EYE PROBLEMS AFTER TAKING PENTOSAN (ELMIRON)

Pentosan (Elmiron) Eye Disease

If you or a loved one have been taking Pentosan, commonly known by its brand name, Elmiron, you could be at risk for eye disease. At Colson Hicks Eidson, we are ready to step in on your behalf. Our knowledgeable and experienced team is now taking these cases in the Miami Florida areas. We understand these cases and are not afraid of big companies or their legal teams.

The eye disease associated with Elmiron is not what you expected when you have prescribed this medication. You have the right to safe products and to know all of the major risks associated with what you put into your body. Call us today so we can offer a free case evaluation.

What is Pentosan (Elmiron)?

Pentosan is sodium pentosan polysulfate (PPS) and is sold under the brand name Elmiron. PPS is used to treat the pain caused by interstitial cystitis, a type of bladder syndrome. Elmiron was approved for the treatment of this disease in 1996 and has sales of over $150 million a year.

How does Pentosan (Elmiron) cause eye disease?

In 2018, a researcher at the Emory Eye Center at the Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA, alerted the public that taking Elmiron is linked to maculopathy (retinal injury).

  • Maculopathy is any pathological condition of the macula, an area of the retina that is associated with highly sensitive, accurate vision.

The researcher said that all patients in the study showed signs of retinal disease and that the youngest patient in the study was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis at 23 years of age. That patient began taking Elmiron daily and began showing visual symptoms (difficulty with near vision as well as reading) by the age of 30.

How is this happening?

Elmiron is the only FDA-approved medication of interstitial cystitis. Researchers suggest that the retinal cells may be accumulating pentosan or a toxic metabolite over time. Studies of 2,499 patients taking Elmiron patients who have taken the medication for up to four years have shown:

  • Optic neuritis
  • Amblyopia
  • Retinal hemorrhage

What are the most common symptoms patients experience?

When discussing this topic, Emory researchers submitted a study to the American Urology Association Annual Meeting in May of 2019. The said that the most common symptoms of patients taking pentosan (Elmiron) include:

  • Difficulty reading
  • Difficulty adapting to dim lighting

The long-term effects of Elmiron are still being studied and could be worse than researchers know right now. They do know that “structural changes of the retina are occurring, and they are unclear if stopping the medication will alter the course of this retinal disease.”

Colson Hicks Eidson is here when you need compensation

If you or a loved one are experiencing eye problems after taking Elmiron, please contact Colson Hicks Eidson today. Our qualified and experienced team is ready to offer a free case evaluation to determine if you are entitled to benefits. You can contact us by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7442.

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