Elmiron

Elmiron Lawsuit

Individuals who were treated with Elmiron and suffered from maculopathy and other serious eye conditions may be eligible to pursue a claim and seek financial compensation.

Elmiron is a medication for interstitial cystitis, a medical condition better known as “painful bladder syndrome” which causes chronic pain in the bladder. Elmiron is also given to patients suffering from osteoarthritis. In May 2020, lawsuits were filed against manufacturers Teva Pharmaceuticals and Janssen Pharmaceuticals by patients who allegedly developed maculopathy and other eye disorders as a result of taking Elmiron. The lawsuits claim that the company was aware of Elmiron’s dangerous side effects but failed to warn consumers.

If you or a loved one were treated with Elmiron and developed maculopathy or other eye problems, contact Maxwell Law Group today. We can answer your questions and review your case for free.

What is Elmiron?

Elmiron (generic name: pentosan polysulfate sodium) is a medication given for the treatment of interstitial cystitis, a condition that causes bladder pain and pressure. Patients may experience a wide range of pain, from slight discomfort to debilitating pain. A normal bladder expands as it gets filled with urine. Once filled, it sends signals to the brain triggering the urge for urination. In interstitial cystitis, the signals get mixed up, resulting in frequent urination and pain in the pelvic area.

Elmiron received FDA approval in 1996. It is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.

Elmiron Quick Facts

Z

USES

Medication for the treatment of interstitial cystitis

s

SIDE EFFECTS

Maculopathy (retinal injuries)



FDA APPROVAL

1996



MANUFACTURER

Teva Pharmaceuticals and Janssen Pharmaceuticals

How Does Elmiron Work?

Although Elmiron’s exact mechanism of action is unknown, clinical models show that it binds with the bladder wall and possibly acts as a buffer to prevent irritating elements in the urine from reaching the cells.

Risks and Warnings

In 2019, Canada required Janssen to add a warning label to Elmiron regarding reports of maculopathy (retinal injuries) with continued use of the drug. Patients were advised to undergo regular ophthalmic examinations for early detection, especially for patients who have prolonged use of Elmiron.

Currently, there is no required warning label regarding Elmiron’s maculopathy risk in the United States. However, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) issued last July to September 2019 lists Elmiron and its potential eye disorder risk. It also indicates that the FDA is evaluating the need for regulatory action.

Other risks include:

Hair loss
Headache and dizziness
Diarrhea
Bruising
Skin rash
Sleep disorders
Abnormal liver function tests

In 2019, Canada required Janssen to add a warning label to Elmiron regarding reports of maculopathy (retinal injuries) with continued use of the drug. Patients were advised to undergo regular ophthalmic examinations for early detection, especially for patients who have prolonged use of Elmiron.

Currently, there is no required warning label regarding Elmiron’s maculopathy risk in the United States. However, the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) issued last July to September 2019 lists Elmiron and its potential eye disorder risk. It also indicates that the FDA is evaluating the need for regulatory action.

Other risks include:

Hair loss
Headache and dizziness
Diarrhea
Bruising
Skin rash
Sleep disorders
Abnormal liver function tests

The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Do not wait to reach out to our firm or call (844) 525-7155 to see if you have a case.

Injuries from Elmiron

In November 2018, researchers from Emory Eye Center published a study that looked into the connection between maculopathy and chronic Elmiron use. The study concluded that non-Elmiron users did not have the specific form of pigmented maculopathy present in patients treated with Elmiron.

Another study by Kaiser Permanente eye doctors in October 2019 examined patients who took Elmiron for over 15 years. The researchers found that about 25% of patients with long-term use of Elmiron suffered from eye damage, specifically in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for clear central vision.

Elmiron Lawsuits

In March 2020, a patient filed a lawsuit against manufacturers Teva Pharmaceuticals and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The lawsuit claimed that the plaintiff developed permanent maculopathy after being treated for 6 years with Elmiron for interstitial cystitis. In addition, the lawsuit alleges that these companies knew about the link between Elmiron and eye damage risk but continued to market it as a safe medication.

On August 2021, a new multidistrict litigation (MDL 2973) was created for Elmiron lawsuits. Bellwether trials are scheduled on January 2023. There are currently more than 200 individual Elmiron cases filed in state and federal courts.

On December 2021, three bellwether trials for Elmiron lawsuits have been scheduled: the first one will be held on January 2, 2023, the second on February 2, 2023, and the third one is set on March 1, 2023.

On June 6, 2022, the presiding judge for Elmiron lawsuits announced that select cases will be going forward for the first bellwether trial set early next year. Three bellwether trials have been scheduled on January, March, and May 2023.

A few deadlines regarding the case have been pushed back, but the date on the first bellwether trial remains set on January 30, 2023.

How Maxwell Law Group Can Help

If you or a loved one were treated with Elmiron and developed maculopathy or other eye problems, Maxwell Law Group could help get you the compensation you deserve. Call (844) 525-7155 or fill out the form below, and we’ll investigate your case at no cost to you.

Elmiron Lawsuit Infographics

Elmiron Quick Facts Infographic [UPDATED]

You Deserve to be Compensated

We're On Your Side

Our attorneys are always ready to speak with you about your personal situation. Every day we help people in situations similar to yours. Our team can guide you each step of the way and make sure you get the financial compensation you deserve.

While our physical offices are in Utah and Washington DC, we offer our services nationwide. We'd be honored to discuss your case with you free of charge.

Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, don't wait to take action. Contact us today.

To speak with us directly, call (844) 525-7155. We want to hear about your situation and help you through this difficult time.

Washington DC Office

By appointment only
1101 Connecticut Avenue NW
Suite 450
Washington, D.C. 20036

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This website is not intended to create, and receipt of viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Sensitive information should not be submitted through this website as it may be considered confidential or privileged. References to prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The firm has attorneys licensed to practice law in Utah and Washington D.C., but the attorneys may also be admitted on an individual basis in additional state and federal courts across the United States. The location of the firm's offices are listed on this website. The firm associates with co-counsel law firms to jointly represent clients in some matters. Gregory Maxwell is the attorney responsible for the contents of this website.