If you’ve been suffering from blurry vision, vision loss, spots in your vision, or have been diagnosed with certain eye diseases, it’s important to note that Elmiron might be the cause. Studies now show there is a significant link between the use of Elmiron and eye problems. Sadly, Johnson and Johnson, the company that manufactures Elmiron, has failed to warn patients and doctors about these dangers. If you or a loved one have been affected by Elmiron, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and there is help available. Many law firms are now investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of those injured by Elmiron and can speak with you about your legal options.
What is Elmiron?
Elmiron is a prescription medication used to treat interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic bladder condition. Elmiron is the only FDA-approved treatment for IC and has been on the market since 1996. Over 3 million American women and 1 million American men suffer from IC.
Elmiron works by reducing pain and urinary frequency in those with IC. It does this by coating the bladder and creating a barrier between the bladder lining and urine. This essentially reduces irritation in the bladder.
Elmiron Side Effects
While Elmiron is designed to help those suffering from IC, it, unfortunately, comes with a host of potential side effects.
Mainly, Elmiron has been linked with pigmentary maculopathy, a rare eye disease that can lead to vision loss.
Some of these pigmentary maculopathy effects include:
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty reading
- Dark spots in your vision
- Vision loss
- Eye pain
- Photophobia (light sensitivity)
- Dry eyes
If you or a loved one have been taking Elmiron and have experienced any of these vision problems, it’s important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to preserving your vision.
Elmiron and Pigmentary Maculopathy – Potential Lawsuits
While the drug has been in use since 1996, it wasn’t until 2020 that Elmiron finally added a warning label about the risk of vision problems.
This is far too late for the countless patients who have already been affected by Elmiron-related vision loss. As a result, many law firms are now investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of those affected by Elmiron. If you or a loved one have suffered from pigmentary maculopathy after taking Elmiron, you may be entitled to compensation and might be able to file a product liability lawsuit.
As drug manufacturers, Johnson and Johnson have a duty to warn patients and doctors about the risks associated with their products. The failure to do so is inexcusable and those affected by Elmiron-related vision problems deserve justice.
If you’re suffering from any sort of vision problem, it’s important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment is key to preserving your vision. If you or someone you know has been affected by Elmiron, you may be entitled to compensation and should speak with a lawyer about your legal options.
What is The FDA Doing About Elmiron?
Sadly, there is little that has been done about the drug besides making Johnson and Johnson put warning labels on the bottles and the FDA warns the public. Warning labels include stating that the drug can cause long-term vision loss, and that usage of three years or more might be linked with an increased risk of vision problems.
These warning labels, while important, do little to help those who have already been affected by Elmiron-related vision loss. Many patients were not made aware of the risks until it was too late and their vision had already been affected.
