Matthews & Associates, a 
nationwide leader in dangerous pharmaceutical drug and medical device litigation, is handling Elmiron eye injury lawsuits. An Elmiron lawsuit claims that long-term exposure to Elmiron can lead to eye injury. Elmiron can cause maculopathy, an eye disorder that can damage the retina – the macula — and lead to vision loss.
Recognized nationwide for prosecuting cases against drug companies that market dubious products of questionable value, Matthews & Associates is listed in Best Lawyers in America 2020.
Elmiron Indications
Elmiron is a drug used to treat painful bladder syndrome, or interstitial cystitis. Osteoarthritis sufferers are also sometimes prescribed Elmiron, as are some older dogs and horses suffering from similar maladies. Elmiron was once used as a blood thinner, or anticoagulant, though said to elicit a slighter effect than warfarin.
Elmiron and Pigmentary Maculopathy
A 2018 article suggested a link between Elmiron and eye problems. Published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the authors examined a clinical study of six patients treated with Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) for interstitial cystitis at Emory Eye Center from 2015 to 2017. All six developed pigmentary maculopathy after Elmiron exposure, though the authors cautiously noted there was no clear cause.
However, a 2019 update by one of those authors said ten patients at Emory Eye Center had been diagnosed with a similar eye injury.
Maculopathy Defined
Maculopathy is a broad term referring to any pathological condition affecting the macula. This is the central part of the retina which gives the eye its acuity and sensitivity. Types of maculopathy include:
- Macular Degeneration: an age-related degenerative condition of gradual sight loss that begins in the central vision field.
- Cellophane Maculopathy: or “macular pucker,” a transparent layer of scar tissue forms and pulls on the macula’s light-receptive nerve cells, causing visual distortion.
- Malattia Leventinese: or “Doyne Honeycomb Retinal Dystrophy” (DHRD) a congenital form of macular degeneration, starts with small, pale spots that eventually grow into a honeycomb pattern in the macula.
Elmiron and Pigmentary Maculopathy of Unknown Etiology
Elmiron is linked with the form of macular degeneration known as “pigmentary maculopathy of unknown etiology.” There is no known cause. Symptoms may vary from one person to another. They may include any or all of the following:
- parafoveal pigmented deposits: capillaries and small blood vessels surrounding the macula turn abnormal and lead to vision loss.
- vitelliform deposits: round, yellowish lesions form beneath the macula (also called: adult pattern macular dystrophy).
- retinal pigment epithelium atrophy: common symptom of age-related macular degeneration.
Patients in an eye examination may also present with hyperpigmented — or darkened spots — on the retina.
Elmiron’s additional Adverse Effects
Some patients prescribed Elmiron have reported one or more of the following “side effects”:
- alopecia (hair loss)
- bruising
- diarrhea
- gastroesophageal reflux
- headaches
- skin rash
- sleep disorders
Related
* Free Elmiron Case Consultation
* Elmiron Eye Injury Lawsuit
