If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a severe eye disease called maculopathy after using the prescription drug Elmiron, you may be eligible for compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
O’Connor & Partners, PLLC is evaluating claims on behalf of individuals who used Elmiron and were later diagnosed with maculopathy. Contact our office online or at (845) 303-8777 for a free consultation. Our Elmiron lawsuit lawyers serve the Hudson Valley area, including Kingston, Newburgh, and Poughkeepsie, New York.
What Is Elmiron?
Elmiron is the brand name of pentosan polysulfate sodium. It is used to treat bladder pain syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis (IC). The condition involves symptoms such as chronic bladder pain, urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and painful sexual intercourse.
Elmiron was thought to ease the symptoms of IC by restoring the inner surface of the bladder, protecting the bladder wall from urine substances that could irritate it. The drug is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
Since 1996, Elmiron has been prescribed to millions of people to treat IC. Several peer-reviewed post-marketing studies have linked Elmiron use to a serious eye condition known as maculopathy, which can ultimately lead to blindness.
Despite a growing body of evidence, Janssen Pharmaceuticals – the company that manufactures Elmiron – has not warned the public about the drug’s potential dangers. Millions of men and women continue to take this drug, which may someday deprive them of their ability to see.
What Are the Symptoms of Elmiron-Linked Maculopathy?
Until 2015, the potential dangers of Elmiron use were unknown. Then, doctors at Emory Eye Center in Atlanta identified a new form of maculopathy in six women. While this specific type of maculopathy did not appear to share a common cause, it was eventually discovered that each of the affected women had been using Elmiron for years.
The link between the eye condition and Elmiron use was further supported by studies released in 2018 and 2019. The reason why Elmiron use causes maculopathy is not currently known.
Common symptoms of Elmiron-linked maculopathy include:
- Blurred vision, including the center of the field of view
- Vision loss
- Trouble reading
- Eye pain
- Less vivid, muted colors
- Straight lines appear squiggly or curved
- Dark spots in vision
- A change to the color of the retina itself
- Difficulty adjusting to dim lighting
Elmiron Injuries and Side Effects
In addition to vision problems, side effects of Elmiron use can include:
- Liver problems
- Dizziness
- Swelling
- Weight gain
- Headaches
- Sleeping problems
- Hair loss
- Bruising and/or skin rashes
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
- Reflux
The product labeling of Elmiron does mention certain eye problems and eye diseases that have been observed in clinical trials, including:
- Nystagmus
- Amblyopia
- Optic neuritis
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Retinal hemorrhage
If you take Elmiron and have experienced visual symptoms, consult with your doctor right away.
Am I Eligible to File a Lawsuit Against Elmiron?
If you used Elmiron and later received a maculopathy diagnosis, it may be in your best interest to speak with an Elmiron lawsuit attorney at O’Connor & Partners, PLLC. You may be eligible to pursue compensation for your losses.
You may be able to file a claim against Elmiron if you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Used Elmiron and were later diagnosed with maculopathy
- Are filing on behalf of yourself, a minor, or other family member who meets these criteria
If you meet the criteria above, contact our office right away to discuss your case for free with an experienced Elmiron lawsuit lawyer. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you achieve the justice you deserve.
Potential Compensation in an Elmiron Claim
Compensation involved in dangerous drug and medical device claims can vary, depending on a number of factors. Depending on the details of your injury and losses, you may be entitled to seek damages for your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
How Can an Elmiron Lawsuit Lawyer Help?
Makers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices have a duty to manufacture or sell products that are reasonably safe. If a drug poses a threat to a person’s health and safety, the maker must give sufficient warnings.
When manufacturers fail to fulfill their obligations, they can – and should – be held legally accountable for injuries and illnesses caused by their products. If you’ve suffered because of Elmiron use, you deserve justice for your injuries and losses.
An experienced attorney has extensive knowledge in mass tort cases involving dangerous drugs, faulty medical devices, and other defective products. An Elmiron lawsuit attorney can handle every aspect of your case, from gathering evidence to managing deadlines and representing your best interests in court, if necessary.
Time Matters in These Cases, So Act Quickly. Contact Our Elmiron Lawsuit Attorneys Now.
If you or a loved one used Elmiron to treat interstitial cystitis and were later diagnosed with maculopathy or other health problem, contact O’Connor & Partners, PLLC today online or at (845) 303-8777 to discuss your case for free with an Elmiron lawsuit attorney. We proudly serve the Hudson Valley area, including Kingston, Newburgh, and Poughkeepsie, New York.
Initial consultations are free and come with no obligation. Your claim will be handled on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t owe any attorney fees unless we achieve a successful outcome in your case.