Many individuals have developed serious and irreversible eye problems, including vision loss and blindness, after long-term use of the prescription medication Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium). Used to treat interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition that causes severe bladder and pelvic pain, Elmiron has caused ocular damage in up to 25 percent of those who took the drug for longer than six months, according to researchers.
Even though studies demonstrating a connection between Elmiron and eye damage have been available since 2018, it was not until June 2020 that the drug’s manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, updated Elmiron’s product labeling to warn of vision problems. This was far too late for countless individuals who now live with vision loss and other eye conditions caused by the medication.
Berman & Simmons Is Pursuing Claims Relating to Degenerative Eye Issues Caused by Elmiron
Berman & Simmons, Maine’s premier dangerous drug law firm, is currently investigating and pursuing claims on behalf of individuals in Maine and throughout New England who experienced significant vision problems after taking Elmiron. Compensation may be available in Elmiron vision loss litigation against the drug manufacturer. Our attorneys can meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your condition and your claims and determine whether you may be eligible to pursue damages for your injuries.
Elmiron and Ocular Damage
First approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985, Elmiron is prescribed to treat interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition that causes severe bladder and pelvic pain. An estimated one million Americans, disproportionately women, live with the condition.
Studies beginning in 2018 showed a correlation between vision problems and long-term Elmiron use. Specifically, they found that Elmiron may cause pigmentary retinal maculopathy, a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to vision loss or blindness. Researchers found that up to 25 percent of Elmiron users showed signs of ocular toxicity and eye damage.
Besides vision loss, eye problems associated with pigmentary retinal maculopathy caused by Elmiron may include:
- Blurry vision.
- Night blindness.
- Difficulty reading.
- Dark spots.
- Loss of close vision.
- Visual dimming.
Failure to Warn of Known Risks Related to Elmiron
Even though there are known risks of vision loss and eye damage associated with Elmiron, the product remains on the market. Until June 2020, the drug’s manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson put no warning on the product advising patients of the risk of macular damage, visual changes, or other eye conditions associated with Elmiron.
Elmiron’s label now warns that the medication can change pigments in the retina and cause blurred vision, reading problems, and sensitivity to low light. The new warning also notes that users’ eyesight may continue to deteriorate even after they stop using the drug.
Failure to Warn of Known Risks Related to Elmiron
Even though there are known risks of vision loss and eye damage associated with Elmiron, the product remains on the market. Until June 2020, the drug’s manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson put no warning on the product advising patients of the risk of macular damage, visual changes, or other eye conditions associated with Elmiron.
Elmiron’s label now warns that the medication can change pigments in the retina and cause blurred vision, reading problems, and sensitivity to low light. The new warning also notes that users’ eyesight may continue to deteriorate even after they stop using the drug.
Contact Berman & Simmons today to discuss your Elmiron claim
For over 100 years, countless personal injury victims in Maine and throughout New England have placed their trust in the lawyers of Berman & Simmons to help them through the legal challenges that follow a serious injury or the loss of a family member. We have the experience, expertise, and resources needed to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the harm they inflict when they put their profits ahead of the safety of those who use their products.
If you have questions or concerns about vision problems caused by Elmiron or would like to explore the possibility of obtaining compensation for your losses, please contact the Maine dangerous drug lawyers at Berman & Simmons today at (207)784-3576 to arrange for your free consultation. You pay nothing unless we obtain compensation for you by settlement or jury verdict. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
Ask Questions. We Have Answers.
What compensation can I receive if I was harmed by Elmiron?
Under state and federal law, victims of dangerous medical devices have the right to recover financial damages for various categories of loss, including:
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress, past and future
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Interference with your enjoyment of life
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Medical expenses, past and future
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Time lost from work
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Loss of future earnings
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Wrongful death damages (for the estate)
$8.5 Million
Paralysis due to mismanagement of
degenerative spine
$2.5 Million
Catastrophic injuries in a head-on car accident
$800,000
Wrongful death case involving negligent
motorist
$715,000
Plaintiff Rear Ended by
Telephone Truck
$5 Million
Delay in diagnosis and treatment of cancer
$1.2 Million
Significant Head Injury Car Accident
FAQs
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What do I prepare for the first call or meeting with you?
For your first meeting with us, simply tell us your story and explain in your own words what happened and how your life has been affected. If you’re meeting with us in person, you can bring notes about what happened to you, driver insurance information, names of any witnesses, photos of the accident damages or injuries, medical records, and other related paperwork if you have it and if it’s applicable, but that information isn’t necessary. Really all you need to do is be yourself, speak with us honestly, and be willing to tackle your problems with us.
Initial conversations between potential clients and our staff members are often done over the phone. Rest assured that everything we discuss is confidential and protected under law.
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How much will a lawyer cost me?
The lawyers at Berman & Simmons work on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing up front and nothing unless we settle or win your case. We will consult with you, evaluate your situation, and do initial research free of charge. This is true even if we decide you don’t have a valid claim. We will also cover all necessary case expenses and you will not be obligated to reimburse us until and unless we recover monies on your behalf. if we do take your case and win a settlement or a jury verdict in your favor, a percentage of the compensation goes to pay for our costs and the work done by our legal team.
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How will I know if I have a case?
To pursue a case, we will need to prove that you suffered a substantial personal injury and the injury was directly caused by the negligence of another party. A bad result alone is not enough to establish negligence. We let you know upfront if we are able to move forward with the legal process, or if we don’t think you have a case. Generally, we will know if you have a case after our first phone call or meeting.
If we believe you have a valid claim and decide to move forward with litigation, our attorneys and staff will then take it from there and do everything else that needs to be done, including obtaining and reviewing records relevant to your case, such as accident reports and other law enforcement documents, employer records, medical records, and other information.
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How long will it take to resolve my case?
Every case is different, and there is no way to predict how long it will take for your case to be resolved. Some cases end in a matter of months, while the most complex and challenging cases, such as a medical malpractice case, can span several years. The vast majority of cases, however, are resolved before a trial and usually within a year.
The goal is to make sure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, no matter how long it takes whether that comes in the form of a pre-trial settlement, or with a jury verdict in your favor.
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that need to be considered when determining the value of your case. Every case is unique and it takes a team effort — including your attorney, staff researchers, and outside experts — to determine the extent of your damages and how much your case is worth. There are two types of damages for which you could receive
compensation: Economic and non-economic.If your case goes to trial and a jury agrees you deserve compensation, the jury members will decide how much the money you should receive for each category of damages.