Elmiron Causes Eye Damage and Blindness

Elmiron, a drug used to treat interstitial cystitis (IC), has been linked to ocular toxicity, vision loss, and blindness.

I have already filed lawsuits in Elmiron cases and am currently reviewing additional cases for people who lost their vision after taking Elmiron. I offer free consultations to evaluate whether you are eligible for compensation.

What is Elmiron and why is it dangerous?

Elmiron, which is also marketed under its generic name pentosan polysulfate sodium, or PPS, is a drug used to treat patients with a chronic condition known as interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is a chronic bladder health issue that is more common among women than men. It is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder that is often accompanied by lower urinary tract symptoms that last more than 6 weeks without an infection or other clear cause. IC may feel like a bladder infection, and women with IC may experience pain when having sex. Some people with IC have other health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, or other pain syndromes.

A 2019 study revealed that patients who were taking Elmiron or PPS were at an increased risk for vision loss and blindness caused by toxic maculopathy, pigmentary maculopathy, retinal maculopathy, and macular degeneration. Common symptoms of maculopathy are difficult reading and difficulty adapting to dim lighting.

If caught at the early stages, maculopathy can be prevented by stopping taking Elmiron. Unfortunately, some people were unable to stop taking Elmiron in time and suffered vision loss after taking the drug.

Elmiron is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals and has been on the market since the late 1990s. It is the only drug that has been approved to treat pain associated with IC. The list of side effects contained in prescribing information does not include the risk of maculopathy, a disease that effects the macula (the back of the retina in the eye that is responsible for our central vision, color vision, and the fine detail in what we see) or other changes in vision.

Who is eligible for compensation?

To determine whether you qualify it will be helpful to know when you started taking Elmiron and when you began to experience vision problems. Generally, people who were diagnosed with vision problems while taking Elmiron or within one year of stopping taking Elmiron are eligible for compensation. But every case is unique. The only way to know whether you are eligible for compensation due to vision loss caused by taking Elmiron or its generic pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) is to speak with an experienced drug injury attorney.

What should I do if I experienced vision loss after taking Elmiron?

I am currently reviewing lawsuits on behalf of people who experienced maculopathy, vision loss, and blindness after taking Elmiron and offer free consultations to evaluate whether you are eligible for compensation.

Unlike many large pharmaceutical litigation firms in the country, when you work with me your case will not be passed off to a young associate or a paralegal. I will personally represent you at every stage of the legal process, and you will have direct access to me.

If you or someone you love has experienced vision loss or blindness, or has been diagnosed with ocular toxicity, toxic maculopathy, pigmentary maculopathy, retinal maculopathy, or macular degeneration, contact Brian K. Balser Co. LPA today. I can provide the experienced and personalized help you and your family need. My office is based in Elyria and I represent people locally and throughout the country.