Should I Stop Taking Elmiron?

Jed Dietrich, Esq. and His Team of Insistent, Strong Minded, and Methodical Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Take Uncompromising Legal Action to Demand Extraordinary Compensation for Victims Diagnosed with Retinal Damage After Taking Elmiron in Buffalo, New York; Niagara Falls, New York; Rochester, New York; Throughout New York State and Beyond.

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In 2015, ophthalmologists at Emory Eye Center exposed Elmiron’s dangerous and disturbing side effects. Many of the center’s patients being treated for pigmentary maculopathy were taking Elmiron. Elmiron is a widely prescribed drug that is used to treat pain and discomfort linked to interstitial cystitis. Researchers have concluded that pentosan polysulfate sodium, the medication’s active ingredient, is highly toxic to retinal tissue. Several studies throughout the years have publicized the strong correlation between extensive Elmiron use and maculopathy. However, the drug manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, negligently failed to warn doctors and patients about the grave risks. The company was more concerned with higher profit margins than consumers’ eyesight.

In June 2020, Elmiron’s warning label was finally updated to notify consumers about the risk of pigmentary maculopathy. The new labeling signifies the first time since Elmiron was approved 24 years ago that Janssen has provided an adequate warning. Especially when considering the immense research available, there is no excuse for waiting so long to caution patients about the dangers of Elmiron. Suppose that you have been diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy and are uncertain what to do next, you owe it to yourself to contact Western New York’s finest dangerous drug attorney. With hundreds of victims already pursuing Elmiron lawsuits against Janssen, you should too!

Our battle-tested lawyers are readily available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling (716) 839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. There has never been a better time for us to review the specifics of your claim. Pursuing your case can provide a sense of justice by holding Janssen accountable for their lack of concern for your eyesight.

Discontinuing Your Elmiron Prescription

Ophthalmologists uncovered that roughly 25% of patients who had been prescribed Elmiron display clear signs of eye injuries. The longer an individual takes Elmiron, the greater chances he or she has of suffering from vision loss. Despite an abundance of evidence connecting Elmiron to severe eye damage and even blindness, the United States Food and Drug Administration has failed to issue a recall of the medication. Elmiron is still the only approved oral prescription drug available for treating interstitial cystitis. There is not even an approved generic version of Elmiron available within the country. This means that some doctors might continue prescribing this dangerous drug to unsuspecting patients. Victims often take Elmiron for years without realizing the damage caused to their eyes until it is too late.

As stated on Elmiron’s updated warning label, “Visual symptoms that have been reported include difficulty reading, slow adjustment to low or reduced light environments, and blurred vision.” It is extremely important to contact your doctor immediately if you experience any changes in your vision while taking Elmiron. You should keep in mind that long-term exposure to pentosan polysulfate sodium could lead to irreversible vision loss. Therefore, routine eye examinations for retinal damage should be implemented to ensure early detection of maculopathy. In case you are currently prescribed Elmiron and are contemplating discontinuing the use of the drug, please first consult with your doctor.

Popular Alternatives to Elmiron

Unfortunately, there is no existing cure for interstitial cystitis, and extensive use of Elmiron can lead to vision-threatening toxicity. If you are one of the millions prescribed Elmiron and suffered eye damage or other negative side effects, you should consider asking your doctor for alternative medication to treat your painful bladder syndrome. According to the Mayo Clinic, several alternative medications could help treat your pain and discomfort, including:

1. Tricyclic Antidepressants: Medications, such as Tofranil and amitriptyline, can help relieve pain by relaxing muscles in the bladder.

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Generally, most anti-inflammatory drugs can be purchased at your local drug store. Both naproxen and Ibuprofen are effective medications for treating intense bladder and pelvic pain.

3. Antihistamines: If you take antihistamines for seasonal allergies, you may have noticed that your symptoms related to interstitial cystitis are more manageable. This is because allergy medications containing loratadine can help prevent sudden and frequent urination urges.

4. Supplements: Various supplements have proven to be extremely effective for treating bladder pain, such as aloe vera, calcium glycerophosphate, L-arginine, omega-3 fish oil, and vitamin D.

5. Herbal Remedies: Primrose and kava are two natural remedies that you could try to reduce bladder pain and inflammation.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested attorneys have the experience and proven results necessary to demand the highest possible settlement. Hiring Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his amazing team of Elmiron retina injury lawyers will help you recover significantly more money than if you decided to retain another law firm. You can always count on our veteran team of professionals to deliver the result that you deserve. Insurance companies have been forced to pay Jed Dietrich, Esq. at least $1,000,000.00 or more on 38 separate occasions to compensate his clients. The Dietrich Law Firm’s pristine success can be credited to our immense legal expertise and outstanding reputation. You have absolutely nothing to lose by retaining Buffalo, New York’s finest defective drug law firm. Our remarkable squad is willing to take your lawsuit on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you will never pay any up-front charges for our world-class legal services. Contact our leading litigators today at (716) 839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our seasoned team for your complimentary case evaluation and consultation!

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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