Eye Diseases Linked To Elmiron's Toxicity

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and His Outstanding Team of Lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Litigate Relentlessly to Obtain the Highest Monetary Compensation for Victims Who Have Developed Pigmentary Maculopathy After Being Prescribed Elmiron in Buffalo, New York; Niagara Falls, New York; Rochester, New York; Throughout New York State and Beyond.

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Since the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Elmiron in 1996, the drug has been prescribed to millions of patients worldwide. Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a division of Johnson & Johnson, developed and mass-produced the drug. Elmiron is taken to help relieve symptoms commonly associated with interstitial cystitis (IC). Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes severe bladder pain, constant pressure, the need to urinate frequently, and aching throughout the pelvic area. Although Elmiron helps treat interstitial cystitis, extensive use of the medication can lead to a degenerative eye disease called pigmentary maculopathy. The disease is known for causing blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and even total blindness.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. has successfully contested to obtain over $175 Million in verdicts and settlements for victims who were injured in Buffalo, New York, throughout New York State, and beyond. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned team has witnessed far too many devastating consequences caused by hazardous and defective medications. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s honorable dedication to surpassing your expectations is one of the numerous reasons why you should consider retaining us. Our veteran team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 716-839-3939, or by filling out the online consultation form. We guarantee that no other law firm will work smarter or harder to win your case.

Eye Problems Commonly Associated With Elmiron Use

The most distinguishable injury linked to the use of Elmiron is a unique type of maculopathy, known as pigmentary maculopathy. Maculopathy is an eye disease that affects the small central part of the retina, called the macula. Scientists discovered that Elmiron causes significant harm to the retina, which can result in eye damage and vision loss. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation between the drug’s retina toxicity and the development of pigmentary maculopathy. Pigmentary maculopathy is a progressive degenerative disease that can lead to other severe eye problems, such as metamorphopsia (distortions in vision that cause linear objects to appear rounded or curvy), scotomas (blind or blurry spots in your field of vision), and even total blindness.

While severe eye damage, such as retinal toxicity and pigmentary maculopathy, usually occurs in patients who have taken Elmiron for a prolonged period or at high doses, adverse effects have also been detected among short-term and lower-dose users. Some of the other eye complications that are commonly reported by users of the drug include trouble reading small texts, night vision problems, difficulty seeing nearby objects, perceiving colors less vividly, reduced field of vision, dimming vision, and declining overall eyesight. According to a case report published in Retinal Cases & Brief Reports, the onset of detectable pentosan polysulfate maculopathy can arise years after Elmiron cessation. The report revealed that a 44-year-old female victim suffered from 6 months of worsening prolonged dark adaptation and metamorphosis 38 months after discontinuing the use of Elmiron. Additional research has found that eye damage caused by this medication is irreversible.

Properly Diagnosing Pigmentary Maculopathy

If you have been prescribed Elmiron, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s concerned team highly recommends scheduling an appointment with an ophthalmologist or optometrist. An accurate diagnosis of pigmentary maculopathy is typically made through a combination of an eye examination and clinical assessments, which may include the following:

1. Dilated Eye Exam: The ophthalmologist will use eye drops to dilate your pupils and check the back of your retina. Dilation allows the doctor to see a magnified view of your macula and examine for signs of disease, such as optic nerve and retinal damage. The most common warning signs are tiny, yellowish spots of cellular debris, called drusen.
2. Fluorescein Angiography: During this procedure, a special dye is injected into the bloodstream, and pictures are taken of the dye’s circulation within your eyes. If fluorescent patches emerge, it could be a sign of leaking blood vessels throughout the retina.
3. Tonometry: A tonometer measures your intraocular eye pressure (IOP). Although high eye pressure is not directly associated with pigmentary maculopathy, it can be used to rule out other eye conditions.
4. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): This test provides an image of the back of your eyes, including the optic nerve, choroid, retina, and macula. Optical coherence tomography can detect parts of the retina that are deteriorating, which indicates the presence of geographic atrophy.
5. Amsler Grid: This pattern of straight lines is used to distinguish vision difficulties caused by damage to the optic nerve or macula. If the checkerboard lines appear curved, it is a definite sign of maculopathy.

Additionally, it is imperative to tell the ophthalmologist about your Elmiron use, even if it was many years ago. Regular appointments with your eye doctor can help provide earlier diagnosis and treatment of any eye diseases, which can help reduce and slow further vision loss.

We believe that all victims who were negligently exposed to pigmentary maculopathy causing toxics should be able to seek justice. You may have a right to monetary compensation for all medical expenses related to diagnosis and treatment of your eye damage, lost time from work, reduced future earning capacity, permanent vision loss, and pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, costs associated with purchasing low vision devices, and much more. Our elite team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by dialing 716-839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. We are the uncompromising, persistent, and trustworthy personal injury attorneys that you have been searching for!

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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