Elmiron lawsuits are filed to seek compensation for people with pigmentary maculopathy. The people who filed the lawsuits allege that Janssen, the manufacturer of Elmiron failed to warn doctors and patients that their drug could cause vision problems and possible blindness.
The Falkowitz Law Firm in Long Island, New York is representing victims of Elmiron and demanding that Janssen pay for all of your expenses such as lost earnings, doctor’s bills, and pain and suffering.
Elmiron lawsuits filed by our office are not class actions. We prefer to aggressively fight each lawsuit separately, however, they may become part of multidistrict litigation that could serve to speed up the negotiation and settlement process.
Are There Specific Grounds for an Elmiron Lawsuit in New York?
The main claim in Elmiron lawsuits is the failure to warn as none of the packaging or instructions list any risk of maculopathy. This means that doctors who prescribed this medication were unaware of the potential danger to their patients. Had they known, they may not have prescribed it, and their patients may have made the choice not to take it.
Does Elmiron Cause Maculopathy?
Recent studies have found substantial evidence that using Elmiron long term leads to pigmentary maculopathy which is an injury to your macula – the central part of your retina. Macular injury may cause permanent vision loss and complete blindness. In mild cases, it can cause vision impairment.
In 2018, the American Academy of Ophthalmology published in an article that discussed six Emory Eye Center patients who had taken Elmiron for their bladder problems and developed pigmentary maculopathy.
The three most common symptoms of pigmentary maculopathy include:
- Dark spots on your retina
- Round, yellow lesions under your macula
- Abnormal blood vessels and capillaries
In some cases, doctors may confuse retinal maculopathy or an age-related macular degeneration or pattern dystrophy.
Are the Elmiron Lawsuits a Class Action?
No, they are all separate lawsuits but may be joined into multi-district litigation. This is a way to streamline the litigation process. In multi-district litigation, the just will make all pre-trial rulings, and then four or five cases will go to trial. How these trials turn out is crucial as it serves as a starting point in negotiations.
In multi-district lawsuits, each person gets their own separate settlement and the final amount of compensation depends on your injuries and circumstances.
Has Elmiron Been Recalled?
No, but the people involved in the Elmiron lawsuits are looking for large settlements. No price can be put on your eyesight and sight problems can affect every part of your life.
Who is the Manufacturer of Elmiron?
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which is a division of Johnson & Johnson is the manufacturer of Elmiron. The generic name for Elmiron is Pentosan polysulfate sodium and physicians prescribe it to treat bladder pain syndrome and osteoarthritis. Before being used as a bladder pain medication it was prescribed as a blood thinner.
Does Elmiron Have Any Side Effects?
Besides the vision problems, you could experience side effects such as:
- Diarrhea
- Hair Loss
- Headaches
- Skin Rashes
- Sleeping Problems
- Reflux
While the label on Elmiron does make mention of some eye diseases, they don’t mention maculopathy, but instead mention such eye problems as:
- Amblyopia
- Nystagmus
- Pink Eye
- Optic Neuritis
- Retinal Hemorrhage
If you take Elmiron, you may want to talk to your doctor and/or ophthalmologist, and they may suggest you either have a vision test or change medications.
Have There Been Any Warnings Issued for Elmiron?
Between 1197 and 2019, there have been about 100 cases identified as “eye disorders” among Elmiron patients who used the Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System. Eighty of these were classified as being serious.
If you or a loved one has taken Elmiron and later been diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy, please contact our Elmiron attorneys at The Falkowitz Law Firm in Long Island, New York. Our Elmiron lawyers talk with you during your free consultation and evaluate your individual situation. We will then advise you of the next legal steps that are available to you to receive any monetary compensation you may deserve.
