Patients suffering from interstitial cystitis, also called IC or painful bladder syndrome, are often desperate for relief. For many, Elmiron® is the answer. Elmiron is the only drug available to treat IC, but sadly, the undisclosed side effects can be worse than the initial problem.
Studies from Emory University School of Medicine and Kaiser Permanente have linked Elmiron to retinal damage and drug toxicity. In some cases, patients reported difficulty reading and visual changes, and in the most severe cases, using Elmiron resulted in vision loss and blindness.
If you or someone you love has suffered vision loss as a result of taking Elmiron, Shelton Davis, PLLC can help. No case is too tough for us to handle, and our trusted advocates are ready to hear about your case.
Call us at (601) 228-3166 to get started with a free consultation.
According to the U.S. government’s MedlinePlus:
“Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a condition that causes discomfort or pain in the bladder and a need to urinate frequently and urgently.” Some people mistake the condition for a urinary tract infection (UTI) only to discover there is no infection and few options for pain relief.
Approximately 1 million people have IC in the United States, and the condition is more common among women than men. Patients can use NSAIDs, antihistamines, and bladder instillation therapy to address the chronic and unrelenting pain in their bladder, pelvic region, and lower abdomen, but Elmiron is the only FDA-approved medication to treat IC.
Elmiron works by forming a protective coating on the inner lining of the bladder and reducing irritation. Many patients take more and more of the medication as time goes on.
As one researcher explains:
“It’s unfortunate…You have a patient with a chronic condition like interstitial cystitis, for which there is no cure and no effective treatment. They get put on these medications because it’s thought to have few side effects and few risks, and no one thinks about it again— year after year, the number of pills they’re taking goes up and up.”
Taking larger doses of Elmiron may increase your risk of vision damage. If you’ve suffered the long-term consequences of using Elmiron, our Mississippi vision loss lawyers are here to help.
The same substances that form a protective lining on the bladder may interfere with the retina, particularly the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina that enables clear central vision. As such, many patients’ first symptoms include difficulty reading and seeing in dim light, as well as diminished visual sharpness. Doctors often misdiagnose Elmiron-related vision damage as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or pattern dystrophy, but approximately 25% of patients with significant exposure to Elmiron show evidence of retinal damage.
In studies, the rate of toxicity increased with the amount of Elmiron patients took. Researchers have reported the phenomenon to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but neither Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Elmiron, nor the FDA has warned consumers of the potential eye damage and vision loss associated with Elmiron.
If you are taking Elmiron, ask your eye doctor to perform a retinal exam at least once per year. You should stop taking Elmiron if your ophthalmologist detects any retinal damage. Researchers do not know whether retinal damage is reversible, and later-stage drug toxicity can lead to permanent vision loss.
Because Jannsen Pharmaceuticals failed to warn its consumers about macular or retinal damage associated with Elmiron, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Shelton Davis, PLLC has recovered more than $135 million for clients like you. We are proven trial lawyers, and we are ready to handle your Mississippi Elmiron lawsuit.
Contact our full-service personal injury firm at (601) 228-3166 or online – and don’t forget to schedule your free consultation.