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Recently, the scientific community discovered that Elmiron, a drug used to treat interstitial cystitis, can cause serious retinal conditions in its users. Many lawsuits have since been filed against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, alleging that the drug manufacturer failed to adequately warn the public about the risks of retinal diseases that can lead to permanent eye injury or blindness. A class action has been launched against the company for their negligent failure to protect its customers.
If you or a loved one used Elmiron daily for two years or more and experienced permanent retina injury in one or both eyes, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free case evaluation with a drug injury lawyer today.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultationwhat is elmiron?
Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Elmiron was originally approved for sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1996, under the Orphan Drug Act, or ODA. The ODA gives special status and incentives to sponsors, or manufacturers, of medications that treat rare diseases. The drug, unlike many others, is not available in a generic product.
Elmiron is an oral medication that is used to treat bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition that causes bladder pain and pressure. The drug is only available by prescription and has been on the market since 1996.
Since its release, hundreds of thousands of people have used the drug, according to drug experts. Most people who use the drug are women. Like many other drugs, Elmiron has many known side effects; the most common side effects from taking Elmiron include the following:
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Headache
- Skin rash
- Dyspepsia
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Dizziness
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Heartburn
- Discomfort when swallowing
- Mental/mood changes
The majority of Elmiron side effects are mild, but new reports suggest that the drug could be toxic to the retina, the tissue behind the eye that senses light. This potential side effect is the subject of many legal claims.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultationwhat is the problem with elmiron?
Many studies have demonstrated findings that support a link between extended Elmiron use and retinal maculopathy. As the connection between retina damage and Elmiron use becomes more obvious, even more evidence has surfaced linking the common bladder medication to vision-threatening eye conditions.
In 2015, several Georgia ophthalmologists noted retinal maculopathy in six of their patients who all happened to be taking Elmiron for extended periods. In 2019, three ophthalmologists presented their findings to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, demonstrating that out of a study of 91 patients who used Elmiron over fifteen years, 24% developed retinal maculopathy, which caused difficulty reading, blurred vision, dark spots, and trouble adapting to low light. Twenty-two of those people also reported eye damage and visual disturbances.
In addition to the above studies, several other studies have revealed evidence supporting a link between long-term use of Elmiron and retinal disease that continues in some cases even after use is discontinued. Many patients have initiated claims against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for failing to properly warn them about these side effects. If you or a loved one has consistently taken the drug and now suffers from eye damage, you should contact a personal injury lawyer near you who can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHOW DO I KNOW IF I CAN SUE FOR RETINA DAMAGE?
If you have taken Elmiron for more than two years and have experienced vision issues, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Because the science behind Elmiron is still developing, your doctor may have misdiagnosed any of your symptoms as something else, such as macular degeneration, retinal maculopathy, retinal maculopathy of unknown origin, or pigmentary maculopathy.
Fortunately, researchers have detected some similar side effects among patients suffering from damage caused by Elmiron. In addition to the most common side effects listed above, these additional side effects may be caused by the drug:
- Vision loss
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty reading
- Metamorphopsia (straight lines appear curved)
- Scotoma (partial vision loss in the form of blind spots)
- Eye pain
- Difficulty with eyes adjusting to light or darkness
- Halo vision
- Blurry vision
- Blindness
The Elmiron litigation is still in the beginning stages; because tens of thousands of people potentially took Elmiron, drug experts and attorneys expect the litigation to grow substantially over the next few months. Many lawyers are accepting cases from people who took Elmiron for at least two years and suffered vision problems, especially if the usage was recent; these vision problems must have started while taking Elmiron or within one year of stopping treatment. If you or a loved one has recently taken Elmiron and is exhibiting some of the aforementioned symptoms, you should contact an injury attorney who may be able to help you join the class action against Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationI WAS HURT BY ELMIRON. WHAT CAN AN ATTORNEY DO FOR ME?
Deciding whether or not you need to hire or consult with an attorney may be a difficult decision, especially if this is your first time being a party to a litigation. When making such an important decision, it is important to know what a drug injury lawyer can do for you and your case. There are a few things that an injury attorney may be able to do to help your claim succeed, including, but not limited to, the following:
Research the Law
Different jurisdictions have different laws for injury claims; some courts require additional evidence or proof in injury cases. Drug injury cases invoke a specific set of laws, which can vary dramatically by jurisdiction. Determining which laws apply to your case may be difficult, but once you hire an injury attorney, they will be able to help you determine which laws are relevant in your case.
Gather and Organize Evidence
Gathering evidence in a drug injury case is critical because many courts require that plaintiffs provide an adequate showing of their injuries. A personal injury attorney will be able to help you gather this evidence and determine which proof is needed when filing. In a drug injury case, this evidence may include medical studies, reports, and diagnoses; sorting through these complicated medical documents can be difficult for patients suffering from the side effects of Elmiron.
Ask the Right Questions
When you contact a nationwide injury lawyer about your potential Elmiron vision damage case, they will likely ask you questions about your experience with the drug. Your answers to these questions are critical because they will determine the basis for your claim.
An experienced attorney will ask about your injuries, when they began, the extent of your injuries, how long you took the drug, your family history, any medical history, and prior prognoses. Your attorney will then help you assess your damages appropriately and draft a claim requesting them.
Advocate for Your Needs
Drug injury cases commonly morph into class action suits against pharmaceutical providers. In class actions, there are hundreds, potentially thousands, of plaintiffs with specific needs and requests. A skilled injury attorney will be able to advocate for your particular needs during settlement talks and negotiations.
Consult with the Court
Speaking and consulting with the court can be one of the most difficult parts about bringing a case before a tribunal. Some courts have specific procedures that are difficult to understand and implement without any legal training. A personal injury attorney who has prepared similar cases before will be able to speak to and petition the judge on your behalf.
Filing an injury claim in court may be difficult for individuals who are unfamiliar with the legal system. If you are suffering from injuries caused Elmiron, you should contact Zinda Law firm and request to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. If you delay speaking to an attorney, you may hurt your case and decrease your chances of being compensated for your injuries.
GET HELP FROM ZINDA LAW GROUP’S DRUG INJURY LAWYERS
New studies indicate that Elmiron causes retinal damage to the eyes; patients taking Elmiron have reported a variety of side effects ranging in severity and permanency. Some Elmiron patients have reported complete and permanent blindness caused by the drug.
At Zinda Law Group, we understand that the side effects of Elmiron can be devastating for victims, especially those who were unaware of the drug’s toxicity. If you or a loved one took Elmiron and is now suffering from eye damage, you should contact one of our lawyers who handles personal injury cases as soon as possible. An experienced attorney may be able to help you assess your injuries, speak with a medical professional, and seek compensation.
Our lawyers have the knowledge and resources necessary to help you pursue the highest compensation possible. Zinda Law Group provides personalized and quality consultation, and we would be happy to speak with you about the specifics of your legal claim. Moreover, the sooner you contact our office, the better we may be able to serve you.
If you or a loved one sustained injuries or were otherwise hurt by Elmiron and need an attorney, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our drug injury attorneys. You don’t owe us anything unless we win your case. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
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