Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is a drug to treat bladder pain associated with interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain and pressure.
Elmiron can cause changes in the pigment in patient’s eyes called pigmentary maculopathy. This can result in problems reading, blurred vision, and difficulty adjusting to low light.
In 2019, Drs. Rachel M. Huckfeldt and Demetrios G. Vavvas published a case report in Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging Retina of a patient whose eye condition continued to get worse 6 years after stopping the drug.
Three ophthalmologists at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California conducted a review of patients. They found that about one-quarter of patients with significant exposure to Elmiron showed signs of eye damage. Often Elmiron can masquerade as other known retinal conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or pattern dystrophy.
Other common side effects of Elmiron include hair loss, diarrhea and nausea. Headache, abdominal pain, and upset stomach.
Get in Touch with an Elmiron Attorney
Our attorneys are currently investigating Elmiron lawsuits on behalf of people who took the drug and experienced vision problems including blurred vision, maculopathy, retinopathy, and vision impairment. If you are suffering adverse side effects from this drug, reach out to an Elmiron lawyer right away to review your legal options.
