Elmiron Lawsuit | Bladder Medication Linked to Vision Problems

About the Elmiron Lawsuit

Elmiron, a prescription medication used to treat chronic bladder pain and interstitial cystitis (IC), has been linked to a number of vision-related health problems.

Patients who were prescribed the drug Elmiron and developed maculopathy and vision problems have accused Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the drug’s manufacturer, of failing to warn the public about the risks of ocular toxicity and potentially permanent vision damage or loss.

Lawsuits filed in federal court allege that Janssen knew or should have known about the risks of Elmiron but failed to adequately warn patients and doctors.

Lawsuits seek damages for plaintiffs’ medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Janssen has denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the drug is safe and effective when used as directed.

The case is currently in pretrial proceedings.

What is the Elmiron MDL?

Nearly all of the Elmiron lawsuits have been consolidated in New Jersey Federal Court, filed under MDL 2973.

There have been over 1,300 cases consolidated in the US District Court: District of New Jersey as of July 2022. 169 cases remain in state courts.

Bellwether trials for the Elmiron litigation are scheduled to begin in January 2023. More detailed information on average settlement amounts will be known at that time.

Elmiron: Linked to Vision Issues but Remaining on the Market

Elmiron is used to treat chronic bladder pain and interstitial cystitis (IC).

The medication works by creating a thin protective layer on the wall of the bladder to protect against irritants found in urine.

Although the medication has seen great results in treating bladder problems, Elmiron has been unfortunately linked to a number of vision-related side effects that can potentially lead to blindness.

Elmiron has not been recalled by the FDA despite these issues.

If you or a loved one used Elmiron and subsequently have suffered from vision problems, you may be eligible to file an Elmiron Lawsuit.

Contact the attorneys at Keith Law Group for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

Elmiron Side Effects and Injuries

Elmiron’s vision-related side effects were not disclosed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

These potentially life-altering vision problems include the following:

• drug toxicity
• vision loss
• problems with vision focus and reading
• macula / retinal damage (maculopathy)
• difficulty adjusting to dim/dark lighting

Apart from vision problems, Janssen Pharmaceuticals notes the following potential side effects from using Elmiron:

• hair loss
• diarrhea
• nausea
• blood in the stool
• headache
• rash
• upset stomach
• abnormal liver functions
• dizziness
• bruising
• weight gain
• swelling

Research on Elmiron and Vision Problems

Multiple scientific studies have shown that Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium, the scientific name for Elmiron, can cause certain vision problems.

Studies on Elmiron/Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium and vision problems include:

• Emory Eye Center – Pigmentary Maculopathy Associated with Chronic Exposure to Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium: This study has been a basis for other research on the subject, finding that some Elmiron users were misdiagnosed with age-related macular degeneration rather than pigmentary maculopathy associated with Elmiron usage.
• American Academy of Ophthalmology – More Evidence Linking Common Bladder Medication to a Vision-threatening Eye Condition: Researchers found that about a quarter of Elmiron users suffer from vision problems.
• Kaiser Permanente of California – TPMG ophthalmologist warns drug for painful bladder condition may damage retina: Researchers at the healthcare company Kaiser Permanente also found that nearly 25% of Elmiron users suffered from vision problems and maculopathy.

Maculopathy Symptoms

Maculopathy is a degenerative eye disease that affects the macula, which is the small, central area of the retina responsible for sharp vision.

Maculopathy can cause a number of symptoms, including image and vision distortion, difficulty adjusting to dark or dim lighting, gradual loss of vision, and issues with focusing eyesight.

The disease is often painless, and patients might have trouble detecting symptoms early on.

If left untreated, maculopathy can lead to severe vision loss and even blindness.

There is no cure for maculopathy, but treatments are available that can help slow the progression of the disease.

Have You Suffered Vision Loss from Elmiron? You May Qualify for Legal Action

If you or a loved one took Elmiron and subsequently suffered from vision problems, vision loss or maculopathy, you may qualify for an Elmiron lawsuit.

Contact Keith Law Group for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for legal action instantly.

If you believe you qualify for a lawsuit, there are some steps you can take to put yourself on the right track to compensation.

Mitigate Your Injuries

It is important to take steps to mitigate your injuries for an Elmiron lawsuit. This means seeking medical attention right away and following your doctor’s orders.

It is also important to discuss substitutes or discontinuing your use of Elmiron if you are still taking the drug.

Taking these steps can help to minimize the impacts of your injury, both physically and financially. Mitigation is an important part of the process for an Elmiron lawsuit, and you should do everything in your power to minimize the impacts of your injuries.

Talk to your doctor and take action today.

Gather Evidence

It is also important to gather evidence for your Elmiron lawsuit.

An attorney will be able to help you gather evidence or direct you to the appropriate resources to secure evidence for your case.

Evidence in an Elmiron Lawsuit typically includes:

• Medical records
• Doctor’s opinions
• Records from an opthalmologist
• Receipts for your Elmiron prescriptions
• Elmiron prescription and dosage information

Assess Damages

An attorney will be able to help you assess and determine the monetary value of your damages and what may be able to be argued for in a court of law.

Damages in an Elmiron lawsuit may include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical bills or therapy costs related to vision loss
• Emotional distress, pain and suffering
• Lost wages and earning capability
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to vision loss
• Other costs associated with your injury
• Other emotional costs related to your injury

Keith Law Group: Elmiron Lawyers

If you or a loved one took Elmiron to treat a chronic bladder condition and subsequently experienced vision problems, you may qualify for an Elmiron Lawsuit.

Contact us for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify for legal action instantly.

Our experienced team of attorneys and support staff understand the hardships you’re enduring and will make it our mission to secure compensation for the damage done.

All defendants should be held responsible for your injuries and related costs, financial and emotional.

Don’t hesitate – reach out to our law firm today for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to see if you qualify instantly.

We’re here to help.