Having a bladder disorder is common in the United States. At most, 4 million men and 8 million women suffer from a painful bladder condition. Currently, the only drug that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration is Elmiron.
Over the years, thousands of people have taken the Elmiron to help relieve the symptoms. However, hundreds of people have experienced adverse side effects. One of the serious side effects is alleged to be vision loss. Research has shown the link between the drug and eye damage.
If you suffered a personal injury because of Elmiron, then the Ochs Law Firm is on the case. We have many personal injury lawyers that have helped clients receive reparations and can navigate the complicated legal process on your behalf.
What is Elmiron?
Elmiron is the brand name forpentosanpolysulfate sodium medication. It is an oral medication that comes in the form of capsules. It helps patients treat discomfort from interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis is a painful bladder disorder that can worsen bladder pressure and create the need to pee more frequently.
While there is no cure, treatments like Elmiron aim to improve a person’s daily life. The medicine works by forming a layer on the bladder wall. The added layer protects the bladder from harmful substances in the urine. Elmiron also acts as a weak blood thinner, so patients should avoid the medication if they are undergoing surgery.
The Side Effects of Elmiron
Like any medication, Elmiron has several side effects that may occur. They include:
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
There are more serious side effects of the medicine that are rare. Some people have reported experiencing:
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Signs of infection, like a sore throat or a fever
- Vomiting
- Mood changes
- Shortness of breath
- Yellowing of the eyes
Elmironcontains inactive ingredients, so tell your doctor if you have any allergies. If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
Elmiron May Lead to Eye Damage and Vision Loss
Experts have found that Elmiron may cause vision changes. The medication can damage the eye, which may result in vision loss. Research has shown that it is associated with the development of pigmentary maculopathy.
Pigmentary maculopathy is a disorder that affects the central part of the retina, which is the light-sensitive area of your eye. There is a gradual loss of vision, but the condition is not painful. Pigmentary maculopathy can take years to progress, and it can affect one or both eyes.
In 2018, the American Academy of Ophthalmology released a report that evaluated six patients who had chronic exposure to Elmiron. They experienced a uniquepigmentary maculopathy, and most of the patients had difficulty reading. Some of them took longer for their vision to adapt to the dark. There was nothing found in their histories that could explain their condition.
Kaiser Permanente doctors found 140 other patients who have taken Elmiron for over 15 years. Only91 of them got examined, and 22 patients had signs of drug toxicity.
The Ochs Law Firm Can Help You
There have been a number of people who have taken Elmiron and have suffered eye damage. If you have taken the medication, try to watch for signs of potential vision loss. Those who have damaged retinas due to the drug are eligible for compensation.
The personal injury attorney at the Ochs Law Firm is accepting cases for victims who have taken Elmiron and have been diagnosed withpigmentary maculopathy. We will help you seek justice for any damages by researching every detail of the case. We will work with you to devise a strategy and advise you of every possible outcome.
We want to hear your story concerning Elmiron. Contact us today to get started.You can find us in several locations, including Casper, Wyoming; Jackson, Wyoming; and Cheyenne, Wyoming.
