What is Elmiron?

INFORMATION AND WHAT TO DO

Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is a prescription drug that is used to treat bladder pain and discomfort. It is commonly prescribed to people who suffer from a chronic condition called interstitial cystitis (IC). IC can cause intense bladder pressure and pain. There is no current cure or effective treatment for IC. Elmiron is the only FDA approved drug available today to help mitigate the discomfort and pain people with IC suffer from daily. 

IC is extremely common. Current estimates figure that about 1 to 4 million men and 3 to 8 million women in the United States suffer from IC. There is no generic for Elmiron, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals is the only manufacturer of the drug. The majority of Elmiron users are women, and the majority of users take Elmiron long-term. Estimates guess that hundreds of thousands of people have used Elmiron. Recent studies suggest that long-term use of the drug can be toxic to the retina.

Side Effects

The common side effects of Elmiron as listed by the manufacturer are, hair loss, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, and abdominal pain. Janssen Pharmaceuticals mentions nothing about eye damage and retina toxicity in their drug warnings for Elmiron. Recent research into long term Elmiron use is pretty clear on the dangers to user’s eyes. More and more people are coming forward and detailing their eye injuries as a result of Elmiron. Injuries include:
  • Retinopathy 
  • Degenerative Maculopathy 
  • Macular Retinopathy
  • Macular Dystrophy
  • Pigmentary Maculopathy
  • Unilateral & Bilateral Blindness
  • Halo Vision
  • Vision Loss
  • Vision Impairment
  • Vision Blurring

This list is by no means exhaustive, and as more information is made public, more injuries are bound to be reported. What we do know is that long term Elmiron use leads to retina toxicity in about 25 percent of the people who use it. If you are currently taking Elmiron, talk to your doctor and schedule regular exams for your eyes to make sure that you are not doing damage to your vision. Many of the vision problems associated with Elmiron mask themselves as normal degenerative diseases associated with aging.

Get Help from a Personal Injury Attorney

Janssen Pharmaceuticals never warned Elmiron users that it could lead to eye damage. If you are taking or have taken Elmiron you could have a case against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for the injuries you have sustained. Murphy Law Firm is here to help you! Our team of personal injury attorneys has over 150 years of combined litigation experience. We are not afraid to take a case to trial. Understand your rights, and get the legal help you need from a personal injury lawyer. Murphy Law Firm will help protect your rights and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. Call our team today at (225) 928-8800.

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