Dangerous Bladder Pain Drug Elmiron Causing Permanent Eye Damage
Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium or PPS), manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Branded Pharmaceuticals, and Ortho-McNiel Pharmaceuticals, was approved in 1996 by the FDA to help treat interstitial cystitis or IC, a condition affecting between 4 and 12 million Americans. At the present, it is the only oral drug approved to treat the pain and suffering caused by IC and no generic exists. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people have been prescribed Elmiron to help with their conditions. However, a study from the American Academy of Ophthalmology is showing strong evidence linking this common bladder medication to permanent eye damage.
The study found 140 patients who taken an average of 5,000 pills each over the course of 15 years. Of those 140 patients, 91 agreed to participate. 22 of the 91 patients showed clear signs of drug toxicity with damage to their retinas. The rate of toxicity rose with the amount of Elmiron consumed, from 11% of those take 500 to 1,000 grams to 42% of those taking 1,500 grams or more.
This study came after an initial study published on May 22, 2018. In the 2018 study, initial results found the possibility of maculopathy associated with exposure to the active ingredient in Elmiron known as PPS. The 2018 study found similar results of the 2019 study in which patients had trouble with reading, prolonged dark adaption, and other optical problems. These finds were also confirmed in a third study released on May 5, 2019.
The manufactures of Elmiron failed to add any warning labels about potential eye damage or an increased risk of eye disease until June 2020, two years after the initial study provided evidence of such. These major drug companies have continued to push this knowingly harmful drug into the hands of Americans who are trying to manage their illnesses and pain.
Ophthalmologists recommend that if you begin to show signs of damage, patients are encouraged to speak with their urologist or ob/gyn about discontinuing the medication. These signs are pigmentary maculopathy, or macular degeneration, affecting the retina, resulting in:
- Blurry Vision
- Night Blindness
- Difficulty Reading
- Dark Spots in Vision
- Loss of Detailed Vision
- Color Blindness
- Change to Eye Color
- Blindness
- Pigmentary Maculopathy
- Retinal Maculopathy
- Macular Degeneration
- Pattern Dystrophy
- Vision Loss/ Impairment
The most common demographic is believed to be women with ages between 37 and 39 years. The most common symptoms include blurry vision, prolonged dark adaption, and metamorphopsia (making straight objects as if they are being pulled inwards like a boat in a whirlpool).
If you or a loved one have been injured from taking Elmiron, we can help. Act now before it is too late.
The attorneys of the Clark Law Firm are here for you and your loved ones. The team of experienced attorneys have been fighting and protecting families for decades. They have helped injured families recover millions. The Clark Law Firm is here to help you, please call us if you believe that you or a loved one has been injured from taking Elmiron.
To help you understand if there is a potential case, please consider the following:
- Have you or a loved on been prescribed Elmiron?
- Have you or a loved one taken Elmiron on or before June 2020?
- Have you or a loved one experienced any change in your vision after taking Elmiron?
It will cost you nothing up front to hire us. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means we only get paid if you get paid. To discuss matters further about your possible case, please call us today.
