The first reports that linked Elmiron to the heretofore unknown eye condition called macular degeneration were first published over four years ago. Elmiron, a medication manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, was prescribed to people diagnosed with painful bladder condition, medically known as interstitial cystitis (IC). All the way back in 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Elmiron, which is still the only FDA-approved medication for IC, as treatment for the pain, discomfort, and urinary frequency caused by the condition.

Elmiron had been considered a safe and effective treatment for those suffering from interstitial cystitis until a 2018 study linked a unique pattern of maculopathy to long-term use of Elmiron (more than two years). This type of maculopathy, called pigmentary maculopathy, was discovered by two doctors from the Emory Eye Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Joseph Nezgoda and Dr. Nieiaj Jain’s findings were published in a 2018 issue of the Medical Journal of Ophthalmology.

The study’s findings prompted further research into the link between Elmiron and pigmentary maculopathy, and as the studies continued to confirm reports that many individuals suffered permanent vision loss following long-term use of Elmiron, a lawsuit was formed. In 2021 a multi-district litigation (MDL) was formed in the U.S District Court of New Jersey, with Judge Brian Martinotti presiding over the forthcoming cases against Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Updates in the Elmiron Lawsuit: What You Need to Know

Today, there are nearly 2,000 cases filed, and the plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that they were never informed that they were at an increased risk of eye damage such as maculopathy and other retinal conditions. They are also accusing the drug manufacturer of withholding and not disclosing this potential danger to its users.

An anticipated Elmiron bellwether trial is on the horizon and set to occur on March 27, 2023. A bellweather trial is a test case usually seen in multi-district litigations. Due to the volume of cases against a single defendant, an initial case will be tried, and the outcome will help determine the trial/settlement proceedings going forward between the plaintiffs and the defendant. This is typically done to speed up the process of complex cases.

There are many symptoms associated with eye damage from Elmiron use. These can include:

• Blurry vision
• Trouble adjusting to different lighting
• Black spots or blind spots in your vision field
• Sudden changes in eyesight
• Changes in eye color

If you have noticed any of these symptoms after long-term Elmiron use, it is best to contact and make an appointment with an ophthalmologist for an eye exam to further assess your symptoms.

If you or someone you know has taken Elmiron for at least two years and have noticed vision changes, please contact one of our highly experienced Elmiron attorneys here at The Yost Legal Group. We do not get paid unless you win. Please contact us today at 1-800-YOSTLAW for a free consultation.