Interstitial cystitis is something that many people have not heard of. This is a chronic condition that causes severe bladder pain and can severely affect a person’s life and sexual health. The only FDA-approved medication to treat interstitial cystitis is called Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium). However, this medication has been linked to serious eye disease. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our award-winning law firm is ready to help consumers secure compensation when they are harmed due to faulty prescription drugs. We are currently taking Elmiron cases in Florida and throughout the United States.
Interstitial Cystitis Can Affect A Person’s Sexual Health
There are various symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis. This illness is most commonly associated with severe bladder pain, but there are also other areas that can be affected by IC. The signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis will vary from person to person. Aside from bladder pain, patients may also experience:
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain between the vagina and anus and women
- Pain between the scrotum and anus for men
It is reasonable to expect that patients who experience any of these symptoms will seek to do what they can to alleviate the pain so they can experience a healthy and pain-free sex life.
The Treatment For Interstitial Cystitis Could Have Detrimental Effects
Elmiron, manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, is currently the only medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat interstitial cystitis. This medication is typically taken in dosages of 100 mg three times daily and is thought to restore a thin, leaky, or damaged bladder surface.
While all prescription medications have various side effects, we have recently learned that Elmiron potentially causes significant damage to patients’ eyes. Beginning with research released from Dr. Nieraj Jain at the Emory Eye Center at the Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA, and continuing with studies from Kaiser Health, we know that Elmiron can cause irreversible eye damage.
Some of the most common symptoms reported include:
- Distorted vision or vision disturbances
- Trouble seeing things up close
- Difficulty reading
- Eye pain
- Trouble adapting to dim lighting
- Blindness
This damage is said to be irreversible. Right now, it is recommended that anyone taking Elmiron see their eye doctor to detect any signs of eye disease.
Let Us Help You Get Through This Today
If you or somebody you care about has taken Elmiron to treat their interstitial cystitis, you may be at risk of developing eye disease. At Colson Hicks Eidson, we are ready to help if you have been harmed due to this defective drug. Our team will investigate your case to determine if you have been adversely affected. Our goal will be to secure any compensation you may be entitled to, which can include:
- Coverage of all eye disease-related medical expenses
- Recovery of lost wages if your work capacity is diminished
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Possible punitive damages against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
If you need an Elmiron attorney in Miami or anywhere in the United States, we are ready to help. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7442.
