Elmiron Lawsuit : What is Pigmentary Maculopathy?

The Elmiron® lawsuit grows as more individuals experiencing side effects of the drug come forward.  Studies have found that some people who take Elmiron® (pentosan polysulfate sodium) have developed pigmentary maculopathy, a condition characterized by eye damage. Elmiron® is the only FDA-approved medication to treat interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder condition.

Symptoms of Pigmentary Maculopathy

Those affected by pigmentary maculopathy may experience the following symptoms:

• Blindness
• Blurry or distorted vision
• Dark areas, especially in your central vision
• Difficulty reading
• Night blindness, or difficulty adapting to dimly lit environments
• Loss of close vision
• Visual dimming
• Change in color vision, such as colors appearing ‘washed out’

A study published in Review of Opthamology discussed an analysis of 35 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of maculopathy associated with Elmiron® across four institutions. The patients in the study most commonly reported blurred vision while reading, prolonged dark adaptation, and metamorphopsia (which causes linear objects to look curvy or rounded). Affected patients also often had spots of hyperpigmentation accompanied by pale yellow or orange deposits.

Although several studies over the past few years have linked Elmiron® use to pigmentary maculopathy, it wasn’t until June 2020 that manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals updated the drug’s warning label to include the condition.

Other Side Effects of Elmiron®

Over one million people in the U.S have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. An estimated 25 percent of interstitial cystitis sufferers have used Elmiron®. Other side effects of Elmiron® include diarrhea, nausea or stomach pain, hair loss, and headache. More rare but serious side effects of Elmiron® include unusual bruising, blood in the stool, mental and/or mood changes, heartburn, and discomfort when swallowing.

Getting Legal Help After Taking Elmiron®

If you have used the drug Elmiron® for at least one year and have been diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy, or you are experiencing symptoms of the condition, you may be able to join the litigation against Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Contact the law firm of CaseyGerry at (619) 238-1811 for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation. We can explain your options and the next steps to file a claim.