Elmiron

The drug is, Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium. Elmiron, its trade name, is a carbohydrate derivative. It is a white, odorless powder. When used medicinally, the chemical is a capsule.

The Attorneys at KBA Recognized the Risks Early On

KBA wrote about the risks concerning Elmiron over a year ago. This was long before the lawsuits started. We wrote that Elmiron could potentially precipitate significant side effects and serious complications. Individuals who have taken or been prescribed this medication should be educated on the important facts about it, as well as the possible adverse impacts it can cause.

Uses of Elmiron

Doctors typically prescribe this drug to treat a urinary condition called interstitial cystitis, or bladder pain syndrome (BPS). This condition impacts men and women.

Physicians prescribe Elmiron to relieve moderate to severe pain. Patients may suffer from abdominal, pelvic or genital pain. Additional symptoms could include frequent urination and a continual feeling of urgency to urinate.

Symptoms come and go. Nonetheless, it is chronic and may interfere with routine activities like sleeping. Patients use the drug three times a day typically.

Side Effects of Elmiron

Last year, research in a peer-review journal noted, Chronic use of pentosan polysulfate sodium associated with risk of vision-threatening disease. Researchers in February 2020 wrote about possible vision-threatening maculopathy secondary to Elmiron. They conducted a multicenter screening study of patients with IC/BPS. Doctors sometimes diagnosed these as other conditions. For example, one group of authors presented a case of pentosan polysulfate maculopathy originally diagnosed as stargardt disease. 

Given all this, Plaintiffs have begun filing lawsuits.

Common symptoms for patients experiencing this Elmiron®-associated eye damage are:

• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty adapting to dim lighting
• Blurred vision (often centrally in the patient’s field of vision)
• Dark spots in center of vision
• Straight lines appearing curved or squiggly
• Muted, less vivid colors

Relatively common side effects that vary from person to person may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Abdominal discomfort
• Headaches
• Hair loss

These issues are often mild and transient.

That said, the drug has the potential to cause more serious manifestations such as bleeding (Elmiron is considered a mild blood thinner) and could precipitate bloody gums and perhaps more concerning internal incidents in susceptible individuals, such as atypical bodily bruising, mental issues like mood changes or disturbances, and swallowing difficulties.

Potential Serious Complications – Vision Problems

Though considered rare, Elmiron is also believed to cause significant, possibly permanent eye and vision problems. A group of researchers representing Atlanta’s Emory University Medical School have concluded that those on a long-term therapeutic interstitial cystitis therapeutic protocol involving Elmiron may be at risk for developing a potentially serious eye condition known as retinal maculopathy.

If left unchecked, this ailment could lead to serious or permanent vision problems. Individuals prescribed in a therapeutic regiment involving Elmiron are urged by eye specialists to look out for potential warning signs such as:

• Difficulty reading
• Eye pain
• Vision disturbances
• Vision problems in low light

Some doctors suggest anyone using the drug undergo a full eye exam regardless of whether symptoms are present. Additionally, some doctors caution patients with interstitial cystitis who also have eye degenerative issues to find another treatment option. The point is, talk to your doctor if you have used Elmiron.

Talk to your Doctor

We are not medical professionals. This information is just that, information. It is not a recommendation. Not all people are at risk and the drug is not the only cause of these symptoms or conditions. Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your physician. 

Contact KBA to Discuss Potential Legal Options

Should an individual or someone they know and love be impacted by Elmiron’s serious side effects or complications, KBA Attorneys might be able to help. Our team of lawyers have extensive experience trying cases involving potentially dangerous drugs and could possibly be able to win clients compensation for serious manifestations associated with using said substances. For more information, contact us today.