Long-Term Elmiron Users Suffer Drug Toxicity and Vision Loss

Long-Term Elmiron Users Suffer Drug Toxicity and Vision Loss

Last week, The Yost Legal Group published a blog about a recent study that linked nearly one in five people who had exposure to pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), also known as Elmiron, to vision-loss diagnoses of macular diseases.  Alarmingly, as time passes, we are seeing an increasing number of studies continuing to link Elmiron to deteriorating eyesight which can even lead to blindness. Since the connection between Elmiron use and macular damage has only been published in recent years, doctors are concerned that people suffering from Elmiron’s adverse side effects are being misdiagnosed with having age-related macular degeneration.

A 2019 study[1], presented at the 123rd-annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, describes the link between long term Elmiron use and vision loss. In the study, doctors found that about one-fourth of patients with long term use of Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) exhibited significant “definite signs of eye damage.”  The study reported that 42% of patients who had consumed an average of 5,000 pills over the course of 15 years suffered from drug toxicity resulting in vision loss.

It is still not clear as to how much of this medication is too much so it is important that people who have previously taken Elmiron or who are currently taking Elmiron to treat their interstitial cystitis get regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist to diagnose any retinal damage and vision problems which may be caused by Elmiron toxicity.  In the late-stage, Elmiron toxicity can mimic dry atrophic age-related macular degeneration which can result in permanent vision loss.

If you or a loved one is suffering from vision problems, vision loss, macular degeneration, or pigmentary maculopathy after taking Elmiron, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced defective drug lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today for a free case evaluation: 1-800-YOST-LAW (1-800-967-8529).

[1] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191012141218.htm