The medication Elmiron is often used to treat a bladder condition known as interstitial cystitis. But some report eye problems with a potential drug-related link to Elmiron.

What Is Elmiron?

Elmiron is a popular medication commonly used to treat the pain or discomfort associated with the bladder disorder interstitial cystitis, according to WebMD.

Essentially, interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder problem (sometimes called “painful bladder syndrome”) that involves pain in the abdomen and sometimes forces patients to use the bathroom dozens of times a day.

Elmiron is also used as a weak blood thinner.

The medication is believed to work by coating the inside of the bladder with a thin layer that protects it from being irritated by the urine. This may prevent some of the most significant symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Elmiron is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved oral drug that treats interstitial cystitis.

However, it may cause serious and permanent side effects.

Like any medication, Elmiron is associated with side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, hair loss, or abdominal pain.

But the complications may be more severe and unexpected.

Can Elmiron Cause Eye Issues?

One of the most significant Elmiron-related eye issues is known as pigmentary maculopathy, also known as retina pigment maculopathy.

Maculopathy (or retinal injury) is a condition affecting specifically the center of the retina, known as the macula, which is associated with the keenest and most sensitive vision, according to MedicineNet.

When maculopathy begins to develop, it may appear in a number of initial symptoms, such image distortion (metamorphopsia), which can make objects appear either deformed or smaller than they actually are, according to HealthLine.

Another common first symptom involves a central spot in the vision preventing people from seeing objects directly in front of them, according to Drug Watch. In some cases, victims have reported only being able to see the details of the objects around the object they are attempting to look at.

Patients with maculopathy conditions may notice difficulty reading as well as difficulty seeing in darkness or low light.

Other vision problems reported from maculopathy may develop into partial vision loss, distorted vision, or dimming of their vision, according to a study published in the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology in 2020. Patients may also experience difficulty adjusting to different light levels, or see straight lines as being wavy or distorted.

Common types of maculopathy include age-related macular degeneration, cellophane maculopathy, and malattia leventinese.

Studies have shown structural changes of the retina can occur with Elmiron use, leading to these vision problems.

Several studies have suggested the link between Elmiron and eye issues, including studies published by the Emory University School of Medicine and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

According to the research, the likelihood of experiencing eye damage may increase with the length of time the drug is taken, with more exposure to Elmiron being linked with a higher rate of maculopathy, according to Science Daily.

One study reported that around 25 percent of patients who had been exposed to Elmiron for more than a decade suffered from vision changes, Forbes reported.

Before June 2020, the risk of pigmentary maculopathy was not included among the side effects and warnings in the prescribing information provided by Elmiron manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Current prescribing information does include a warning.

Maculopathy is irreversible. Once the damage has been done, it is unlikely vision loss can be recovered.

However, by diagnosing maculopathy early and ceasing to take Elmiron, it may be possible to stop the damage before it continues, according to Drug Watch. Otherwise, patients could suffer from worsening vision and potentially become blind.

Filing an Elmiron Vision Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has taken Elmiron to treat interstitial cystitis and developed eye issues like pigmentary maculopathy, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Some patients may claim they have not have been adequately warned about the risk of vision problems associated with taking Elmiron.

Filing a lawsuit over Elmiron and eye issues cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has the laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.