Pentosan polysulfate sodium, also known as Elmiron, is an oral prescription medication used to treat the bladder pain and discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis. Since it received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1996, many people in the Cincinnati area have benefited from the use of Elmiron. In particular, the drug has helped many women overcome debilitating bladder pain so that they are able to resume productive lives.
Unfortunately, some Elmiron users have experienced severe vision impairments, including macular degeneration. If you are currently taking Elmiron and experiencing difficulties with your vision, you should consult with your doctor before stopping your use of the medication. If you have vision loss and suspect that it is related to your use of the drug, you should also get in touch with a Cincinnati Elmiron lawyer. A skilled defective drugs attorney can review the details of your case to see if you are entitled to recover damages in a personal injury claim or class-action lawsuit.
Recent Studies Have Connected the Use of Elmiron with Eye Damage
Scientists believe that Elmiron causes vision problems by damaging the macula, which is the retinal tissue in the back of the eye. As many as one-quarter of the patients taking Elmiron may experience these vision problems. Patients suffering from Elmiron-related side effects should meet with a Cincinnati attorney to learn their eligibility for seeking compensation for their injuries.
Possible Dangerous Side Effects of Elmiron
The use of Elmiron for extended periods of time can lead to different types of macular degeneration. Ohio courts have recognized that patients may qualify for compensation claims in certain circumstances, based on either a doctor's diagnosis or the presence of certain symptoms.
At Least One Year of Elmiron Use
Patients may be eligible to pursue legal compensation if they have used Elmiron for more than a year and received a medical diagnosis of any of the following conditions:
- Pigmentary maculopathy
- Retinal maculopathy
- Retinal pigmentary endothelium injury
- Pigmentation maculitis
- Pigmentation maculopathy
- Pigmentation macular degeneration
- Dry macular degeneration
Patients should meet with a local attorney if a doctor has diagnosed them with any of the conditions listed above after using Elmiron for at least one year.
Three to Four Years of Elmiron Use
Even if patients have not yet received a medical diagnosis from their doctor, they should consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit if they have used Elmiron for three to four years and experienced any of the following side effects:
- Prolonged light to dark adaption causing a patient to require 20 minutes to an hour to adapt to changes in light
- Blurry vision, particularly when objects appear blurry in the middle of the picture
- Metamorphopsia, where lines appear curvy
- Central vision loss
- Dimming of vision
- Paracentral scotomas, also known as blind spots
- Floaters
- Impaired color vision in the central vision area
The conditions listed above have been proven to be directly correlated to the use of Elmiron. If a patient develops an eye condition that is not listed above, they should still consult a Cincinnati attorney to discuss their potential case. Research on the possible damage that Elmiron can inflict on the retina is still ongoing.
Contact a Cincinnati Elmiron Lawyer for Legal Justice
If you took Elmiron to treat your painful bladder condition and ended up with serious eye damage, you could be eligible for compensation. A seasoned Cincinnati Elmiron lawyer could help you hold the drug manufacturer accountable for the harm you have suffered. A successful resolution of a suit against the makers of Elmiron could help you cover the medical costs of treating your vision problems and get your life back on track. Call O’Connor, Acciani & Levy today to learn more.
