What Is Elmiron?
Elmiron (also known as pentosan polysulfate sodium, or PPS) is a prescription medication used to treat interstitial cystitis, “or painful bladder syndrome.” Less frequently, Elmiron is used to treat osteoarthritis.
Elmiron Use Linked To Eye Damage
This medication has been linked to the development of retinal or pigmentary maculopathy, a serious eye disease. This disease may also be referred to as “central vision loss”. Because this side-effect of Elmiron was only recently discovered, the condition is often misdiagnosed as macular degeneration or as other well-known macular disorders. Similar to macular degeneration, this condition alters pigment cells in the retina, changing the eye color while causing significant eye damage and vision loss.
Symptoms of retinal or pigmentary maculopathy include:
- Blurred Vision
- Difficulty Reading
- Difficulty Adapting To Dim Lighting
- Dark Spots In The Center Of Vision
- Straight Lines Appear Curved or Squiggly
- Change In Eye Color
- Muted, Less Vivid Colors
A 2017 study conducted by Emory Eye Center published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology examined the eyes of 34 participants for the development of a newly discovered eye condition called retinal or pigmentary maculopathy. The study found that every participant who tested positive for the disease had one thing in common, they all had been taking elmiron.
The images (right) show disease severity from least (left side of picture) to most severe (right side of picture). All photos show pigmented deposits around the fovea where visual acuity is the highest, causing visual impairment.
Janssen Knew About The Risk
The manufacturer of Elmiron, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., knew about the dangerous side effects of the drug for more than 20 years. However, the company failed to warn patients about the risks associated with taking Elmiron. Patients paid Janssen billions of dollars for Elmiron and unknowingly risked developing permanent eye damage.
What Does It Cost To Find Out If I Have A Case?
Nothing. If you or a loved one used Elmiron and developed any of the symptoms described above, or if you have been diagnosed with retinal or pigmentary maculopathy, central vision loss, or any other macular or retinal disease, call us toll free at (877) 704-7674 for a free case evaluation. If you took Elmiron and have experienced any of the symptoms described above, or any other issues with your vision, you should immediately report these symptoms to your doctor. Early detection may prevent permanent vision loss. Do not discontinue the use of any prescription medication without consulting your physician.
This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results afford no guarantee of future results. Every case is different and must be judged on its own merits. Attorneys David Summers and Aaron Johnson are licensed in Missouri and Kansas; however our attorneys have handled cases nationwide, including mass tort claims that are filed in federal courts.* Always consult your doctor before making any change in medication.
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