to see a person’s facial features but not their expressions.
Some of the primary changes in vision include:
- Slow adjustment to dim light
- Difficulty reading
- Blurred vision
These effects have been shown to continually worsen over time.
How is maculopathy diagnosed?
When a person is experiencing vision issues, the best way to diagnose maculopathy is the Amsler Test. This is conducted during an OCT. As of June 2020, a warning label was added recommending that the patient receive vision tests within six months of starting Elmiron treatment for early detection. That of course does not help those who were unaware of this side effect previously.
Are there still side-effects if you stop taking Elmiron?
The disease can continue in patients even after they stop taking Elmiron. Several studies involved those who stopped taking the drugs and still experienced vision loss for years. Doctor Rachel Huckfeldt, a Harvard University doctor, found that her patient suffered continual worsening vision loss even ten years after stopping Elmiron.
Has Elmiron been recalled?
As it stands, Elmiron has not been recalled despite the numerous studies that link long-term usage of this treatment with vision loss. As of April 2021, according to drugwatch.com, there is no mentioned plan to request that Janssen recall the drug.
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