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Is Elmiron Dangerous? | Eye Damage & Other Side Effects

Recent studies have found that the bladder pain medication Elmiron may be dangerous to some users, as it has been linked to serious eye problems including retinal damage, vision loss, and even total blindness.
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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt
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If you or a loved one suffered vision impairment or macular degeneration after using Elmiron, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.

Please click the button below for a Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation or call our lawyers toll-free 24 hrs/day by dialing (866) 588-0600.

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How Dangerous is Elmiron?

During clinical trials, researchers studied the side effects of Elmiron in 2,627 patients. Common side effects — hair loss, diarrhea, nausea, headache and rash — occurred in 1 to 4% of test subjects. At least 33 participants, about 1.3%, suffered serious side effects. Six patients died, but these deaths were attributed to other health problems.

In June 2020, a warning for retinal pigmentary maculopathy, a condition that causes vision problems, was added to the labeling of Elmiron.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Elmiron?

A serious eye condition called pigmentary maculopathy has been linked to the long-term use of Elmiron. Over time, pigmentary maculopathy can lead to vision loss and even total blindness.

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How Long Does it Take for Elmiron to Cause Eye Damage?

Most of the eye problems seen in Elmiron patients occurred after 3 or more years of treatment with the drug, according to the product labeling. However, some people had eye damage after a shorter duration of use.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Elmiron?

Unfortunately, eye problems can continue to worsen even after you quit taking Elmiron. Patients can develop nighttime vision loss, dark spots, loss of detailed vision, blurry vision, and blindness.

In some cases, the retinal damage does not occur until after the person stops using Elmiron. If you do not have symptoms of eye damage, you should have a retinal examination every 6 months while taking Elmiron and after discontinuing treatment with the drug.

What Does the FDA Say About Elmiron?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising all patients who take Elmiron to undergo a comprehensive retinal examination which includes specialized retinal procedures. The agency also urges prescribing doctors to re-evaluate the risks and benefits of Elmiron therapy after a patient develops eye problems.

What is the Status of the Lawsuit?

To date, thousands of people who developed pigmentary maculopathy, vision loss, and other vision problems after taking Elmiron have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer. These complaints allege that Janssen Pharmaceuticals failed to ensure the safety of Elmiron and seek financial compensation for the plaintiff’s injuries.

The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) in Dec. 2020 ordered all lawsuits to be consolidated in the District of New Jersey. The MDL is: Elmiron (Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium) Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2973.

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The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in lawsuits. We handle individual litigation nationwide and accept new lawsuits in all 50 states.

Again, if you or a loved one suffered eye damage after taking Elmiron, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and our lawyer can help.

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