Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. | March 30, 2021 | Products Liability

Another study has been published that links Elmiron to retinal damage. The new study published in Retina (The Journal of Retinal and Vitreous Diseases) found that exposure to pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) or Elmiron could increase the risk of vision problems and vision loss.

How Was the Retina Study Conducted?

The researchers sent surveys to people diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC). 

IC is a bladder condition that can cause urinary frequency, urinary urgency, recurring pelvic pain, and pain or discomfort in the bladder. Elmiron is a common medication used to treat IC. Currently, Elmiron is the only oral medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat IC. 

The study found that the respondents who took the highest doses of Elmiron were more likely to report vision problems, such as difficulty reading small print. They also reported being diagnosed with macular degeneration or pigmentary maculopathy. These rates were compared to respondents who did not use Elmiron.

Another Study That Supports Claims of Retinal Damage Linked to Elmiron

This latest study is just another example of research that links PPS and Elmiron to retinal damage and vision loss. Other studies that preceded the study published in Retina include:

Research from Kaiser Permanente (January 2020)

Research conducted by ophthalmologists at Kaiser Permanente found that chronic exposure to PPS was linked to the development of a unique pigmentary maculopathy. PPS-related maculopathy continued to progress even after the patients stopped taking Elmiron. 

Study in The British Journal of Ophthalmology (2019)

Researchers studied data from an extensive U.S. medical claims database from 2002 through 2016. They examined both PPS and control patients. They concluded that PPS exposure was associated with significantly increased odds of a new diagnosis of macular disease at the seven-year follow-up.

American Academy of Ophthalmology (October 2019)

At the AAO annual meeting in 2019, research was presented linking Elmiron to retinal damage. Patients with significant exposure to Elmiron had definite signs of eye damage. The cases of vision damage or retinal damage may be higher because the damage “masquerades” as pattern dystrophy or age-related macular degeneration. 

Emory Eye Center Study (2018)

A study of six adult patients found that chronic exposure to PPS resulted in maculopathy. Patients had trouble reading and prolonged dark adaptation. Long-term use of Elmiron could cause retinal damage.

As more information becomes available, additional lawsuits against the makers of Elmiron, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, are likely. The long-term impacts of PPS continue to be studied by researchers and physicians. Many lawsuits have already been filed seeking damages for injuries caused by Elmiron.

The Elmiron lawsuits allege that Janssen Pharmaceuticals failed to warn patients of the risk of vision loss and retinal damage. The company listed other side effects on the medication’s packaging, but it did not list maculopathy.

A drug manufacturer must inform consumers of the risks and side effects of medication. Failing to warn is a cause of action for a product liability claim. 

Plaintiffs allege had they have known about the risk of permanent vision loss that they might not have chosen to take the drug. Because there were not informed of the potential risks, they sustained injuries and damages.

Damages Payable in an Elmiron Lawsuit

If a plaintiff is successful in proving that the drug manufacturer is liable for the injuries caused by Elmiron, the company may be required to compensate the victim for damages including:

  • The cost of diagnosing the damage to the eye and providing treatment and care 
  • The permanent impairment and disability caused by vision loss and other injuries
  • The cost of personal care 
  • Loss of income, wages, and benefits
  • Decreases in earning potential because of a permanent impairment
  • Loss of enjoyment of life 
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress

The value of your claim depends on the facts of your case. Your attorney will document your damages and work to recover the maximum compensation available for your claim.

What Should You Do if You Are Taking Elmiron and Are Diagnosed with Vision Loss or Retinal Damage?

If you are taking Elmiron, talk to your physician before stopping the medication. Your physician can review your options for treatment to help you decide what is best for your situation. 

If you believe that Elmiron is the cause of your vision loss or retinal damage, contact an Elmiron lawsuit attorney immediately. The time to file a claim against the drug company is limited. The lawyer will need time to gather medical records and research your case before filing the lawsuit.

Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers at Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. for More Help

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum & Rosenbaum, P.C. to schedule a free consultation.

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