Those suffering from interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, only have one choice when it comes to treating this condition when it comes to prescription medications. Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is the only FDA-approved medication that is supposed to bring relief to interstitial cystitis patients.
Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson), we now know that Elmiron can cause pigmentary maculopathy, a degenerative eye condition. This condition can significantly affect a person’s life.
What is pigmentary maculopathy?
Various studies have now been released that have linked those who have taken Elmiron to pigmentary maculopathy. Any maculopathy is a pathological condition of the macula, which is the area of the retina that is associated with highly sensitive and accurate vision. In the case of those who have taken Elmiron, there is evidence that a buildup of pentosan polysulfate sodium in the retinal cells causes these irreversible vision problems.
How could pigmentary maculopathy affect your life?
Some of the most common symptoms associated with pigmentary maculopathy include the following:
- Difficulty reading
- Blindness
- Eye pain
- Difficulty adapting to dim lighting
- Vision disturbances or distorted vision
- Trouble seeing things up close
Vision problems can significantly impact a person’s life. Not only will pigmentary maculopathy affect a person’s ability to enjoy the same activities they are accustomed to enjoying in their daily lives, but this could also negatively impact a person’s work life. Researchers from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released studies that strongly link poor vision with low income.
According to researchers, “Previous studies on the link between a person’s lower socioeconomic status and visual impairment, eye diseases, and ocular risk factors have found that access to and use of healthcare are important factors in the relationship between visual impairment and socioeconomic status.”
We are ready to help you through this
The award-winning team at time Colson Hicks Eidson has been closely following pigmentary maculopathy caused by Elmiron, and we have now filed a lawsuit on behalf of a plaintiff who sustained eye damage after taking this prescription medication. We know that, as information about the dangers of this prescription drug becomes more public, there are others out there who have sustained irreversible eye damage who were never told about the risks associated with Elmiron.
If you or somebody you love has taken Elmiron to treat interstitial cystitis and have subsequently sustained eye damage, contact the team at Colson Hicks Eidson today. Our nationally recognized firm has extensive experience handling cases like this, and we are already representing Elmiron victims. Let us conduct an investigation into your case and determine whether you may be entitled to:
- Coverage of medical expenses
- Lost wages and benefits
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment images
- Possible punitive damages against Janssen Pharmaceuticals
When you need an Elmiron attorney in Florida or anywhere throughout the United States, you can contact us for a free consultation by calling us at 305-476-7442.
