Macular degeneration (maculopathy) is an aging process that gradually degrades a person’s vision over time. It’s the top cause of vision loss for people who are 60 years of age or older. Drusen consists of yellow deposits of lipids and proteins that accumulate below the retina. Not only are they a sign of macular degeneration, but they also increase the risk of the condition. Deposits of drusen will cause light-sensitive cells in the eye to die off. They also cause tiny blood vessels to leak. That leaking causes cell damage too. 

Maculopathy and Elmiron

Interstial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that causes bladder pressure and pain that can range from moderate to severe. Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is the only oral medication in the world that is used to treat intestinal cystitis. In fact, it’s the only medication in the United States that has been approved for this purpose by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Recent studies have revealed that people who have used Elmiron for an extended period of time are at an increased risk of pigmentary maculopathy that is caused by a buildup of Elmiron in retinal cells. This condition is believed to be irreversible. Some common symptoms of Elmiron eye damage include the following;

• Eye pain
• Difficulty reading
• Difficulty adjusting to darkness
• Difficulty seeing things up close
• Seeing curves in straight lines
• Blindness in one or both eyes

Elmiron Lawsuits

Elmiron is made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals which is owned by Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey. It has been alleged that these companies knew or should have known of the risks involved in taking Elmiron, but failed to warn or otherwise inform the public of the risks involved in taking it. With the proper prescription, the medication remains available at pharmacies across the country, and the FDA hasn’t ordered a recall of it. Only a warning of pigmentary changes in the retina has been issued. been issued. If you believe that taking Elmiron has caused damage to your vision, you may be eligible to file your own lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson. 

You Might be Eligible for Compensation for Your Damages

Some law firms are accepting cases involving individuals with maculopathy after taking Elmiron. If you’re suffering from deteriorating vision and have been using the medication, you might be in a position to seek monetary compensation for the damages that you’ve incurred. As some of these firms offer free consultations and case reviews, there’s no reason not to contact us about your concerns. We’ll be pleased to answer your questions and advise you of your full range of legal options.

Elmiron Cases are in Multidistrict Litigation 

At least 700 Elmiron cases have already been filed. Given the number of Elmiron lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson, they have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation in the New Jersey federal courts. These cases haven’t been placed into a class action. Every Elmiron lawsuit that is filed remains an individual case, and each plaintiff has the right to their own attorney. The attorneys for the parties have agreed upon certain bellwether cases to begin being tried in early 2023. The results of these cases can significantly impact any settlement value of other cases in the future. 

Strict filing deadlines are in place in Elmiron cases. If taking Elmiron has caused damage to your vision or the vision of a loved one, contact our offices for that free consultation and case evaluation with a knowledgeable and dedicated  Elmiron attorney from our law firm at your earliest opportunity.  The longer you wait, the closer the window of opportunity is to closing.