Philadelphia Elmiron Lawsuit Attorney

Prescription medication Elmiron is the only medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome. Research indicates that more than one million people in this country suffer from interstitial cystitis and rely on Elmiron to relieve the pain. However, doctors and researchers have discovered that Elmiron causes a degenerative eye disease called pigmentary maculopathy that can cause permanent vision loss.

Background on Elmiron (Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium)

Elmiron is a prescription medication that is also known as pentosan polysulfate sodium or PPS. This medication has been on the market for decades. However, Dr. Nieraj Jain, a researcher at the Emory Eye Center at the Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA, discovered a link between degenerative eye disease and patients taking Elmiron. Dr. Jain’s findings were released in 2018 and were confirmed by researchers who presented their findings at an annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2019.

Eye Damage associated with Elmiron

The eye damage caused by Elmiron varies, and all of the following signs and symptoms could indicate that a person has developed pigmentary maculopathy:

• Difficulty reading
• Vision distortion
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty adapting to dim lighting
• Difficulty readjusting after exposure to bright light
• Dark spots in the center of the vision
• Muted or less vivid colors
• Straight lines appearing curved or squiggly

Early research indicates that if vision loss or other eye problems caused by Elmiron are discovered early, the damage can be mitigated by discontinuing the medication. However, late-stage toxicity of Elmiron could mimic late-stage atrophic age-related macular degeneration and result in permanent vision loss for patients.

Criteria + Litigation Updates

Research is continuing to emerge that links Elmiron to this new and progressive form of eye disease. As of this writing, there is not a multidistrict (MDL) established to handle Elmiron cases. However, the growing Elmiron litigation involves claims from around the country against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the makers of this medication.

In June of 2020, the FDA added a warning to Elmiron’s label, cautioning that long-term usage of the medication could cause retinal changes. This is the first indication from any company or regulatory agency involved that Elmiron presents a danger that was previously not disclosed to healthcare providers or patients

Anybody who has taken Elmiron to treat interstitial cystitis from 1996 until now, and has been diagnosed with a type of vision loss, should speak to an attorney about their case as soon as possible. At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, our qualified and experienced mass tort lawyers in Philadelphia are ready to conduct a full investigation into your case in order to determine the best path moving forward. We will work to ensure you are properly evaluated by a trusted medical professional to determine whether or not your case should proceed.

Contact Our Lawyers | Free Consultations

You deserve compensation if Elmiron has caused your vision loss. When you need a Philadelphia Elmiron lawsuit attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case or by calling (215) 228-0100. WE will not charge a fee unless we win, our experienced Philadelphia injury lawyers will handle your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve.