No person should ever have to worry about whether or not the medication they have been prescribed by their doctor will cause them harm. However, the nationally recognized team at Colson Hicks Eidson regularly helps clients who have sustained irreparable damage caused by defective prescription medications. For more than a year, we have discussed the dangers of Elmiron, the only FDA-approved medication used to treat interstitial cystitis, commonly referred to as painful bladder syndrome. However, researchers have discovered that Elmiron can also lead to patients developing a dangerous form of maculopathy, a degenerative eye disease. Lawsuits related to Elmiron are gaining steam across the country, and they may soon be consolidated.
Why Would Elmiron Cases Be Consolidated?
It is not uncommon for cases to be consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This refers to the federal legal procedure designed to speed up handling complicated cases, particularly complex product liability lawsuits. In order to efficiently process cases that often involve hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs spanning across different federal courts throughout the US, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) can decide whether or not to consolidate them all under MDL.
Attorneys from several prominent law firms, including Colson Hicks Eidson, have filed lawsuits on behalf of plaintiffs that allege Elmiron has caused severe eye problems. In anticipation of hundreds of more cases being filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, there is now a conversation about whether or not to coordinate an MDL in Pennsylvania or in New Jersey. New Jersey is home to Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a defendant in the case.
Various studies have been released that link those who take Elmiron to pigmentary maculopathy. In these cases, the maculopathy has allegedly been caused by the buildup of pentosan polysulfate sodium in the retinal cells of the eyes, leading to irreversible vision problems. Some of the most common symptoms of pigmentary maculopathy include:
- Trouble reading
- Eye pain
- Blindness
- Difficulty adapting to dim lighting
- Distorted vision or vision disturbances
- Trouble seeing things up close
The trouble with vision can significantly impact a person’s life. Pigmentary maculopathy could significantly affect a person’s ability to work or go about enjoying their daily life activities. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released studies that link poor vision with low income and earning potential.
Call Our Elmiron Attorneys For A Free Consultation Of Your Case
If you or somebody you care about has been taking Elmiron to treat your interstitial cystitis and have subsequently developed problems with your vision, you should speak to an attorney as soon as possible. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our award-winning team is ready to analyze your case. If you have been harmed by Elmiron, we want to work to secure compensation for your injuries. This can include coverage of your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. When you need an Elmiron attorney in Florida or throughout the United States, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7442.
