Elmiron and Macular Degeneration
IMPORTANT: As of January 2024, we are no longer investigating or taking new Elmiron cases.
Common bladder medication Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate) has been linked to severe eye damage in many patients. A recent study has shown that Elmiron can cause retinal damage that may mimic the signs of age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
If you or a loved one have taken Elmiron and now suffer from macular degeneration or other eye diseases, you may be entitled to compensation.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today to speak to one of Riddle & Brantley’s experienced Elmiron lawyers and see if you qualify.
These concerning studies linking Elmiron to eye damage may have patients wondering, “Does Elmiron cause macular degeneration?”
In this article, we will examine the link between Elmiron and macular degeneration and also outline legal options for those who have developed macular degeneration or other eye injury potentially due to Elmiron.
What is Elmiron?
Elmiron is the brand name for pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), and is the only FDA-approved prescription drug used for the treatment of interstitial cystitis, an uncommon bladder disease that causes pain and discomfort in the bladder.
Unfortunately, many patients have reported severe adverse side-effects after taking Elmiron, especially related to retina damage, including:
In a recent study on the effects of Elmiron and retinal damage, researchers found that in nearly one quarter of the patients studied, Elmiron was linked to eye damage or vision loss.
Side Effects of Elmiron
Side effects of Elmiron include, but are not limited to:
- Vision loss
- Vision impairment
- Halo vision
- Unilateral or bilateral blindness
- Blurred vision
All of these side effects can be associated with retinal damage, including macular degeneration, due to Elmiron toxicity.
If you are experiencing any of these side effects after taking Elmiron, you should consult with your medical provider immediately.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration
is a common eye disease, often developed in people over 50, which causes blurred vision due to the thinning of the macula. The macula is the part of the retina that is responsible for seeing things that are in your clear line of sight.
While macular degeneration is often considered an age-related disease, researchers have found that retinal damage caused by Elmiron can mimic the appearance of age-related macular degeneration and other eye diseases.
The Elmiron macular degeneration risk is real, and patients who have taken Elmiron are advised to contact their doctor to consult on risks and potential Elmiron alternatives.
If you have taken Elmiron and have been diagnosed with macular degeneration or other eye damage, call Riddle & Brantley at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE consultation to see if you may qualify for an Elmiron lawsuit.
There is no obligation and you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive financial compensation.
Please call 1-800-525-7111 today and let’s review your case.
IMPORTANT: As of January 2024, we are no longer investigating or taking new Elmiron cases.
Does Elmiron Cause Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration refers to the thinning of the macula, which is part of the retina and retinal tissue that we use to see. It is often considered a side effect of aging.
However, clinicians and researchers have found that retinal damage directly resulting from the use of Elmiron may present itself as macular degeneration initially.
For example, clinical investigators found the following in a recent investigation:
“Upon presentation to our clinic, these patients carried tentative diagnoses, including age-related macular degeneration and pattern dystrophy. Our subsequent investigations of this novel phenotype are suggestive of a preventable, vision-threatening medication toxicity that could masquerade as other known maculopathies.”
– Nieraj Jain, MD, Atlanta, GA
Another study stated that “Of the 140 exposed patients, 91 agreed to an examination and of those, 22 patients showed clear evidence of this specific maculopathy, which authors believe was associated with PPS exposure.”
This means that even if you have been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, if you have taken Elmiron, your retinal damage could be linked to Elmiron instead.
“I believe my macular degeneration was caused by Elmiron. What can I do?”
IMPORTANT: As of January 2024, we are no longer investigating or taking new Elmiron cases.
If you have taken Elmiron for your interstitial cystitis and are now experiencing macular degeneration or other vision loss or impairment, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
At Riddle & Brantley, our expert Elmiron lawyers believe that dangerous drug companies should be held accountable for injuries caused by their products.
Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE consultation where we will review your case and see if you may qualify for an Elmiron lawsuit.
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Our attorneys have more than 220+ years of combined experience fighting for our clients’ rights and are dedicated to making sure you receive the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
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