What is Elmiron?

Elmiron is a weak blood thinner used to treat discomfort or bladder pain that is associated with interstitial cystitis (bladder inflammation). This is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain and pressure. Elmiron is the only oral drug that is FDA approved to treat bladder pain and discomfort that is associated with interstitial cystitis. The generic form of the drug is called pentosan. Most people who use the drug are women and it is often used for extended periods of time. Urologists often prescribe Elmiron when less aggressive treatments have not worked.

How Elmiron Works

Researchers are not exactly sure how Elmiron works, but they believe it works by protecting the bladder from irritants in urine. Elmiron does not work by stopping inflammation. Elmiron creates a barrier on the bladder wall to prevent irritation.

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Side Effects

Most side effects are mild, such as headaches and upset stomach. But a new report suggests the drug could be toxic to the tissue behind the eye that senses light. This toxicity results in pigmentary maculopathy, a serious vision problem, as well as other vision problems.

Pigmentary maculopathy results in pigmentary changes in the retina, the tissue behind the eye that senses light. Pigmentary maculopathy typically affects both eyes and can lead to vision problems such as seeking dark spots, blurriness, and even blindness. These changes may continue even after Elmiron is no longer taken.

About 25% of people who take Elmiron for six months or more develop this eye disease. Most cases of pigmentary maculopathy happened in people who used the drug for three years or longer. But people who used the drug for shorter durations have also reported symptoms. It is unclear why Elmiron causes pigmentary maculopathy. It is important to note that many Elmiron users are misdiagnosed by eye doctors as having pattern dystrophy or late-stage dry atrophic age-related macular degeneration.

It is important to tell your health care provider and your eye doctor right away if you have any vision changes including difficulty reading, your vision takes longer to adjust to low or reduced light, or blurred vision while taking Elmiron.

You May be Eligible to join the Elmiron Lawsuit

Elmiron has not been recalled despite mounting litigation by patients who have developed pigmentary maculopathy, permanent vision loss, and various other side effects after taking the drug as prescribed. The only action taken by the company who manufactures Elmiron is adding a warning label to the packaging about the risk of developing pigmentary maculopathy.

If you think that your use of Elmiron may have caused pigmentary maculopathy, contact an attorney to see if you qualify to participate in an Elmiron lawsuit. These lawsuits are seeking monetary awards to pay medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning, and pain and suffering. The Van Law Firm can help you attain the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today.