Elmiron: Long Term Side Effects and Eye Damage
Have you had prolonged exposure to Elmiron? Are you suffering from vision problems or other Elmiron long term side effects? Many individuals that took Elmiron and experienced vision problems have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals. These lawsuits allege that Janssen failed to warn doctors and patients about the risks of vision problems associated with the drug.
Our law firm is investigating vision loss claims nationwide due to Elmiron. Learn more about Elmiron long term side effects and how a lawyer can help you seek justice for vision problems related to the drug.
What Is Elmiron?
Elmiron, or pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), is an oral medication used to treat bladder pain or discomfort caused by Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Elmiron side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic include:
- Vision impairment (i.e. blurry or dimmed vision)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Skin hives or rash
Many of the side effects listed above are rare and short term side effects. However, Elmiron long term side effects, such as loss of close vision, night blindness and other serious vision-related injuries, have affected many patients.
Elmiron Long Term Side Effects and Eye Damage
Long term side effects of Elmiron include loss of close vision, night blindness and other vision impairments. While these Elmiron long term side effects may be temporary, vision problems may result in permanent eye damage.
Eye damage and blindness is a serious risk associated with the drug. Elmiron appears to be toxic to the retina and is associated with retinal damage. Retina is the light-sensing tissue that supports the ability to see. According to a recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly 25 percent of patients that participated in the study showed “clear signs of drug toxicity” and the rate of toxicity rose with the amount of medication consumed.
Studies Link Use of Elmiron to Vision Threatening Eye Condition
In 2018, a study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology concluded that chronic exposure to Elmiron was associated with a unique and avoidable maculopathy. Patients in this original study suffered from the following symptoms:
- Prolonged adaptation to darkness
- Difficulty reading
What Is Maculopathy?
Maculopathy, or macular degeneration, is a disease that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina.
Elmiron and Pigmentary Maculopathy
A form of maculopathy associated with chronic use of Elmiron is called pigmentary maculopathy. Pigmentary maculopathy may be misdiagnosed as a similar-appearing condition. For example, conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and pattern dystrophy may be mistaken for the unique maculopathy associated with Elmiron.
Similar conditions that may be mistaken for pigmentary maculopathy include:
- Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Pattern Dystrophy
- Cellophane Maculopathy
- Malattia Leventinese
It is critical that patients exposed to Elmiron be screened and examined by a medical professional who is experienced in diagnosing pigmentary maculopathy.
Questions About an Elmiron Lawsuit? Call for a Free Consultation
If you are experiencing vision problems or other Elmiron long term side effects, request a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are investigating vision loss claims due to Elmiron and taking cases nationwide. Contact us by submitting the form or by calling us at (866) 575-7435 for a confidential evaluation of your potential claim.