The reports are increasing of people suffering from eye damage after using the drug Elmiron, a bladder medication. If you or a loved one has taken Elmiron, this may be the most important article you ever read.
What is Elmiron?
Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is the only medication approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of interstitial cystitis, which is a medical condition whose end result if bladder discomfort and pain. It’s been estimated that hundreds of thousands of people in the United States take this medication.
Elmiron is believed to provide a “bladder coating effect” to your body. It works by adding a coat of protection in your inner bladder walls.
Serious Questions Regarding Elmiron Arise Out of Recent Study
A recent study showed there was evidence of serious eye damage in approximately one-quarter of the patients who take Elmiron. These people suffered retina damage and other eye injuries that are potentially associated with the use of Elmiron which include:
- Maculopathy
- Pigmentary Maculopathy
- Retinopathy
- Scotoma
The conditions listed above can result in injuries that include but aren’t limited to:
- Blurry Vision
- Halo Vision
- Unilateral or Bilateral Blindness
- Vision Loss or Impairment
I Take Elmiron, What Can I Do About Potential Eye Damage?
If you take Elmiron, you should know that research suggests that it may cause permanent and serious eye damage. If you are concerned at all about potential retina and/or other eye damage associated with your bladder medicine, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Researchers who conducted the study recommend that if you take Elmiron, you should be screened every year for any eye damage, even if you don’t have any symptoms of retina damage.
Are There Any Symptoms For People Experiencing Elmiron-associated Eye Damage?
The most common symptoms reported Elmiron associated eye damage include:
- Difficulty Reading
- Difficulty Adapting to Dim Lighting
- Blurred Vision – most often occurs in the center of your field of vision
- Dark Spots in Center of Vision
- Straight Lines that then Appear Curved or Squiggly
- Muted, and Less Vivid Colors
Did Emory Eye Center Publish Their Findings Regarding Their Elmiron Study?
Emory Eye Center ruled out any genetic predisposition to retinal maculopathy in the six patients they worked with through DNA testing. Emory published their shocking findings in the Journal of Ophthalmology in May of 2018.
Before Emory Eye Center’s study, no one had ever realized that Elmiron, which is normally prescribed by urologists would be the cause of such severe eye damage.
The sad part is, most people taking Elmiron may not even realize they have this macular disorder, but instead assume their vision is degrading when they start suffering symptoms such as blurred vision and trouble seeing at night.
Have You or a Loved One Taken Elmiron and Been Diagnosed with Retina or Other Eye Damage?
If you or a loved one has taken Elmiron and then suffered severe eye damage, the drug may be responsible and you could be entitled to significant monetary compensation.
The dangerous drug lawyers at The Falkowtiz Law Firm in Long Island, New York, have been following the developments regarding Elmiron closely. We can and do hold pharmaceutical manufacturers responsible and we would love to assist you in seeking justice for your injuries.
For a free no-obligation consultation with an Elmiron lawyer, please contact our office as soon as possible. The consultation is free, and we will take the time to properly evaluate your individual circumstances and advise you of your next legal steps.
